The right way to chill!

Air conditioners have become ubiquitous part of our daily life. Heat comes with serious consequences to human life and health which makes the use of air conditioner important and makes a good air conditioning system a worthwhile investment.

Air conditioners vary in lot of factors such as price, energy efficiency and cooling capacity. With the introduction of new technologies, healthcare benefits and energy efficiency, consumers have become more aware of their necessities and they have a wide variety of brands and product offerings to choose from.

Here are some tips to keep in mind while shopping for an AC.

Size of the room
The size/capacity of the AC should be as per the size of your room. Choose an air conditioner with the right cooling capacity according to your room space. If it is bigger it will not be able to provide proper dehumidification, a unit with too high of a cooling capacity for the space can turn off and on too often and the smaller one will cost you more in terms of energy consumption.

Installation
In order to get the most out of your air conditioning unit, it is important to properly install it. The window AC is a compact unit designed to be attached to the windows, whereas a split AC has a compressor unit outside the house and one indoor unit inside the room, specifically designed for better flow of air. Make sure that unit is installed by expert professionals or from an authorised service centre leaving no space for flaws. The performance parameter of AC depends on a good or bad installation.

Noise Control
Noise is a very important point to consider when buying an AC. Each AC has a noise level of operation in its product specifications. Ideally the noise levels should be within 50 dbs. An AC with a lot of noise can ruin your sleep as well as your neighbours' sleep.

Energy Efficiency
Air conditioners come with star rated energy efficiency ratings known as EER, which has been standardised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). All air conditioners should have an energy-rating label which uses stars to rate the efficiency. The more stars the better. ACs with higher star ratings will consume much less power, thereby saving money on your electricity bill in the long run.

Inverter Technology
For consistent and better cooling along with energy efficiency, an inverter AC is worth investing into. Inverter ACs are a little expensive than regular ones, but with one third less power consumption than non-inverter ACs, the money you spend evens out in approximately two years of saved electricity bills. These days brands are even coming up with dual inverter series as it helps in better cooling and precise energy control.

Air Quality
It is important to keep the indoor air quality in mind while deploying ACs at home as the ACs with a good filter is extremely important to improve indoor air quality. ACs these days have air filters installed which remove odours, smoke and germs from the air. A good filter not only ensures clean air but also enhances the cooling performance and energy efficiency of AC by preventing the choking of evaporator coil due to dust.

Blower Size
The blower fan is an important component of your AC system and something all AC users should be familiar with. The blower is located in the inside portion of your air conditioner and is responsible for blowing the air to the ductwork in your system which then allows for the distribution of the air throughout your home. The bigger the blower size the stronger is the air flow of the AC. The airflow through the blower ensures that there is no feeling of suffocation. The blower directs the air flow in various directions in the room.

Condenser Coils
AC condensers use coils to cool the air. Copper coils are popular as they cool faster, are to maintain and have a longer lifespan. They have better heat exchange and anti-corrosive properties as compared to the aluminium coils.

Fire Safety
These days ACs use P2 protected capacitors having highest level of safety features with self-healing properties and overpressure disconnection and for more safety come with protective metal casing on the electrical circuit box. Also, while servicing of the AC it must be ensured that no alteration or addition is done so as to affect the performance in an adverse manner. Users should avoid unattended operation of air conditioning equipment. Things like curtains and combustible stationery which can easily catch fire should not be kept in the vicinity of unitary air conditioners.

Easy to Clean Filters
Keeping the filter clean can save up to 5-10 per cent energy. The ACs come with filters to keep your room free from allergens and other pollutants. Make sure you can easily access the filter for cleaning, something you'll be doing frequently to keep the unit in tip-top condition. Pick up with easy to remove and clean filters to extend the service life of your AC.

Air Swing
The ACs should circulate the cool air around the room instead of one place. They now come with many options in airflow settings and swing as well. It is the ability of the AC to direct air flow in various directions in the room.

Technology and Price
While Air Conditioners are packed with features these days, but one should choose the air conditioner, which is equipped with technology catering to the needs of the user. It’s important to stick to a well-established brand providing all essential features and at a reasonable price.

Watch the Warranty
Some air conditioners have longer warranties. When you're buying a new unit, check the manufacturer's website for information and ask the retailer about the warranty for that model and brand.

Courtesy: Panasonic