As summer arrives, you sure can’t help but find an air-conditioned room to stay in. It’s an easy way to escape the heat, especially in a tropical country like the Philippines. And if you can’t decide yet on buying a new one or your first AC unit, this is the right place! We’re Teko.ph, the largest aircon and appliance services provider in the Philippines, here with an insightful guide to everything you need to know about air conditioners.
8 Benefits of Using Air Conditioners
As mentioned, these trusted appliances do far more than just keep your room cool. Over the years, we’ve seen how air conditioners have helped people’s lives. Here are eight more reasons to get yourself one if you haven’t already.
1. Reduced risk of asthma attacks
The use of an air conditioner not only decreases humidity in your house. It can also minimize pollen, mold, mildew, and other airborne outside allergens that can trigger asthma symptoms.
Air conditioners can also reduce your exposure to dust mites and other indoor allergies. On a side note, replacing the air filter with the air conditioner regularly is another vital part of preventing asthma.
2. Exercise in a cool environment
With a cool and pleasant atmosphere, you can comfortably move and do your exercise routine.
3. Fewer insects and parasites
Did you know that air conditioning may keep fleas off your dog? Air conditioner filters are more efficient than open windows at keeping pests out. This not only keeps your house clean but also protects you and your pets.
4. Improved sleep
We’ve already discovered that there are several ways to improve your sleep, one of which is to keep your bedroom chilly.
5. Prevents overheating of electronics
Excessive heat may cause harm to mobile devices and computers, reducing their lifespan and causing data loss. Air conditioners may prevent this from happening.
6. Enhances work performance
Have you ever been to one of those workdays where everything seems to take forever because it’s so hot and humid? That’s something that air conditioning can help with! Air conditioning may improve your comfort level while working, which keeps your thoughts fresh and ready to handle your daily duties.
7. Reduced dehydration risk
As the temperature rises, so does the rate of perspiration. We are all aware that sweating causes us to lose a significant portion of our bodies’ water. Air conditioners prevent unwanted sweating, thus reducing the risk of dehydration.
8. Lower chances of heatstroke
Heatstroke has claimed the lives of thousands of people. While not exactly a common occurrence, there are areas and seasons where this is a serious risk. Install an air conditioner if you live in a severely hot region to prevent this, especially for the elderly.
Where to Buy Air Conditioners
So you’ve decided to buy an air conditioner for yourself, perhaps because your previous one broke down or you simply can’t take the heat anymore. But first, be sure to choose from The Best Aircon Brands in the Philippines to get your money’s worth! It’s also crucial to remember that when purchasing a significant item like an AC, you should only buy from reputable retailers.
Shopping online is the safest and easiest way to shop nowadays, and ConcepStore is the best option for you! ConcepStore is a fully stocked online appliance store that gathers new and innovative appliances and gadgets from top brands together in one place. Thanks to their local operations, you may expect your purchase to arrive within 24 hours after confirming your payment. Their guarantee is also rather extensive. You are entitled to a complete and free replacement within one year if your product breaks or is deemed to be faulty. All their products are genuine manufacturers’ products that have passed BPS Philippine Standard Safety Certification and SGS Fimko, Ltd. accreditation testing.
Types of Air Conditioners
There are various air conditioners, and picking which one is right for you or your family comes down to cost and which model best fits your needs and your house or space.
1. Central Aircon
This form of air conditioning is ideal if you have a substantially large home and want to chill numerous rooms at once.
The split aspect denotes that the mechanism comprises two primary components. The condenser and compressor are housed outside, while the evaporator coils and air handler are indoors. Like any other air conditioner, central air conditioning uses refrigerant to remove heat from the interior air. Cool air is brought in through the ducts to replace the heat drawn from the inside.
Pros:
- It cools all the areas attached to ducts simultaneously, resulting in a cooler, more controlled climate throughout the house in the shortest amount of time.
- Because cold air is circulated throughout the house, humidity is minimized, making the entire atmosphere more comfortable.
Cons:
- It uses a lot of electricity, which means increased utility costs.
- If an issue occurs in the ducts, the machine may lose efficiency.
- Some people find the outside unit unattractive.
2. Ductless Mini-Split
If you want higher efficiency but don’t want to deal with a lot of ductwork or only want to chill a single portion of your home, mini-split air conditioners are an excellent option.
An air conditioner of this sort comprises an outside unit with a condenser and a compressor, plus one or more inside components. These indoor units typically are wall-mounted and come with integrated air blowers. The interior and exterior units are linked by tubing, and refrigerant flows differently depending on the kind of consumption.
Because they’re usually compact, each room typically has its own unit, which may be used for either heating or cooling. These air conditioners are considered substantially more energy-efficient than some of the other alternatives available. Still, they can be expensive if you intend on putting one in each room to cover the entire house.
Pros:
- It can be installed in any room without the need for ducting or a lot of effort.
- It can manage the temperature of each room separately.
Cons:
- For big homes, one ductless mini-split unit is insufficient.
- Because it’s wall-mounted, the indoor unit may ruin the room’s interior design.
3. Window Type Aircon
Window types are ideal for cooling a single room or a small area since they come in various sizes. You may even use a single large model of window-type air conditioners if you have a single story or one open room. Since its inception, window-type air conditioners have been dubbed “champions of cooling tiny rooms” and are the most common ones sold today.
A window-type air conditioner is a single device that contains all of its components. It breathes cold air into the room from its interior side and unloads heat through its exterior rear. The filter on these air conditioners usually pulls out, allowing it to be cleaned regularly for maximum health and efficiency. These air conditioners include onboard controls and typically come with remote control.
Pros:
- Window-type units are often less expensive to purchase and use.
- They’re easy to set up and maintain.
- They don’t take up too much of your floor space.
Cons:
- They might be noisy and are visible from the exterior of the house.
- They block the view from a window and demand to be placed near an electrical outlet.
- Some window-type air conditioners are not suitable for oddly shaped windows; hence they demand some renovation.
4. Portable Aircon
Window-type air conditioners and portable air conditioners are generally similar. They are both typically contained within a single unit with all of its components encased, except that the portable one is a free-standing device that can be transported from room to room. It requires a power source to operate and access a window through which the unit’s air may be vented via a connected tube.
If you need temporary space cooling and installing a window or split type isn’t feasible, consider a portable air conditioner. They’re very handy, and smaller models of this may even be utilized in kennels or restrooms. Single-hose portable air conditioners take air from within a room and exhaust it outside. Alternatively, a dual-hose system sucks air from the outside through one hose, cools the compressor, and then exhausts the air through the other hose.
Pros:
- It can be set up in no time.
- They may be effortlessly moved from room to room and do not need to be installed permanently.
- For single-space cooling, this is a very practical option.
- When not in use, it is very convenient to store.
Cons:
- During operation, these devices make a lot of noise.
- It might be incapable of cooling larger rooms.
- Portable units with hoses must be positioned near a window, and the hose might obstruct the view.
5. Floor Mounted Aircon
If you want a mini-split but don’t have room for a wall-mounted unit, floor-mounted air conditioners are a great alternative. The indoor component of a floor-mounted air conditioner sits on the floor, while the exterior unit may be placed without any ducting or extensive site preparation. This setup is especially ideal for places with slanted walls, such as attics or structures made of delicate materials like glass.
The unit may be set up 6 inches above the floor and is connected to the outside unit by a tiny hole in the wall. The positioning of this air conditioner makes it very easy to check the air filters for maintenance.
Pros:
- Because of its accessibility, it is ideal for the elderly who live alone.
- Its installation is straightforward.
- It is an excellent alternative for small areas since it takes up very little space.
Cons:
- Impediments such as furniture can hamper airflow in the room.
- Due to the unequal and localized airflow dispersion, it is not ideal for large spaces.
Important Factors to Consider Before Buying an Air Conditioner
1. Size
Determine the unit to purchase based on the size of the space of the room you intend to use it in. For each square foot of living area, an air conditioner requires around 20-25 BTU. If a unit is too large and powerful for the room, you’ll waste energy; if it’s too weak, you’ll have to run it at full power all the time and never really feel cool enough. To guarantee comfort, measure your space and check your desired unit’s BTU rating, but err on the side of slightly bigger sizes.
2. Amperage
Many rooms feature circuits that are rated at a total of 15 amps. Take notice of the unit’s amps, ranging from 5 to 15 or more. The circuit breaker can be tripped by large air conditioners that use 12 to 15 amps. In that instance, a dedicated line may be required.
3. Dehumidification
This figure gives you an idea of how much moisture the device extracts from the air. It might be as little as 500ml per hour to as much as 5L. Higher-rate units are the ideal option for people who reside in high-humidity locations.
4. Efficiency
Look at the manufacturer’s Energy Efficiency Rating (EER), calculated by dividing the BTU by the power consumption in watt-hours. The better the efficiency rating, the less money you’ll spend on power bills at home.
It is very important to consider these factors when shopping for aircon, not only to make the best purchase, but to save on your electricity bill in the long run. You may check this tool to know how much power your chosen AC unit consumes.
Features to Look for in an Aircon Model
Here are some key aircon features to look for when scouting for the perfect one. Needless to say, the more expensive models will have more features, so if you’re on a budget, look out for the features you’ll need the most.
1. Energy-saving switch
Even when the compressor is switched off, the air conditioner’s fan normally operates continuously. However, if you use an energy-saving switch, the fans will turn off when the compressor is turned off by the thermostat, saving you money in reduced electric bills.
2. “Check filter” light
It serves as a visual reminder to clean or replace the filter.
3. Vents that oscillate
An internal motor swings the unit’s airflow from side to side, more evenly cooling the space.
4. Remote control
This convenient feature allows you to change the temperature from wherever in the room. When your body temperature lowers in the middle of the night, this is a great way to raise the temperature/thermostat.
5. Sleep mode
This feature slightly raises the room’s temperature setting to avoid midnight chills. Get this if you live in places with a colder climate.
6. Timer
When you’re not home, the unit automatically switches on or off at a specified period, allowing a room to cool or heat up before you arrive.
7. Exhaust/ventilation
Allows fresh air from the outdoors to enter the room.
8. Manufacturer’s warranty
For components and labor, it usually lasts one to two years.
Installing Your New Aircon
While this guide aims to help you as much as it can, the people behind it simply don’t think a DIY aircon installation is a safe one unless you’re a certified or experienced technician yourself. This is true for most types of aircon anyway.
Most DIY jobs are stressful, but installing air conditioners is particularly difficult. Working with ductwork, moving heavy equipment, and ensuring wirings are done securely and correctly is time-consuming, especially if you’re not used to it.
Even if you have a bit of technical know-how to install an air conditioner, all of the electrical components increase the hazard. Paying for installation service by a qualified and certified professional can save you a lot of time and risk.
When it comes to this service, Teko is perhaps the finest in the market. You can conveniently book a service in three easy steps and a technician will be at your doorstep! Have your AC installed without ever having to leave the house.
All that being said, there is one type of aircon that you can actually install on your own, and that is the portable aircon. Here are some pointers on how to go about it.
Safety Precautions For Using Your Aircon
For starters, read your owner’s manual before anything else. While the precautions below are important, there might be instructions in those manuals that are brand-specific. So, do your due diligence to ensure that your appliance lasts longer.
- This appliance should never be used by children below eight years old and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning the use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved.
- Do not connect the air conditioner to a multi-purpose socket. Otherwise, it may cause a fire.
- Disconnect the power supply when cleaning the aircon as it may cause an electric shock.
- If the supply cord is damaged, it must be immediately replaced by the manufacturer, service agent, or similarly qualified persons.
- Do not use extreme heat or a hairdryer to dry the filter to avoid deformation.
- Qualified professionals must perform maintenance and repair.
- Do not extend fingers or objects into the air inlet or air outlet.
- Don’t block the air outlet or air inlet.
- In case of power cord overheating, abnormal sound during operation, or if the unit is giving off a burning smell, turn off the air conditioner. Disconnect power immediately and contact the dealer or qualified professionals for service.
Diagnosis and Repair
As with human ailments, our appliances can show indications of underlying problems. While we recommend contacting your appliance service provider as soon as you spot a problem with your air conditioner, there are some issues that you can solve or at least identify.
Here are some common aircon problems and their causes, as well as some troubleshooting advice. Consult your manual for brand-specific issues and solutions.
1. The indoor unit can’t receive the remote control signal, or the remote control does not appear to work.
- Pull out the plug. Reinsert the plug after about 3min, and then turn on the unit again.
- The signal-receiving range is typically 8 meters, so consider operating it from nearer proximity.
- Remove obstacles.
- Select the proper angle and point the remote controller at the receiving window on the indoor unit.
- Check the batteries. If the power of the batteries is too low, please replace them.
- Check the remote for signs of damage; it might be time to have it replaced.
2. No air is emitted from the indoor unit.
- Is the air inlet or air outlet of the indoor unit is blocked? Eliminate obstacles.
- After reaching to set temperature, an indoor unit will stop blowing out air. Check the set temperature and try to adjust accordingly.
3. The aircon unit won’t turn on.
- Try reinserting the plug as it might be loose.
- Try a different setting on your aircon unit through your remote control.
- In case of a stripped wire, or a burnt fuse, unplug the device and contact your service provider immediately.
Disposal
So maybe it’s time to retire the old aircon. Maybe you have done your absolute best and had it checked out for repairs but to no avail. After all, nothing lasts forever.
The question remains, how do you dispose of an air conditioner unit safely?
Tossing your AC on the side of the road is neither responsible nor environmentally friendly. In fact, depending on where you reside, you may violate various laws or ordinances by doing so.
Here’s a list of choices for getting rid of an old aircon.
1. Think about selling or donating it.
If your present aircon is still in good working order and you’re merely disposing of it to upgrade, don’t throw it away! Instead, you can sell it to someone who might need it.
Alternatively, you may give it to a local charity. Not only will you feel fantastic about giving anything to a worthy cause, but the nonprofit you chose may even pick it up from your home.
2. Request that your appliance dealer take it up.
When you’re ready to buy a new AC, ask your appliance dealer whether they can dispose of your old one. The dealer may agree to take your old unit as part of your purchase, especially if they are simultaneously delivering a new one to your home, anyway. If they don’t provide this service, don’t be reluctant to negotiate it as part of the deal.
3. Get in touch with your local junkyard.
If none of the mentioned choices are available, call your local junk store to see if they’ll buy it from you. If they’re licensed, these shops would follow a protocol for disposing of the unit after stripping it of valuable parts.
