When you enter an appliance store or view an online aircon shop, you’ll surely get lost in all the many options available. But don’t worry because we at Teko.ph, the largest aircon and appliance services provider in the Philippines, are here to guide you! Here are some of the most important factors you need to consider:
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, which might range 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.
Figuring out the electricity consumption of your aircon model is relatively easy, too. You can check how much power your AC unit consumes here.
Features to Look for in an Aircon
Here are some key aircon features to look for when scouting for the perfect one. We know you’ll feel confused with all of the good options, especially from The Best Aircon Brands in the Philippines. 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.
Conclusion
While the ultimate decision of which unit to buy will depend on your particular circumstances, we hope that this buying guide will be a helpful resource. We encourage you to read as much as you can and learn all you can before making a purchase. Our Ultimate Guide to Air Conditioners might be a good place to start. There are many air conditioners out there, and finding one that is right for you might not be easy.
Thinking about opting for a used aircon? Read this quick guide.
