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Energy-efficient air conditioners that give you value for money

Summer may be months away. However, that shouldn’t stop you from buying an air-conditioner. However, buying an energy-efficient air conditioner is quite different from buying an ordinary one. There’s no doubting that energy-efficient air conditioners are made for a reason. And that is to save energy and cut down on your monthly bills. Nonetheless, here are a few things you should keep in mind before you go off to buy one.

Why you need an energy-efficient air conditioner?

Note that it is not simply an air-conditioner that you need to keep you cool this summer. Investing in an energy efficient air-conditioner will save you from paying skyrocketed electricity bills. It is not just a pocket-friend tool but also environment friendly. Unlike those old and worn out A/C units an energy efficient air conditioners will not release excess of greenhouse gases in the environment and contribute to air pollution. Rather, by switching to such solutions you will contribute your little part in saving the planet.

There are other added advantages such as rebates available from the Government, reduction in cooling costs, more climate control, noiseless cooling and seamless airflow and maximization on savings. 

What types of air-conditioners are available in general?

The type of air-conditioner that you may install must be chosen after considering your requirements. But, one of the major deciding factors would be the size of the room or area in which the air-conditioner is supposed to be installed.

The most common types of air-conditioning systems that are available in the markets are the window and the split type. The window type of air-conditioning system is generally used for smaller spaces or just one room. These types of air-conditioners are usually installed in a home environment.

The split type of air conditioners is used for much larger spaces. They are generally not used at home, unless you don’t have a window, and are just for decorative purposes.

Other types of air conditioners include:

  • Packaged air conditioner- The package unit of such air conditioners includes the compressor, the condenser, the evaporator and the expansion valve in one single box. You may also find the compressor and the condenser packed as one single casing in some arrangements. This type is suitable when cooling large office space or multiple rooms.

  • Central Air Conditioning System- This type of air conditioner is what you might find in large offices, corporate buildings, hotels and factories. The system includes a compressor huge enough to cool entire buildings.

Newer air-conditioning systems versus older ones: What’s the difference?

This question might have struck many people. Why should they replace their old air-conditioners in the first place? What would they gain out of doing so? Well, they can gain a lot. For starters, newer models of air-conditioners tend to be much more energy-efficient and value-for-money than older ones.

Those Energy-Star certified air-conditioners are a newer generation of air-conditioners and tend to not only save energy and are value-for-money, but run quite smoothly and efficiently as well. The newer system of air conditioners consumes only as much as 1710 watts per hour in place of 6000 watts as consumed by old air conditioners.

There is also a notable reduction in the noise levels comparing the old air conditioners with the new ones. The new ones run seamlessly and quietly due to the modified design of the fan blades while you shall have a hard time dealing with the noise in case you do not shift to the newer technology.

Lastly and most importantly, the newer air conditioners contain new coolants, namely R410A, which are more environments friendly. It does not contain chlorine or other chlorofluorocarbons as the old air conditioners do. Additionally, there is a style factor- the sleek and trendy design which makes the newer air-conditioning systems more appealing. 

What to look for when buying an energy-efficient, value-for-money air-conditioner?

Most people are usually puzzled and confused when they go about buying an air-conditioner. However, there are some important deciding factors that you should keep in mind. And one of the most important factors is the SEER rating or the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating.

What exactly is the SEER rating?

The SEER rating is a measure of the efficiency of the heat pump cooling and air-conditioning. And this is calculated as the ratio of the cooling output in a given, typical season, to the total input of electric energy during the same season. This rating is kind of like the fuel-efficiency rating of your car.

What SEER rating makes a good air-conditioner?

In general, a higher SEER rating means that the air-conditioner is more energy-efficient and thus value-for-money. However, all air conditioners, in general, should have a minimum SEER rating of 13. Most modern air conditioners have SEER ratings in the range of 13 to 21.

Other important deciding factors

Although the SEER rating is an important deciding factor for an air-conditioner to be energy-efficient, and thus, value-for-money, it is, however, not the only factor that comes into play. The energy efficiency of an air conditioner also depends on various other factors, such as the size of your house or the room in which you will be installing one or your home’s current ductwork and many other factors.

So, always remember to use an energy-efficient air-conditioning system, so that you not only cut down on your electric bills by saving energy but can also cool off in a better way. Also, remember to seek an expert’s help when it comes to choosing and installing an air-conditioning system for your house. Installing the right system will go a long way in saving on your monthly electric bills.

So, keep all these in mind when you decide to buy your next air-conditioner for your home. And buy the ones that are energy-efficient, have five-star ratings and those which are worth every penny you spend, and essentially provide good value-for-money.

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