No invention is considered more necessary to comfortable living than an air conditioner. Starting from the central systems to the window units – ACs have become much more cost-effective and energy-efficient than before. You no longer have to worry about seeing your power bill going in the upward direction.
When purchasing an air conditioner, there are a series of features you must keep in mind. Major ones among the lot include:
1. Selecting the Right Size
In case of an air conditioner, size matters to a great extent. An excessively large unit will cool the air within a short period but leave the room clammy and damp. An excessively small unit, on the other hand, will have to exert a substantial amount of effort to retain the desired temperature.
2. Programmable Settings
According to the experts offering air conditioning repair in Columbia, nowadays, even the window units have digital displays offering the owners a chance to set temperature as per their convenience and schedule the turn on/off times. The centralized units are more flexible in terms of programmable settings.
3. Wi-Fi enabled
Have you been planning making your house smart? Did you invest in devices like Google Assistant and Alexa or a Wi-Fi enabled thermostat that you can operate with your cell phone? If yes, please get a smart AC too. You will get smart versions of all the units – split, window, ductless mini, portable, etc. As they are adjustable, their energy-saving capacities are too high.
4. Energy Star Certification
Prior to deciding on the AC for your home, please look out for the Energy Star certification. It means the concerned unit has fulfilled or exceeded the efficiency standards than the other models available in the market. Checking the EER (energy efficiency rating) and SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) is also mandatory. The higher the rating, the better the AC.
5. Two Phase Cooling
Two phase cooling refers to the ACs equipped with compressors having two cooling outputs – low and high. On the milder days, the low setting is considered ideal since it allows your unit to consume less energy. While on the hotter days, the high setting is utilized to meet the house’s demands.
6. Thermal Expansion Valve
The thermal expansion valve is known for adjusting the refrigerant flow through the AC depending on the house’s cooling needs at a given period. When more cooling is needed, the valve tends to increase the refrigerant flow, and when less cooling is needed, the valve obstructs the refrigerant flow. Thus, your air conditioner will alleviate energy consumption but still keep your house as comfortable as possible.
7. Auto Fan Delay
If the AC’s air handle turns off at the same time as its compressor, there is a high chance that a little cool air remains inside the ducts. With an auto fan switch, the air handle runs for a tad longer after every cooling cycle to make use of all the air or at least push it into the house’s other spaces.
Once you have bought and installed an AC, keeping the features mentioned above in mind, look out for ways to maximize its energy efficiency. According to a renowned electrician in Montgomery County, keeping the thermostat temperature at 78 degrees, insulating and sealing the points where the unit makes an entry, and monthly cleanings will do.
At present, everyone wishes to buy an air conditioner that would not only offer comfort but also consume as less energy as possible. The following write-up describes features of an energy-efficient AC, which you must keep in mind when making the purchase.
