Although they have become common enough that they don’t get a lot of appreciation, residential air conditioning units were one of the most significant inventions of the 20th century. People have now been able to have air conditioning at home for around 100 years, but over that time the makers, models and features have of course changed.
For someone making a decision about whether to install air conditioning today, there is a lot to consider, from whether it is worth having in the first place to picking the right air conditioner for you. This helpful guide will make sure you’re well-equipped with the facts you need to make the right decision.
Do I need air conditioning?
If you’re asking yourself this question, then chances are you are concerned about the cost of installing air conditioning. You’re probably wondering whether staying cool during hot weather is worth the large outlay.
First, you must remember that it will not only keep you cool during the current or upcoming hot spell that you probably have in mind, but for many years in the future. Also, consider that it is not only you that will benefit, but your family, guests, and even pets.
But staying cool is not the only benefit that air conditioning offers. It also helps with the following:
- Staying healthy
Respiratory problems, allergies, and even stress have been shown to be worse in environments with hot, unfiltered air. Clean, cool air, on the other hand, can make the people who suffer them comfortable and lessen their symptoms. Also, people with certain health issues, like heart problems, can be in serious danger when heat waves strike.
Air conditioning also comes with a filter which captures tiny airborne particles like allergens and dust, and it can also help remove germs too.
- Reducing humidity
Air conditioners remove water from the air like a dehumidifier. This is good because too much humidity makes people sweat, but does not let the sweat evaporate. This leaves people with damp, unhygienic clothes, a feeling of fatigue and often a bad mood. Sweating also leaves people at greater risk of dehydration.
If you live in an area where the summer temperatures can vary wildly from the winter, air conditioning can still be worthwhile. Houses in such locations tend to be well insulated to keep heat in during the winter, but this exacerbates the problems that accompany hot weather.
Types of air conditioning
While there are portable, stand-alone air conditioning units available, this article will deal with the permanent, mounted types. These are known as split-system air conditioners because they always require at least two distinct units to be installed, one inside the room you want to cool and one somewhere outside the building.
Split-system air conditioners can then be divided into the following types:
- Central air conditioners
These are also known as ducted air conditioners because they only require one unit on the outside of the building to generate enough cool air for the whole house, which is then delivered into each room using air ducts.
These used to be more common in commercial buildings, such as offices, but they are now a popular option at home. Generally, they are quieter and they make it easy to cool many rooms at once. However, they are often pricier and all the rooms must be cooled to the same temperature.
They are better suited to stable environments, where the temperature does not need to be adjusted often.
- Individual air conditioning
As you might have guessed, this is also known as ductless air conditioning. This means that each room has its own separately controlled unit installed on one of its walls, which is attached to a larger unit on the outside.
This means that each room can be at a different temperature, or that some rooms can be air-conditioned while others are not. Because of this, they are more effective when it comes to saving energy.
These are a better choice if you expect to adjust the temperature often.
How to choose the right air conditioner
Your budget can be a good way to narrow down the range of options, but do not let it guide your final decision.
Good air conditioners can last for many years, and picking the right one to begin with will save you the trouble of having to regularly call in an AC repair service.
The two other qualities you need to consider before you decide are:
- Energy efficiency
Whether you’re heating or cooling, choosing a more energy-efficient device is not only good for the environment, but it will also make your electricity bill cheaper.
Look for a good energy efficiency rating, and take some measurements of your rooms to an expert to find out how much cooling power you need.
- Size
Models which are too large or too small use more energy than necessary to cool the room, making them less efficient. Plus, they will look bad.
And there you have it, a short guide to finding the right air conditioner for you.
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Eamon