Buying An Air Conditioning Unit - Important Parameters

By Author: Jamie Hanson
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If you have decided to buy an air conditioner but are unsure about how to go about getting a cost effective and efficient unit, this article will help you understand the important parameters to be considered. We will focus on window air conditioners in this article since they are the most common choice of people.

A window air conditioner is the regular choice when you need to cool one room. For example if you need an air conditioner to cool your bedroom then a self contained window unit that has all the components from compressor to expansion valve housed in one casing is sufficient. The unit tends to be bulky but once slotted in your window space most of it will be outside your house and shouldn't really matter.

The unit's cooling capacity should be your first consideration. To understand cooling you need to know that it is measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs. A small unit trying to cool a large space will only give you a gigantic utility bill each month. It is far better to invest in a unit that has the right BTU to cool the space you have in mind. Measure the room and ask the store assistant to ...
... help you in selecting a unit with the right level of BTU to cool the space you have in mind. You can also find a BTU chart on line to help you identify the right amount of BTU for your room size. You should also consider ceiling height, sunlight, shade and number of persons using the room. If you are planning on installing a unit in your kitchen increase the BTUs by 4,000 due to the heat generated in that area.

We now move to installation. Do you have a custom built wall space provided in your home for the unit? If not, you can use your window space but make sure you take accurate measurements; you don't want to end up with a unit that is too big for your window space! Pay special attention to the width. If the air conditioning unit is smaller than your window space it is not a problem as the excess area can be sealed off. It is always best to check with the store about professional installation services. Do-it-yourself is all well and good but if the unit is not installed properly you will have more trouble than you bargained for on your hands.

Check out the power outlet, your window air conditioner is a lot more powerful than most home appliances and it is essential that the existing electrical system matches the air conditioner's electrical requirements. You can get help in figuring out the correct system required and for installing special wiring and a stabilizer.

Window air conditioners are usually more economical in cost, installation and long term operation. You will need to check out the unit's energy star rating or EER number. Star rated models usually use less energy and also come with additional features like multiple cooling speeds and digital thermostats that give you better energy output.

Maintenance is an important factor if you want your appliance to work smoothly and efficiently. Schedule regular maintenance dates and make sure you keep them. You can increase the efficiency of the unit by ensuring that the filter is kept clean at all times.

Needless to say, these air conditioning parameters are not the only ones but they are the main ones so pay attention to them when selecting your unit.

Writer writes about a variety of topics including Houston air conditioning and air conditioning repair in Houston.