Here are the list factors which will tell you how to select an AC for your home.
# 1. Room Size and Location:
Room size and location is the most important parameters to select an AC. The cooling load is dependent on room size. If the room is bigger the more area is to be cooled which needs more cooling capacity of AC. The AC capacity also depends on the followings
- Nos. of occupants in the room
- Outside Temperature in Summer
- Room Walls exposed to sunlight
- Room Ceiling exposed to sunlight
Out of the above factors, you can consider average 2 to 3 occupants in the room. The outside temperature can be considered for India as average 45 – 50 degC. The room is in the top floor and one –two walls is exposed to sunlight.
Considering all the above factors the below table can be followed for selecting right AC capacity.
- 1 TR – Room area of 100 – 120 sq ft (Room Size of 10×10 or 12×10)
- 5 TR – Room area of 130 – 180 sq ft (Room Size of 13×10 or 15×12)
- 2 TR – Room area of 190 – 240 sq ft (Room Size of 15×12 or 16×15)
Also Read: Best 1.5 Ton Split AC for your home use
#2. Power Consumption:
Power consumption is the second important factor after the selection of AC capacity. The ACs are coming energy star rating. The star rating varies from 1 to 5. The one star rated AC has more power consumption than a 5 star rated AC. So a 5 star rated AC ha ideally less electric cost. But 5 star rated AC is costlier than the ACs with lower star rating.
Selecting a 5 star rated AC depends on the average usage per day vis a vis the price difference you are paying.
If you have a plan to use AC for 5-6 hrs only on an average per day during summer, you can easily opt for a 3 star rated AC. You can select a 5 star rated AC when you use more.
The inverter ACs are becoming very popular in recent years due to its less power consumption. Again these ACs comes with high price tag. You need to select based on the usage. If you are concerned about the electricity or energy saving you can always go with inverter AC.
#3. Cooling Speed:
Cooling speed is the factor by which how fast your AC can cool the room. The cooling speed varies with technology and brands. Most of the top brands have good technology which can cool the room very fast, sometimes it is within 15 – 30 minutes. Moreover, the turbo mode of AC where the fan speed is high and the air flow in every direction helps to cool the room faster.
#4. Air Quality:
Indoor air quality is very important for your health. A good air filter will arrest the dust particles present in the air and clean the air. Some ACs has in built advanced air purifier which can kill viruses and bacteria in athe ir also including the dust removal.
#5. Noise Level:
As the indoor unit of an AC has a fan it creates some noise for the rotating equipment. The noise in the most fans does not exceed 45 dB, so there is not much noise inside the room.
The outdoor unit does not play any role in case of noise of a split AC. But the noise substantially increases when you use window AC for your room.
If noise bothers you should always use a split AC instead of window AC.
#6. Durability:
It is a great feature to consider before you buy an AC. The outdoor unit is kept outside the room and exposed to sunlight, rain & heat all-round the year. The material is to be superior so that it can withstand all weather and perform satisfactorily.
Moreover, you buy a costly item which cannot be changed every year. It is to be durable enough to perform satisfactorily at least for a couple of years.
Some manufacturers use condenser coil made of aluminum and some use copper. Using copper or aluminum does not have much difference in terms of cooling. If you compare copper vis a vis aluminum the copper condenser have high efficiency for cooling over the years.
#7. Pricing:
All the factors are reflected in the price. You need to compare the cost vs benefit for different models of split AC.
There are basic products as well as premium products with so many features are available in the market. You can see the price difference between different brands also.
So, fix a budget, list down your requirements or features and accordingly enquire about the price for different brands.
#8. After Sales Service:
After sales service is important for your AC. The device is to be regularly cleaned and maintained for smooth running and performance. Know about the service centres nearby when you select a brand. Also enquire about their response, service timing etc. so that you will not face any difficulty during any fault.
Conclusion:
Hope, you are clear now, what are to be taken care before buying a split AC. Fix your requirements/ features of AC, compare among the known brands and choose to buy.