Enjoying the sun and the heat after the cold season? Indeed, this is what makes us dream in winter. But living in a home without air conditioning? Only if you also like the humidity which, most of the time, is the cause of the oppressive heat we all experience in July and August. It is therefore not at all surprising that more and more Quebecers are choosing to buy a central air conditioner. It is no longer a question of luxury, but quite simply of comfort.
Before deciding on one air conditioner or another, take the time to educate yourself on all the options you have, so that you can make an informed decision. After all, this is a long-term investment. Here are some ideas you might find useful in your research:
1. Get advice from an air conditioning contractor
No matter how good a central air conditioner is, if it is not right for the conditions in your home, or if it is carelessly installed or maintained, you will be hard pressed to recognize its benefits. In this way, before comparing the various air conditioners, it is more useful to contact an air conditioning contractor and describe to him the characteristics of your home and your specific needs. A good contractor will be able to guide you in choosing the most suitable device for you, will explain the advantages and limitations of each air conditioner and, of course, will take care of installing it for you, rigorously respecting all industry standards. In addition, a good air conditioning contractor should offer after-sales service and support for long term maintenance of the unit.
2. Review the energy efficiency rating
Air conditioner manufacturers are keen to design and market increasingly efficient devices that consume less and less energy, to help reduce our bills and reduce the environmental impact of our equipment. The devices are therefore provided with EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) energy labels. The higher the EER and SEER ratings, the less cumbersome the energy consumption will be. ENERGY STAR certified air conditioners, for example, are excellent for reducing energy consumption.
3. Evaluate the correct power of the appliance (BTU)
Depending on the area of your home, the height of the ceilings, the number of windows and the quality of the insulation, air conditioning specialists can offer you a device that is effective for the particular configuration of your home.
The power of air conditioners is generally indicated in BTU (British Thermal Unit) and is calculated precisely, taking into account the factors above. For example, to ensure a good temperature in a 100 m² home, the power of the air conditioner should be between 18,000 and 30,000 btu, approximately 7,500 W.
4. Find quieter products
While thermal and energy efficiency are essential, another valuable point should be considered: acoustic comfort. The 50 db threshold is generally considered to be a limit for level of comfort (at 50 db, the volume of noise is similar to that produced by a washing machine during the wash cycle).
Many air conditioners have sound reduction systems and/or covers that serve the same purpose, but it is best to check the product data sheet from the start.
5. Check the manufacturer’s warranty
Finally, once you have learned about the qualities of the contractor’s devices and service, there is one final measure to take into consideration: check the manufacturer’s warranty.
Most air conditioners come with a 10 year warranty on parts, and some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on the compressor.
For more information on the various air conditioners and their characteristics, please do not hesitate to contact us!