3 Tips To Keep In Mind When Buying A New Air Conditioner
If your current air conditioner just isn't doing the job anymore, you might be in the market for a new one. But before you head to the local home improvement store and grab the first model on sale that you see, stop and consider your options. This is the perfect time to reevaluate your needs and find an air conditioner that can keep you cool while also keeping your energy costs down. Here are three tips to keep in mind when shopping for a new air conditioner.
Get the Right Amount of Power
Window air conditioners have various different cooling capabilities that are measured by something called British thermal units or BTU. The higher the BTU, the faster the air conditioner will cool down a given room, but a higher BTU also means that more energy will be used. Energy Star estimates you need about 20 BTU for every square foot you wish to have cooled. So do the math and find an air conditioner that falls into the range you need. That said, you should also consider other things about the room that can help or hinder the cooling process. If the room is frequently in shade due to drawn curtains, you can reduce the amount of BTU you need. On the other hand if the room frequently has bright sunlight shining in, you might need a bit more power.
Look for Energy Star-Certified Air Conditioners
Energy Star is a government agency that ranks products based on how environmentally friendly they are. An air conditioner that is Energy Star certified means it will run very efficiently, keeping your room cool without needlessly running up your electric bill. The government-run Energy Star website even has an online tool that can help you find the right air conditioner for your home.
Consider Optional Features
Today, air conditioners come with a variety of options to help you customize your experience. For example, some come with built-in programmable thermostats that will let you turn the A/C off or on based on what time of day it is. Other air conditioners can be controlled remotely using your computer or smart phone. A programmable thermostat or mobile app will help you save energy by letting you turn the A/C off when you leave for work but will let you have place cooled back down by the time you return home.
If you are in the market for a new air conditioner, start by calculating how much power you need and then begin looking for an energy-efficient model. Additional features like a programmable thermostat or mobile app integration may also be helpful. For more information, reach out to a seller of air conditioners today.