2022 年にエアコンを購入するためのベスト ガイド

夏は猛暑、冬は凍えるような寒さのため、ほとんどの家庭でエアコンが欠かせないものになっています。その結果、米国の家庭の約 87% がエアコンを使用しています。

既存のユニットのアップグレードに関心があるか、自宅に追加の AC を設置することを検討しているとします。最終決定を下す前に下調べをすることを強くお勧めします。

エアコンの購入は莫大な費用がかかる可能性があるため、利用可能な最良のオプションを選択していることを確認するために、いくつかの重要な質問をする必要があります.あなたの部屋のサイズに最も適したACユニットのタイプはどれですか?スマートな暖房と冷房が必要ですか?エアコンの買い時はいつがベスト？ HVAC 請負業者の選び方

これらの質問はすべて、このエアコン購入ガイドで回答され、可能な限り最良の決定を下すのに役立ちます.

エアコンを購入する際の 17 の考慮事項

サイズ、場所、効率など、AC を購入する前に考慮すべき点がいくつかあります。あなたの部屋に最適なエアコンを購入する際に知っておくべきすべての重要事項を深く掘り下げて見てみましょう.

1.エアコンの種類

エアコンにはさまざまな種類があります。ニーズに合った適切なものを選択することが最も重要です。次のタイプのルーム エアコンは、個々の部屋に追加するのに最適です。

窓用エアコン

これらは、最も一般的なタイプのエアコンです。適切な窓のある小さなスペースがある場合は、窓用 AC を選択してください。さまざまなサイズがあり、狭いスペースに適しています。低コストで、メンテナンスとインストールが簡単です。暖房と冷房の年間ソリューションとして、窓用ヒート ポンプを選択してください。

ポータブル エアコン

それらは車輪が付いている自立型の床システムです。簡単に移動できます。部屋を冷やすだけでなく、じょうごを通して熱気を排出します。このため、ほとんどのポータブル AC またはヒート ポンプは、熱気を外に放出するために窓の近くに配置する必要があります。

1 つの部屋には適していますが、大きな部屋や複数の部屋には適していません。

ダクトレス ミニスプリット

エネルギー効率の高いシステムで 1 つまたは 2 つの部屋を冷やしたい場合は、ダクトレス ミニスプリットが最適です。壁に取り付けるタイプなので、ウォールエアコンとも呼ばれます。ミニスプリットパッケージは、壁の小さな開口部から簡単に接続できる、独立した屋内ユニットと屋外ユニットで構成されています。

壁掛け、床置き、シングルゾーン、マルチゾーン ミニスプリット ユニットなど、複数のオプションを利用できます。

2.あなたの家に適したエアコンのサイズは?

あなたの部屋には大きすぎる HVAC ユニットは、数分で冷却/加熱しますが、空気から余分な湿気を取り除くことはできません.

小規模なユニットは仕事をするのに苦労し、長期的にはその機能に影響を与えます.

快適さを提供するだけでなく、お金を節約するため、部屋にぴったりのサイズのユニットを購入する必要があります。適切なサイズを選択することで、不要な修理や高い電気代を避けることができます。

Your air conditioner sizing is affected by many factors, including humidity level, room size, the location of your room, wall insulation, types &number of windows, and the number of people occupying the room. So, make sure to take into account all the factors to avoid any issues afterward.

3. What Is Your Budget?

When considering buying a new AC, you should set aside a budget. When making a budget, don’t only consider the initial cost but also the cost for installation, operation, and maintenance.

• If you need a larger-sized unit for a large room, it will cost more but will efficiently cool your space.
• An air conditioner with more features will have a higher price. If you opt for a smart air conditioner, the initial price will be higher, but it will pay off with savings and added comfort. Similarly, Energy-Star certified ACs will be costly but will result in more savings on your energy bills.
• Write down both the costs and benefits of your choice of AC unit. If the benefits are not worth the money, consider investing in a better AC model.
• Portable and window air conditioners are considerably cheaper than other options, but their cooling power may also be lower. Though, the wall ACs will have a higher installation cost than window-mounted. Mini-splits are cost-effective if you have to heat or cool larger rooms.
• While portable and window ACs hardly have any installation costs, some mini-split variations can be expensive to install. You can also look into DIY AC models to eliminate AC installation costs.

4. Smart Heating/Cooling

Constantly having to change the temperature can be quite annoying and also mess up your bills. Why don’t you consider investing in smart technology to solve these issues?

You can invest in a smart air conditioner that provides automation, or you can buy a regular AC and make it smart using a separate smart device. Just keep in mind that smart devices offer additional features that you may not get with all smart ACs.

A smart thermostat or a smart AC controller that works with a mini-split air conditioner, window AC and portable heat pump can make your life a lot easier. They go beyond the temperature and humidity regulation. If you forget to turn off AC, no worries, geofencing mode will take care of it. You can also control your AC remotely using your phone.

Moreover, you get notifications about system maintenance like air filter status and even reports about your energy usage.

5. The Location of Your Home

Is your home constantly under the gaze of the hot sun, or do you live in an area surrounded by trees that give a cooling effect? Do you live in a dry environment or a coastal area with high humidity?

Depending on the climate of your area, you might need additional AC features; dry mode, for instance, will be required if you live in a humid area, or Freeze Protection Mode for your vacation rental located in an extreme climate area can be very beneficial.

6. The Structure of Your Room

Do you wish to place an air conditioner in an attic that has slanted walls? Is your window centered on the wall? The structure of your room indicates where a room air conditioner will be placed and what type of AC will be best suited for the place.

Wall-mounted mini-splits go high up on a straight wall, while floor-mounted mini-splits are preferred if you have slanted walls. Window air conditioners, of course, require a suitable window and may not fit in casement or irregular-sized windows. You must measure the height and width of your window to select an AC that will fit. Portable air conditioners are best if other options are unsuitable for your space. While they are easily portable and can fit almost anywhere, their cooling capacity may also be limited.

7. Best Time to Buy an Air Conditioner

Buying an air conditioner during the peak season is never a good idea. When the weather starts to get warmer, the air conditioner sales boom; similarly, when the temperature falls, prices for reversible heat pumps also get high due to an increase in demand.

It’s always recommended to buy an air conditioner during the off-season months that fall in spring and autumn. In spring, it is cool, and many people would not think of turning on the air conditioner. During autumn months, it is not cold enough that people would require heat pumps full time. So, a drop in demand will help you strike a good deal during these two seasons.

8. EER/SEER Rating System

These are rating systems that determine the efficiency of an HVAC unit. The efficiency of your air conditioner is directly related to the electricity cost and the level of comfort.

There are two types of energy efficiency ratings:EER and SEER.

EER is the energy efficiency ratio of cooling energy to the amount of electricity required to power the unit. SEER, on the other hand, is Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is also the ratio of cooling power to electricity input energy, but the difference is that it only considers the seasonal usage rather than year-round usage. According to Federal law, the new models should have a SEER of at least 13.

It is essential to take into account these ratings because air conditioning units with higher EER and SEER ratios consume less power, provide better cooling, and are more eco-friendly. These may be more costly initially but result in greater energy-savings.

9. Installation of Your Air Conditioner

Improper installation can cost you a 30% increase in electric bills. Your air conditioning unit needs to be well-fitted for proper functioning.

In the case of window air conditioners, make sure the unit is leveled not to face any drainage issues. Cover any gaps and crevices around your unit as air leakage can affect energy consumption.

In the case of mini-splits, when installing the indoor unit, keep in mind that airflow can get restricted by things like furniture. The outdoor unit should be placed in an area that does not get harsh sunlight and make sure it is properly covered for protection against rain, sun, and heavy winds.

Each type of air conditioner has a specific installation requirement that should never be ignored. You can consult an HVAC expert to get a better idea of your AC requirements.

Make sure you hire an expert trained in installing air conditioners to avoid any major problems afterward.

10. AC Modes/Features

Some air conditioner modes such as vane control, temperature change, fan speed, and other basic modes are a part of every air conditioning unit. However, there are certain special AC modes that you can consider looking for, depending on your needs:

• Heat Mode:Some air conditioners can also provide heat. Opt for a reversible air conditioner or heat pump if you require your unit to cool in the summer and heat during winter.
• Dry Mode:If you live in a humid environment, you should consider buying an air conditioner that comes with this mode. Dry mode removes the excess moisture, reducing the clammy feeling in summers.
• Freeze Protection Mode (FP):In this mode, your AC will run on heat mode to blow warm air into a room. This feature is helpful for homes in extremely cold climates. FP prevents pipes from freezing and bursting. If you go on vacations during winters, consider investing in an AC that supports this mode.
• Energy Saving Mode (Eco Mode):It is a feature that helps you save on bills without compromising on your comfort. This feature causes the fan to cycle on and off with the compressor instead of continuously running. This mode reduces the power your air conditioner consumes.
• Self-Clean Mode:This mode prevents the growth of harmful germs by removing moisture inside your unit. By using this mode, you ensure that the air you breathe in is free from pollutants.
• Follow Me Mode:If you hate waiting for an air conditioner to cool/heat the entire room to feel comfortable, this mode is the one you should be looking for. The follow-me AC mode directs the airflow towards you, making you feel comfortable in no time. In some ACs, it allows your remote to act as a thermostat.

11. An Energy-Efficient Inverter Technology

For better cooling/heating and higher efficiency, inverter technology is worth looking for when buying an HVAC unit.

In inverter technology, the compressor does not turn on/off frequently; it just changes the speed to meet the heating/cooling needs. It is a little pricey but consumes 50% less energy than non-inverter air conditioners. This can drastically reduce your electricity costs, saving you money in the long run.

12. Condenser Coils

With much of your focus on your air conditioner’s indoor unit, you are likely to forget that the condenser part or outdoor unit is equally important.

There are two types of condensers coils:

· Aluminum condenser coils

· Copper coils

Aluminum coils do not require high maintenance, but their repair is complicated compared to copper coils if they are damaged or broken. It is best to go for copper condensers to ensure high functionality.

13. Pay Attention to Noise

Paying attention to the AC noise is crucial as it can affect your comfort level. Ideally, the noise range should be under 50 decibels. High AC noises can ruin your sleep and comfortable daytime environment.

14. Selecting an HVAC Contractor

For choosing an HVAC contractor, you have to do some research. Google the local contractors in your area, read reviews, and check those with a good track record. Be wary of contractors whose websites are loaded with 5-star ratings; fake reviews are a real thing.

The job is not done after you have found a contractor. There are a bunch of things that need to be checked before you proceed to buy an air conditioner:

• Always check if the contractor is licensed or not. They should be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. Many claim to be, but actually, they are not, so don’t forget to cross-check.
• If the contractor tries to give you an estimate over the phone, don’t hire that contractor. A professional contractor would never do that; they would always survey your house first.
• Always take the bid in a written form. A verbal bid is a red flag and should be avoided.

15. Your Home Insulation

While home insulation does not directly affect the type of AC you buy, it does influence your cooling! Before purchasing an AC unit, you should check whether your home is properly insulated or not. Gaps under the doors and windows can cause the infiltration of cold/hot air into your home. In this scenario, your AC will have to work harder, which can negatively impact your bills.

It would be best to insulate your doors, windows, ceilings, and floors to keep heat from moving in during the summer and keep heat from moving out during the winter.

The more insulation you provide, the better your air conditioner will function.

16. Regular Maintenance

When buying a new air conditioner, you must commit to its regular maintenance. It will ensure the optimum functionality of your AC and will also help in extending its lifespan.

When selecting an air conditioner, you should speak to your contractor about the maintenance plan. Most professional home service companies have deals on yearly HVAC maintenance.

17. Check the Warranty

Air conditioner’s warranty varies from brand to brand. Always make sure to check the warranty period and what it covers. Some warranties cover most problems of the AC unit, while others only cover specific parts. Some models even offer a lifetime warranty on the compressor – the most expensive part of your AC, so do take that into consideration.

Buying an air conditioner is a big decision as it impacts the overall temperature &the resulting comfort of your home. The best air conditioner for you depends on your budget, the size of your room, and the additional features you require as per your convenience. All the points discussed in this air conditioner buying guide can help you make an informed decision about buying air conditioners in 2021.

Once you know what kind of AC you need for your space, you’re ready to go shopping!