Buying an air conditioner can be confusing with all the types and options available. Follow our guidelines below to get the right air conditioner for your home.
Types of Air Conditioners
There are a few different types of air conditioners to choose from. If you have not chosen a type of air conditioner yet check out our list of different types of air conditioners.
Understanding BTUs
Air conditioners are a great way to stay comfortable throughout the hot summer months, but buying an air conditioner without understanding BTUs is like buying a car without knowing how many people need to fit in your car. BTUs is an acronym for British Thermal Units. A British Thermal Unit is the amount of work needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree.
The best way to explain BTUs in terms of buying an air conditioner is as a direct correlation to the square feet of the area you want to cool. The more square feet you have means more BTUs you will need.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficient air conditioners are easier than ever to find because manufacturers are required by federal law to list each appliance’s level of energy efficiency. A particular level of energy efficiency is labeled as the Energy Efficient Ratio (EER). EER is calculated by dividing the appliance’s cooling capacity by the energy required to run the appliance (BTUs/Wh). For example, a 10,000 BTU air conditioner that uses 1,200 watts has a rating of 8.3. A typical window air conditioner using a 115V outlet has about a 9 to 10-EER rating. Any rating above 10 is considered to be highly efficient and the highest ones available today are around 12-EER.
Control
Controlling your air conditioner is important based upon your personal needs. Some air conditioners are remote controlled or programmed to your personal preferences while others have to be manually controlled. Make sure to look for air conditioners that have multi-speed fans and adjustable thermostats. Adjustable louvers and an easy to reach air filter are also a nice feature. These controls make for a conveniently comfortable and easy to control home.
Conclusion
Air conditioners are a comfortable addition to your home and choosing the right one for your home is easy when you know what to look for. If you have any questions or are looking for an experienced technician to install, repair, or maintain your air conditioner in St. George, Utah call Alpine Temperature Control at 435-673-5746.
