5 Things to Know Before Buying Your Air Conditioner
5 Things to Know Before Buying Your Air Conditioner
Thinking of changing your air conditioner?
While it’s exciting to switch out your old unit for a brand new one, there are plenty of things to consider before you make your purchase.
This is especially so if you want to maximize the cost you’re paying for your new system. Given the amount of time you’re going to use your air conditioner, it also makes a wise decision to consider the many factors before you pick the one that suits you the best.
Let’s delve into the 4 things to know before you buy your air conditioner now!
What Should You Consider Before Buying Your Aircon?
The Refrigerant
Refrigerant gas is one of the main things that keeps your air conditioner running.
Its role is to take in heat from the external environment and work together with other key aircon components, the evaporator and compressor, to generate refrigeration.
Of the different refrigerants available, the R32 refrigerant is the most sought-after at the moment because of its many benefits. Since the creation of the first air conditioner, there have been many refrigerants used:
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), like R12, phased out in 1994
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), like R22, phased out by 2020
The R32 refrigerant is the newest of its kind, an organic hydrofluorocarbon compound that offers plenty of environmental benefits. They include:
Low Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Affordable and easily available
Zero Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP)
Greater efficiency and extended pipe runs
Needs less refrigerant volume
The Type of System
There are many different aircon systems and types that are sold in the market today. For example, we have:
Split system
Ceiling cassette
Window
Multi-split system
A popular system that many homeowners buy is the multi-split system. This involves a single outdoor unit that connects to multiple indoor units. The compressor is installed inside the house.
This system allows you to set different temperatures for the different rooms, and is capable of reducing costs by allowing the aircon to heat and cool whenever needed.
This makes it a convenient and economical solution to meet your cooling needs. As most of the movable components are located outside of your home on the aircon ledge, it also means that there is little to no noise emitted indoors.
Most multi-split systems are also wall-mounted, making it a space-saving solution for many homes in Singapore that face space constraints.
Energy Efficiency Rating
Air conditioners, as well as other common household electrical appliances, are rated according to the NEA’s efficiency tick system. This can range from 1 to 5, and it provides consumers like you with more transparency to make a more informed decision.
The more ticks it has, the more energy efficient it is. Of course, this usually means that an aircon with more ticks usually costs more than another with fewer ticks, but the potential energy savings you get over the long run make it worthwhile.
Installation Location
Where are you going to install your new aircon?
It’s important to consider the place where you’re going to place your aircon, because many factors can affect the performance and lifespan of your unit.
For example, placing it in a humid room that faces the sun may lead to a reduction in performance and unnecessary pressure on your aircon. Over time, this pressure may cause it to break down more often.
If you’re installing a multi-split system, you need to make sure that the outdoor unit is placed carefully in a spot where it doesn’t get exposed to much rain, sun, or wind. These factors can make the aircon wear down faster and experience malfunctioning.
For example, wind and rain or being close to trees can result in stray leaves blown towards your aircon pipes and causing blockage. The outdoor unit may even corrode faster.
Install Wiring Correctly
Aircon wiring problems are very common, and most of them occur because of incorrect or improper installation. Because of their high power needs, air conditioners usually require separate wiring.
Some situations like loose connections, exposed wires, and defective wiring can spell trouble and danger for you and your unit. This is why it’s always important to get a professional to install your aircon from the start.
Install Pipes Correctly
One commonly overlooked factor is the aircon pipes. You should be familiar with the piping because of the importance. These pipes are essential in carrying heat and moisture that are removed from the air inside the room and released into the external environment.
The pipes are also important in maintaining the pressure inside the room. For multi-split systems, they’re typically connected using copper pipes. They move refrigerant between the outdoor and indoor units, and if installed wrongly, can cause condensation to build up inside.
This causes that dripping leakage you may sometimes experience. Hence, you need to be careful when you choose your aircon pipes, as well as the professional who helps you to install them.
You should also consider buying pipes made with quality materials so that they can last a longer time without having any problems.
Conclusion
There are many considerations before buying and installing a new air conditioner, but you need to remember that this first step is important to your aircon’s performance. You will also feel more satisfied if this part is done as carefully as possible!
If you need professional guidance, call us at 81 Aircon! Our experts will be delighted to be of help.
