Staff Reporter, Dhaka : The sweltering summer is here, and temperatures are on the rise. Consequently, one appliance that is becoming a must-have in every household is the Air Conditioner, or AC. However, the huge range of options available in the market can be overwhelming for anyone to buy the perfect one for their home. Hence, let’s take a look at five aspects to consider when purchasing an air conditioner, making it easier for you to choose your perfect fit!

Size of the room
The size of the air conditioner unit should match the size of the room it will be installed. An undersized unit will struggle to cool the room, while an oversized unit will consume more energy and could lead to temperature fluctuations. The most common sizes of air conditioners are 1-ton, 1.5-ton & 2-ton. 1-ton AC covers approximately 120 sq. ft, 1.5 covers roughly 180 sq. ft and 2-ton covers 240 sq. ft. However, this number can vary depending on factors like the size of the windows, availability of sunlight inside the room, the height of the ceiling, and many other factors. It is recommended to measure the room’s dimensions and consult with a professional or salesperson to determine the right size of the unit.

AC-Type & Energy Efficiency
For residential use, two popular types of air conditioners are ‘Window’ and ‘Split.’ The ‘Split’ AC type has two compressor variants– non-inverter and inverter. Inverter technology-based air conditioners are becoming increasingly popular due to the numerous benefits it offers. Reputed Global brands are found using Inverter Compressors which can save electricity by 50-70% compared to conventional non-inverter ACs. Energy efficiency is a crucial factor to consider when buying an air conditioner, as they are environment-friendly and also save up your utility bill! Look for air conditioners with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating, which represents how much energy and money the unit requires to operate effectively over a year. A higher SEER rating means the unit consumes less energy and is more cost-effective in the long run.

Price
Of course, price is always an important consideration when making any purchase. Determine your budget and shop around to find the best air conditioning unit for your needs within your price range. Typically non inverter AC price starts from BDT 40,000 and inverter technology based AC price starts from BDT 60,000 and it can go up.

Cooling speed
If you require an AC model that can quickly cool down a room, make sure to look for a unit with a high BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating. While a high BTU-rated model can cool the room rapidly, it will also consume more energy. Recently, some air conditioner brands have developed technologies to be more efficient in cooling, which can cool air up to 30-40% faster, through bigger fans, broader inlet & wider blade.

Installation and maintenance
Ensure that the air conditioner unit is installed correctly by a professional technician. Improper installation could lead to performance issues, higher energy consumption, and even safety hazards. Also, get a proper idea of the after-sales services to be provided by the company, and confirm the frequency of maintenance required for the AC to keep working efficiently. Proper installation and regular maintenance help increase the lifespan of the air conditioner. Therefore, make sure to hire a qualified technician to install the unit.

Features
In this era of constant innovation, modern AC units come with several exceptional features that enhance their performance and user experience. Look for an AC that comes with easy-to-clean air filters that ensure fresh air within the room. Moreover, look for the modes that come with the AC and match it with your preference. Cooling speed, an indicator of how quickly your room will be cooled, can also be an important factor to consider while purchasing an AC.

Lastly, to make the most out of these features, take a thorough look at the functionalities of the remote control. Remote controls are tools that can take your AC experience to the next level with innovative functionalities. For example, Samsung recently introduced a key feature in its AC remote that displays two temperatures simultaneously– the current room temperature and the temperature set on the air conditioner. Hence, one can easily identify how long it takes to reach the desired temperature and can adjust the settings accordingly to ensure maximum comfort.

By keeping all of these factors in mind while purchasing an AC for your home, you can choose the perfect unit that meets all your needs while providing maximum comfort and convenience.