How to Shop for Air Conditioners

Buying a new air conditioner requires shopping for a good price and an efficiently working machine. Newer air conditioners are a lot more energy efficient and quieter than they were in the past, but they still are one of the major consumers of energy in homes during warmer months. Window air conditioners can be a better deal in the long run if you are only cooling one or two rooms. They are relatively easy to install, and you can turn them off when they are not needed or you are not at home.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measurements of your home

1. Factor in energy efficiency, the ability of the air conditioner to cool the area and price when you go shopping for a new air conditioning unit.

2. Figure out what room or rooms you will air condition, and measure the height and width of the window in which you will install it. Most air conditioners come with adjustable sides, but for very small windows, it's important to measure first to be sure the air conditioning unit will fit. For larger windows, adjust the sliding panels on the side of the air conditioner until it fits properly.

3. Look for higher EER ratings, which show that the unit is more energy efficient. Even if it costs more than some of the other air conditioners in the store, an energy efficient unit will save you money over time because it will cost you less to run. An energy efficient air conditioner will save you much more money over time than you could save by buying a cheaper, less efficient unit, so the rating should be one of the major deciding factors when you make your purchase.

4. Consider the area where you will be placing the air conditioner. Don't buy an air conditioner that is too big for the area. You don't want an oversized air conditioner because these tend to cycle on and off a lot, which uses more energy. This can also shorten the life of the air conditioner because of the constant stress on the motor to turn on and off and cool down repeatedly. You are better off with a smaller unit that stays on longer because it won't use the extra energy needed to turn off and on again repeatedly. Even if a larger air conditioner is only slightly more expensive than a similar one that is smaller, consider the size of the area you will be cooling. If it is a small area, you probably won't need a very large air conditioner.

5. Install the air conditioner correctly. This will ensure that it works properly. Most air conditioners come with installation instructions. It's best to install an air conditioner in a window that is not exposed to direct sunlight.

References

• Shopping for AC