1. How much power does it take to run an air conditioner?
The first consideration when deciding which air conditioner to buy is the size of the room where it will be installed.
It’s also important to take into account whether your ceilings and walls are insulated, the climate where you live, and the orientation of the room.
Houses without insulation will require more powerful units. Likewise, air conditioners in hotter climates or in rooms that get a lot of sunlight will use more power.
Air conditioner power consumption is often measured in kilowatts (kW) and the air conditioner capacity is measured in British Thermal Unit (BTU).
2. How many kilowatts (kW) do I need in an air conditioner?
When you buy an air conditioner from Olyair, you will see the power of the unit measured in kW.
In general, the larger the room or the home you want to cool, the more kW required in a new air conditioner.
Refer to the graphic below to determine how much kW your new air conditioner will need to cool your home efficiently and effectively:
3. What is British Thermal Unit (BTU)?
BTU is an international measurement of energy that is often used in reference to air conditioner capacity. One BTU refers to the amount of energy required to increase or decrease the temperature of one pint of water by 1°F. For example, if an air conditioner has a BTU rating of 9,000, this means that it’s cooling your home by 9,000 BTU each hour.
You’ll need approximately 20 BTU for each square footage of space you want to cool. However, this is a rough estimate and also depends on the height of the room’s ceilings and the width of the doorways. You will also need a larger BTU capacity for kitchens, homes with unusual floor plans and if your home is in a warmer climate.
4. What type of air conditioner should I buy?
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What is a split system air conditioner?
Split system air conditioners are made from two separate units.
One of the pieces is attached to an internal wall and cools your home while the other sits outside your home and disperses the hot air.
When you buy a split system air conditioner, the internal unit should be positioned high on the wall away from heat sources such as ovens and never above electrical fittings.
The external unit should be positioned in the shade and away from falling leaves and other things that may interfere with its operation.
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What is a reverse cycle split system air conditioner?
With air conditioners, reverse cycle means that it is a system that can cool or heat your home.
When you buy a reverse cycle air conditioner, you can use it to cool your home during summer and heat it during winter.
Reverse cycle air conditioners are available as split systems, window air conditioners, and portable air conditioners.
5. Are portable air conditioners good?
Buying a portable air conditioner lets you move the unit between rooms of the house and even take it with you on your travels.
Available as a split system and with other features, portable air conditioners are often a versatile and cheaper option than other more permanent AC units.
Portable air conditioners are ideal for renters and people who can’t install a permanent unit.
6. How does a window wall air conditioner work?
Window wall air conditioners are installed in an external hole in the wall or in a window of your home.
Window wall air conditioners are often bought as an alternative to a split system AC due to their easy and less permanent installation.
When you buy a window wall air conditioner, they usually have both cooling and heating functions.
7. Can I install my air conditioner myself?
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Portable and window wall air conditioners:
Portable and window wall air conditioners are generally able to be self-installed.
Portable air conditioners need to be plugged into a power outlet and often come with an exhaust duct to dispel hot air that needs to be attached.
Window wall air conditioners can be safely self-installed by following the supplied instructions.
Always follow the supplies user guide for a safe installation of your new air conditioner.
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Split system air conditioners:
When you buy a fixed split system air conditioner from Olyair, it will need to be installed by a professional.
Installing split system ACs is a technical process that requires specialized skills.
8. What is a good energy rating for an air conditioner?
When you buy a new AC unit, you will notice that the air conditioner’s energy rating is rated on an energy nameplate.
Take EU Energy Rating for example, the higher rating of class, the more energy-efficient the unit is and the better for the environment.
Energy ratings are location specific and may differ depending on the country and its climate. When you buy a new air conditioner, be sure to check the energy rating against your local guidelines.
Reverse cycle air conditioners are given separate ratings for their cooling and heating energy efficiency respectively.
9. What do EER and COP stand for?
EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio, which measures an air conditioner’s cooling efficiency by comparing the cooling output to the electrical energy used.
COP stands for Coefficient of Performance, which measures the heating efficiency of the unit by comparing the heat output to the energy consumed. Both metrics help determine the energy efficiency of air conditioners, with higher values indicating better efficiency.
When buying an air conditioner, aim for high EER and COP values to ensure energy-efficient performance, saving both money and energy in the long run. Combine these metrics with other features like inverter technology and proper capacity matching to get the most out of your investment.
10. When should I clean my air conditioner?
It’s essential that your new air conditioner unit is regularly cleaned and maintained.
An air conditioner that is not regularly cleaned won’t perform at its best capacity, will use more energy, and can cost more in electricity bills.
While it’s possible to clean the air conditioner yourself, it’s recommended that you get it cleaned by a professional at least once a year.
You should also change the air conditioner’s filters once every month or two to keep the unit from becoming blocked and less efficient – this does not need a professional and can be done yourself, but processes vary depending on the type of air conditioner you buy.
11. Air Conditioners with Dehumidifiers
While an air conditioner will cool the temperature of your home, a dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air. Excess humidity in the home can cause an increase in Mould and dust mites that can be a potential health hazard.
A dehumidifier helps reduce these health risks while also making your home less stuffy and more comfortable. Air conditioners with dehumidifiers are particularly useful in homes that are in humid climates.
