Your Guide to the Best AC
This year has been one of the hottest the island has ever experienced according to specialists at Meteorological Service of Jamaica. With temperatures already averaging at 30°C and expected tocontinue on a upward trend, the need for an Air Conditioning (AC) Unit has become more of a necessity than a luxury. In light of this, the expert team at Appliance Traders Limited (ATL) shared the topfive ‘need-to-know’ tips about choosing the perfect AC Unit.
Q: What are the top 3 things to consider when purchasing an Air Conditioning unit?
“Firstly, getting the correct size unit to match the dimensions of your space and considering the heat gain factor of the room is very important,” says Air Conditioning Product Manager at ATL, Bryan Stephens. Ensuring that the correct size unit is purchased will extend the lifespan of the unit and also reduce energy consumption. “Efficiency and the energy saving capability of an air conditioning unit should be top of mind when purchasing a unit, “shared Stephens. If you plan to run the unit for extended hours, perhaps you’d be better served by an inverter unit which saves on energy the longer it runs. Finally, after-sales service is a necessity because much like cars, ACS need regular servicing for optimum performance. “One of the things you need to keep in mind before buying an AC is aftersales service and warranty. You want to ensure that your investment is well supported as it relates to parts availability and hassle-free warranty,” said Stephens.
Q: Is there a sustainable or more efficient way of using air conditioners that many are unaware of?
Stephens recommends that users do not set the temperature of the unit too low nor to constantly make temperature adjustments. This can lead to an increase in energy use, he explained. “Once the room is cool, set your AC to the warmest temperature you can live with and leave it there. I personally suggest a temperature between 20-23°C. The unit will reach the required temperature much faster and as a result decrease power usage,” he said.
Q: What does an inverter do and why should consumers consider units with one?
Stephens explained that when a regular or a standard non-inverter air conditioner reaches its set temperature, it cycles out – meaning the compressor shuts off. This means the condenser (outdoor unit) will briefly turn off and will power on as the temperature in the room rises. This continues each time there is a change in temperature and causes the unit to be constantly increasing the power usage. With an inverter unit, once the temperature is reached, the compressor constantly regulates the temperature as needed by running at variable speeds. This, therefore, causes the unit to operate in a more energy efficient and smoother manner.
Q: What is the average lifespan of an AC unit and how does this affect the return on investment?
“The average lifespan of an air conditioning unit/compressor is about 10-15 years, but this of course, depends on proper care and maintenance,” said Stephens. He strongly advises however that customers get a service contract package to ensure they get longer life on their investment. “An air conditioner will account for much of your energy consumption at home, so when you’re out shopping for a new air conditioner, energy-efficiency should be a major influencing factor in your purchasing decision,” says Stephens. Efficiency also means knowing when to change out older units, “Units that are older than 15 years will not be as efficient as the modern units that can save up to 40% on cooling energy costs, so the trick to beating the heat this Summer is to have a well-serviced and efficient unit”, stated Bryan.
With over 50 years of experience in the AC business, ATL retails a wide array of Heating, Ventilation and AC (HVAC) solutions for residential and commercial applications utilizing its Panasonic and Prizm brands.