Capacity
The most important factor to consider is the capacity of the air conditioner. In Bangladesh, this is measured in tonnes. One ton is the amount of heat an air conditioner can remove in one hour. The measurement for heat is the British thermal unit (BTU) and a one-ton air conditioner can remove 12,000 BTUs of air an hour. An air conditioner typically needs 20BTU per square foot of space but this number can vary depending on factors like the size of windows and the height of the ceiling.
Brand
The brand of the air conditioner matters much more than you think. An air conditioner is an investment that you want to last for years so it is imperative that it does not die on you when needed the most. Notable brands like General, LG, Panasonic can last decades if maintained properly so even though the cost up front may seem steep, consider the fact that the AC could last you twice as long as cheaper alternatives. Additionally, the resale value of these brands is much higher than in others. A low price air conditioner could tempt you to make an impulse buy but be sure to do some research on the brand before you buy.
Warranty & Service
Equally important to the brand is the after sales service and warranty. You could buy an amazing air conditioner but if you cannot get it serviced, it is as good as a table fan. Therefore you should check with your dealer if they readily provide after sales servicing for their products. When looking for ACs always consider the duration of the warranty. The superior products generally come with longer warranties. As you will be using the AC for a long period of time it is better not to risk it.
Features
All air conditioners have a key function – they alter the temperature of your room. But that is not the only feature that matters. While there are too many features to keep track of, here are a few important ones. The first is the energy rating. This dictates how efficient the AC is and is determined by an EER number. The higher the number, the more efficient the AC. Also lookout for the Energy Star label to know the AC has a good energy rating. Another important feature is the timer. This is used to set the AC to work for a specific amount of time and so it can help you save a lot on your electricity bills. Lastly, look for ACs with directional air vents. These can be used to direct and spread the air across the room thus ensuring even cooling.
With these tips in mind, you should have no trouble when you go shopping for an air conditioner. Just remember that when it comes to ACs the quality of the product is what matters the most.
