How to Choose an Air Conditioner
The best air conditioner for you will depend on your personal preferences and how you intend to use your appliance. Before making any decision on which air conditioner is best for your home, consider the following features:
An Adjustable Thermostat
An adjustable thermostat allows you to have complete control over the temperature of your room while the unit is operating, which is really important for maintaining a constant, optimum room temperature inside your home or office.
A 1-12 Or 1-24-Hour Timer
A timer will allow you to select a specific operating period. Once this period has ended, the air conditioner will switch itself off, reducing wastage and saving you money.
Washable Pre-Filters
Washable pre-filters remove dust, dirt and hair from the air being drawn into the filter, improving the air quality of your home, and preventing your air conditioner from becoming clogged up and working less efficiently. These filters can then easily be removed, cleaned and replaced.
Mode Settings
Some air conditioners have up to four different mode settings, allowing you to either cool, dehumidify, fan or heat the air as needed – making them suitable for use whatever the temperature.
Energy Efficiency
As with many household appliances, air conditioners are given an energy rating to show their efficiency. A-rated units are the most efficient and G are the least. If you want to know how much an air conditioner costs to run, it’s worth noting that the better the efficiency of your air conditioner, the less money it will add to your energy bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few questions that crop up again and again when people are looking to invest in a portable air conditioner. To give you a helping hand, we’ve answered a few of them below:
Air Cooler Vs. Air Conditioner: What’s the Difference?
For anyone wondering what the difference is between an air cooler and an air conditioner, it is fairly straightforward.
Think of an air cooler as an appliance that combines the functions of an air conditioner and a fan. It draws in warm air and passes it over a cold water source. The water evaporates into the hot air, having a cooling effect. This cooler air is then re-circulated around the room by a fan.
Air coolers are often cheaper than air conditioners and do not need to be externally vented. However, they are usually less powerful. For this reason, portable air conditioners are the most common and effective choice for cooling homes.
How Do Air Conditioners Work?
When the appliance is switched on, air is drawn into the unit and passed over a cold evaporator coil, where it’s cooled and some of the moisture removed. The air is then re-circulated into the room, reducing the overall temperature and humidity.
At the same time, a chemical refrigerant in the system absorbs the heat from the warm air before venting it to the exterior of your home via a hose. As the air cools, water is released into the air conditioning system. This either empties away through an external drain or is collected in a tank that you can remove and empty when full.
How Cold Can I Make a Room with Air Conditioning?
All Homebase air conditioning units have a minimum cooling setting of 16˚C or 18˚C and a maximum setting of 32˚C or 35˚C.
Though an air conditioner’s effectiveness will depend on the size of the room it’s placed in and the conditions, in general, this should be enough to maintain a perfect temperature, keeping you cool and comfortable whatever the weather.
Investing in a portable desk or tower fan is also a great way to keep cool on warm days. Simply plug into your nearest socket and enjoy the cooling breeze.