Even as your home renovation is underway, you are undoubtedly busy getting the essential home furniture to furnish your brand-new BTO flat. One of the crucial pieces of furniture you require is an air conditioning (AC) unit. After all, your aircon is probably the best weapon in combating Singapore’s hot and humid climate.
But how can you ensure you purchase the ideal AC unit for your home? This decision is significant, as it can impact your comfort and energy bills. Well, fret not! Let us help simplify the selection process by sharing the essential aspects to consider when purchasing and installing a new AC unit. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed choice that ensures a comfortable, efficient, and cost-effective cooling solution for your home.
Factor #1: The BTU rating of the AC unit
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when purchasing a brand-new aircon, as the ideal AC unit often depends on the size of the room. A bigger space will require an AC unit with a higher BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating and vice-versa. So, what does the BTU rating signify? Basically, it determines the cooling performance of your aircon.
However, it is not as straightforward as selecting an AC unit with the highest BTU rating. While the aircon will cool your room faster, it will cycle off and back on frequently to maintain a lower temperature. That is known as short cycling, which can cause the aircon compressor to overwork quickly, resulting in more wear and tear. Conversely, choosing a unit with a low BTU rating will take longer to cool your home and consume more energy.
So, how can you determine which BTU rating is ideal for each room in your home? Generally, the rule of thumb is to have 20 BTU for every square foot of living space in the area you wish to cool. For example, you will require an aircon with around 8,000 BTU for a room that is 400 square feet in size. Keep in mind that other variables can impact the ideal BTU of your aircon. You must add another 10% to the total figure if a room is exposed to constant sunlight. Meanwhile, lower the figure by 10% if a room receives little to no sunlight.
Factor #2: The efficiency of the AC unit
With the ever-increasing cost of electricity tariffs, you would ideally want an efficient aircon to save money on the utility bill. In Singapore, the National Environment Agency (NEA) utilises a Tick Energy Labelling Scheme to rate an AC unit’s energy efficiency, with five ticks indicating the highest level of energy efficiency. This rating system is based on the appliance’s annual energy consumption and cooling capacity, measuring the unit’s energy efficiency under typical usage.
In addition to the Tick rating, aircon manufacturers must include a Mandatory Energy Label (MEL) containing detailed information about the unit’s energy consumption and performance. Such labelling schemes make it easier for consumers to compare and choose energy-efficient appliances before making an informed purchase.
Factor #3: Noise level of the AC unit
A tranquil environment is essential for sleep. The last thing you want is a noisy AC unit disrupting the peace and quiet, interrupting your restful slumber. So, when selecting your ideal aircon, look for models with 50 to 60 dB (decibel) or less. Aircon manufacturers will often include this information on their product labels. Additionally, you can discuss your concerns with your aircon installer to ensure the installation process minimises any potential disturbances.
Factor #4: The installation cost
When deciding on the budget for your AC unit, it is essential to account for the overall aircon installation cost. The aircon installation price can vary depending on various factors, such as the complexity of the installation, the need for additional ductwork, and any necessary electrical upgrades. We recommend sourcing multiple quotes from reputable service providers to compare costs and ensure you receive a fair price.
With that said, cost should not be the sole factor in selecting your preferred aircon installer, as the quality of the installation can affect the AC unit’s efficiency and reliability. Even a quality aircon can set you back a pretty penny in repair costs if it is poorly fitted. So check the reviews of your preferred service provider and ensure they are reliable rather than choosing a contractor just because they offer the lowest price.
Learn More: 9 Mistakes To Avoid When Installing Your Aircon
As you can see, there are various factors to consider before purchasing and installing a brand-new aircon for your home. The best way to ensure you select the correct unit for your home is to consult a professional. As one of the best aircon installation companies in Singapore, Jetstyle Aircon can guide you through the selection and installation process, ensuring you choose the ideal unit for your home and budget. Contact us today to enquire about our aircon promotions.
