Air Conditioing for your home can provide much-needed relief from heat, improving comfort, air quality, and even health – and keep your house warm in the winter months.
But with so many options available, selecting the best air conditioning unit for your home can prove tricky.
In this Best Air guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when choosing air conditioning for your home to help you make the right decision.
Type of air conditioning unit
There are several types of units available, each with its pros and cons depending on your needs:
AirCons for the Home – Different Units.
- Portable Air Con Units: These are easy to move around and typically require no professional installation. They are ideal for small spaces or if you only need temporary cooling in one room. However, they are noisier and less energy-efficient than other options.
- Single-Split-System Air Conditioning Units: This system has two parts: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, connected by a refrigerant line. It’s highly efficient and offers quiet operation, making it one of the most popular choices for home air con. Split systems are ideal for larger spaces and can be installed in multiple rooms.
- Ducted Air Conditioning: A more extensive solution, ducted air conditioning is integrated into the building’s structure. It’s a great option for cooling entire homes but involves more upfront costs and installation work. This system is highly efficient and offers central control over your home’s temperature.
- Multi-Split Air Con Systems: Similar to single-split systems but designed to cool multiple rooms using a single outdoor unit, these are excellent for homes with limited outdoor space or those wanting to cool more than one room without installing several separate units.
Home AirCon – Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a crucial factor to consider when choosing air conditioning units, as it directly affects your running costs and environmental impact.
In the UK, energy performance ratings are based on the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system, which can save you money on electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Look for air conditioning units with an ‘A’ energy efficiency rating or higher.
Modern air con units often come with energy-saving features like timers and smart thermostats, which allow you to control the temperature and usage more precisely. These features can ensure that your air con at home is not consuming excess energy, especially when no one is home.
Size and capacity of HVAC units
A unit that’s too small for your space will struggle to heat or call the room, leading to higher energy consumption and wear on the system. Conversely, an air con unit that’s too large for the space will cycle on and off frequently, wasting energy and causing an uneven climate.
At Best Air, we can advise on the correct size and capacity to help you choose the best air conditioning unit for the size of your room.
Noise levels
When installing air con at home, noise is an important consideration, particularly for bedrooms or living rooms where quiet is essential.
Portable units tend to be louder than split systems or ducted air con. Split-system units are typically designed to run quietly, as the compressor is placed outside, with just the fan operating indoors.
Look for units with a noise level of around 48dB or lower for the outside unit and 19dB indoors for quiet operation. Many modern air conditioning units also offer a sleep mode, which reduces noise levels to a minimum for nighttime use.
Home AirCon Installation and maintenance
The complexity of installation and ongoing maintenance should also influence your decision. Portable air con units require minimal installation—just venting through a window or door—but split and ducted systems need professional installation.
Once installed, regular maintenance is essential to keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently. Proper upkeep not only ensures the longevity of your system but is also a warranty requirement, and, of course, it helps maintain good air quality inside your home.
Smart features and controls
As technology advances, air conditioning units are becoming smarter, offering a range of features that enhance convenience and efficiency.
Many modern systems can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi, allowing you to control them via a smartphone app. This means you can adjust the temperature remotely, ensuring your home is cool and comfortable by the time you arrive.
Other features to look for include programmable timers, energy usage tracking, and voice control compatibility with systems like Alexa.
Speak to the air con experts
Choosing the right air conditioning for your home requires careful consideration of factors like the type of unit, energy efficiency, size, noise levels, and smart features.
The best air conditioning units offer a balance between comfort, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use, providing a tailored solution that meets your home’s specific needs.
Get a quick quote online, or contact our team for advice on getting the right air con system in place, so you and your family can enjoy a comfortable, climate-controlled environment all year round.
