Category - Air Conditioning
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Will Scholfield, Engineer

31 Jan : Updated 15 Apr ● 6 min read

Which air conditioner? Choosing the right AC System for you

Being in a comfortable environment is everything. You spend a lot of your time in the home, so when the summer months come around, you need a cool space, free from humidity. When shopping around for a large product or one that is a big investment, you need it to be right for you. Air conditioning is no exception.

Which air conditioner should you choose for your home? This guide will cover the different types of air conditioning and which are better suited to your property.

What you should know before you buy an AC system.

Wondering how to choose an air conditioner? Before you go out and hand pick the first air conditioning system you see, there are a number of things you need to consider. You must ensure you get the most out of you system and that it fits your home set up.

Your room and system size.

Possibly the most important factor when choosing your air conditioning is the sizing of your room and new air con unit. If you pick an air conditioner that is too small for a room, you’ll not feel much difference in temperature, if any. If your air conditioner is too large for the room, you’ll waste a lot of energy as your system will be constantly turning on and off to try and regulate your temperature.

Speed settings.

The speed of the fan in your air conditioning system should be adjustable to enable you to control how much clean air will flow around the room. If a room is particularly hot and stuffy, for example, a higher setting will enable you to cool your room much faster. You will also be able to find a perfect, quieter setting for night time usage, if required.

Other additional features.

From remote and smart thermostats to energy saving settings, your AC system can be personalised to your exact requirements. If needed, you can opt for a remote thermostat, for example, meaning that you can adjust the temperature settings using a separate controller. You may even be able to save electricity and money on your bills by choosing the energy saving option on some models.

Air conditioning types.

Finding the right air conditioning system for you completely depends on your needs. Here are the main types of air conditioning system in the UK, some of which may be better suited to your home or property than others:

Split air conditioning systems.

This type of air conditioning is the most common. A split system air conditioner involves the placement of a wall mounted unit indoors and an outdoor unit connected to it. This type of AC system is a great choice for a number of reasons. Not only do they only require a small hole to be cut through a wall to connect the two units, eliminating the need for any large structural work, but it also comes with the ability to control room temperature yourself and heat your home too when desired.

If you’re happy to have a wall mounted unit in your home and care about the efficiency of your system, then a split system is the one for you.

Why choose this type of air conditioner?

  • Energy efficient.
  • Cooling and heating benefits.
  • Simple installation.

Central air conditioning.

Central air conditioning systems are more common in newer homes or newbuilds. This is usually because ducts will need to be installed throughout existing walls. If you have an older home, this will result in cutting into your existing walls - a big job, and something that is better to avoid. Even though the energy efficiency rates are high, the upfront costs are high. This is due to the duct installation and the time it takes to complete. You’ll also need to install an outdoor compressor too.

Why choose this type of air conditioner?

  • Good for newbuilds.
  • Energy efficient.
  • Effective and quiet in operation.

If you’re going through the process of property remodel or you don’t have a limit in your budget, a central air conditioning system may be suitable.

Portable air conditioners.

Portable air conditioners are a convenient alternative to a larger air conditioning system and are perfect for moving around to cool a smaller room or area. Even though the portable system isn’t as efficient as the central or split system air conditioner, they can be a great option for those who rent property or tend to move around often. Usually, a portable air conditioner has a more stylish design in order to fit in with the decor of your home. The built in wheels make it easier to transport from room to room and they are also very easy to control.

If you need a convenient option and something you can transport from room to room without paying out, then a portable air conditioner is for you.  

Why choose this type of air conditioner?

  • Easy to move and control.
  • Great for those who rent or move often.
  • Cheaper than larger system.

Which air conditioner is best?

Well, the only way to find out for sure is to do your research on the types of system we’ve already mentioned and decide which possess the biggest advantages for you and your home set up. Take on board the benefits and decide what is achievable for you home.

If you’re struggling to decide, you can always use our web chat to talk to an engineer. We’ll try our best to answer any questions and make recommendations based on your needs.

Read: EER in air conditioners

Decide which air conditioner is for you by choosing BOXT.

The most suitable air conditioner for you can depend on a number of things, including the size of the space you wish to cool, your budget and the features included. Here at BOXT, we’ve made things incredibly simple when deciding which air conditioner is for you.

Use our ‘Find An AC’ tool to choose an air conditioner best suited to your needs. It works by gathering the answers to some simple questions about your home environment and needs, and will then present a number of different air conditioning systems to you, based entirely on your needs.

For more information about which air conditioner you should choose, you can chat instantly to a qualified BOXT engineer using our live chat.

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