A Guide for the First-Time AC Buyer

A Guide for the First-Time AC Buyer
15th April 2020 Fujitsu News

Air Conditioning units are an essential purchase in Malta due to our bone-chilling cold winters and stifling hot summers. Most buildings are not insulated against the weather outside, which is why you commonly find at least one AC in every household.

However, some may have been on the fence about it or are in the process of moving into a new home and have decided to invest in an air-conditioning system. The next step is choosing which AC to buy, which can be overwhelming due to the large variety and certain technical terms.

There are many things to consider when choosing an AC, so we compiled a guide for the first-time buyer:

  1. AC system

The first step is deciding what type of AC system to go for. The most popular are VRF systems and split systems (there are different types of split units as well). So, let’s break this down further.

  • VRF systems (Variable refrigerant flow) use refrigerants, which are conditioned by outdoor condensing units and circulated within the building to multiple indoor units. They can be designed to create an air conditioning solution to suit most buildings requirements. This system is ideal for open plan spaces and large buildings.
  • Split systems are the most widely used air conditioning systems for domestic homes. They are called ‘split’ simply because they are split into 2 units; an indoor wall-mounted unit and an outdoor standalone compressor. They work together to provide silent and effective air conditioning. There are several types of split systems, with the most common three being:

i) Wall Mounted – Simple to install and can condition medium to large rooms. Ideal for homes that only require conditioning in one room.
ii) Duct Type – Works through ducts installed through or below the building. This requires a higher investment to install but provides more efficiency. Ideal for big offices, hospitals, restaurants and other large establishments.
iii) Multi Split – Several indoor units connected to one outdoor unit. Ideal for homes that require air conditioning in multiple rooms.

  1. Consider your budget

The second step to consider is how much you’re willing to spend on an air conditioning system. It’s important to keep in mind that after the initial purchase, there will be ongoing costs on maintenance and electricity bills. That is why you should think long-term when deciding on an AC unit.

There are many eco-friendly and energy-efficient options that will save you money on bills in the long run. Choosing a brand that is trusted and reliable will also give you peace of mind that the unit will last for a very long time with proper upkeep and care. So, in some cases it may be better to invest a bit more in the initial purchase and enjoy lower costs in the following years in terms of energy bills and wear and tear costs.

  1. BTU Rating

The third step is choosing an AC unit with the right BTU rating for your space. BTU stands for ‘British Thermal Units’ and is the measurement used to indicate the air conditioner’s capacity.

The first thought that comes to mind is the size of the room, but this is not the only factor to consider:  Other factors include the location of the room (if it faces the sun or the shade and the floor level), how many people usually occupy the room and the environment (for example, if it’s a kitchen or a bedroom and if there are insulation measures).

If the BTU rating is too low, it will have to work harder to condition the room. On the other hand, if the BTU rating is higher than needed, it will switch on and off constantly, which wastes a lot of energy. We can help by guiding you on which BTU range is the ideal one for your space.

  1. Brand & Service

A less obvious point to consider when buying an AC is the brand and the company’s after-sales service. The quality of air conditioning systems varies by brand, along with the prices. Doing your research ensures that you are choosing a trustworthy and reliable brand. Look for brands that have positive reviews, a proven track-record and international awards, such as a Euro-Vent certification. This should put your mind at ease.

As for the aftersales service, this should include installation, warranties and long-term maintenance agreements. Choose a company that is equipped to handle everything that comes after the supply, as they will make sure that every step is done to your satisfaction and your AC’s life is extended as much as possible with regularly scheduled maintenance.

Making your choice

We hope this guide helped you. If you’re seeking to make your home a haven and provide cleaner air for your family, we’re happy to help you choose the best air-conditioning unit for your requirements. We stock Fujitsu air-conditioning units, a brand with a 10-year track record of winning international awards for design, customer satisfaction, and product performance and efficiency.

Call us on 21420534, follow us on Facebook or email sales@able.com.mt for more information, a quote, or to set up an appointment.

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