The step-by-step guide to choosing the right air-conditioner

15.3.2022

Bigger is always better, right? Not when it comes to air conditioning. Too powerful, and you get uneven cooling with super cool spots near the device and hot spots in corners. Not powerful enough, and the device will get overworked while still failing to reach the desired temperature. In both cases you get higher operating costs and underwhelming results. The secret to success is getting the AC cooling capacity just right. Here is the step-by-step guide to help you find the best air-conditioner for your needs.

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Step 1: Measure room size

Room size is crucial when buying a new AC unit. It defines the power needed to cool down the room perfectly, without overworking or overspending. Take a measuring tape and find out the square footage (m2) of your home. Luckily for you it is not a math test, so an approximate number will work just fine.

Tip: The average ceiling height is 2.5m, if you have lower or higher ceiling, don’t forget to consider it because you may need more or less powerful AC.

Step 2: Define other factors

Is your home super-hot during summer days, because is directly exposed to sun? Or does it sit comfortably in the shade of big trees? Do you live in hot and humid climate? Do you have proper insulation and quality windows? Are your ceilings extra high? How many people live in the household? Are there any additional heat sources at home? These are just a few extra factors that can (and will) affect room temperature during those crucial summer days. So, they should be considered when buying a new air conditioning system. Make a list of everything that affects room temperature in your home.

Step 3: Calculate AC capacity for your home

Air conditioning capacity is usually measured in BTU or kW. Maybe you have already seen this information on devices, but how many do you need? For a small room, around 10 to 14 m2, 7.000 BTU (2 kW) will work just fine. For a medium sized room, around 30 m2, you will need around 9.000-12.000 BTU (2,6kW-3,5kW) cooling capacity, while for bigger spaces of 40 to 50 m2 you should invest in an AC with 10.000 to 24.000 BTU (5,0 - 7,0 kW). This is just a starting point. Remember all the other factors we need to consider, like climate, people, direct exposure to sun etc.? They all increase the BTU needed. Add 400 BTU for every person (over 2) and another 2.000 BTU if a room has lots of windows and is exposed to sun all day long. If the AC is for the kitchen add 2.000 BTU, while if you plan to install it in the basement or in a cooler room, subtract the same amount. Use your judgement for all factors on your list. Sometimes it will not be straightforward, so just try to do your best.

Step 4: Choose the right type of AC

Now that you know the core cooling power needed, it is time to find out what type of AC suits you best. Usually, you will have the choice between split AC and portable AC devices. Most people go for a split air conditioner. It consists of two separate devices - one is mounted inside and one outside. These devices are more efficient and can be used to cool larger areas, as they come with higher cooling capacity, up to 12.000 BTU (3,5 kW) and more. New models, like the Hisense Energy Pro Plus [insert hyperlink to your Hisense Energy pro plus AC range], provide lots of practical functions, including remote WiFi control, smart comfort settings, optimal air flow Anti-virus feature and you can even use it for heating in the coldest winter days when the outside temperature drops to -25°C. This is a perfect choice if you are looking to improve the overall home environment.

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Portable air conditioners are more suitable for small spaces, as they usually have cooling capacity around 6.000 to 8.000 BTU (1,7 - 2,3 kW). They are incredibly easy to install & move as they do not require any mounting and are cheaper than other AC devices. If you still want strong cooling but don’t want the hassle of installing split AC to the wall, the Hisense Portable-G is perfect for a breeze of fresh air in any room. It comes as a multifunction AC, fan and dehumidifier and provides stronger cooling than most other portable AC devices, with cooling capacity of up to 12.000 BTU (3,5 kW).

Now you are all set. You know which type of AC you need and how much cooling capacity it should have. The next step is start exploring your options. Discover the whole Hisense air conditioning range and find the perfect AC for you.