Budget vs. Need Which AC is Right for Your Home

AC was once a symbol of luxury in the inner-city of the middle class; but with the changing climate and unbearable heat, it has now become an essential part of comfort. However, when it comes to deciding to buy an AC, numerous questions come to mind—how much budget is it possible to buy? How many tons are needed for the house? Is it the worry of electricity bills—or how much? Falling into this maze of budget and needs, many people choose the wrong AC. They have to pay the price for this in the long-term electricity bills and mechanical problems.

Mathematical calculation of tons and volume

The biggest mistake many consumers make when choosing an AC is the mismatch between the size of the room and the ton of the AC. According to experts, generally 1 ton for a room of 100 to 120 square feet, 1.5 tons for 120 to 170 square feet, and 2 ton AC is ideal for rooms of more than this size. If you install a low-ton AC in a large room with a budget in mind, the room will not cool as desired, and the electricity meter will also run faster due to the extra pressure on the compressor.

In this regard, Electro Mart Limited’s Senior National Sales Manager Md. Julhaq Hossain told Prothom Alo, “Buying an AC is not just buying an appliance, it is a long-term investment. Many times, buyers buy a low-ton AC to save budget, which actually has the opposite effect. A low-power AC runs for a long time to cool a large room, resulting in an increase in electricity bills and additional pressure on the compressor, reducing the durability of the appliance.”

The effect of house-facing wind and furniture

According to analysts, the location of the windows in the room and the abundance of furniture have a direct impact on the cooling of the AC. Especially in a south- or west-facing room, if the afternoon sun is strong for a long time, a slightly higher-powered AC is required than usual. Again, if the ceiling is too high or there is a lot of heavy furniture in the room, air circulation is disrupted. In this case, in addition to improving the insulation system, the AC should be located in such a place that the air flow is even throughout the room.

Budget and inverter technology calculation for the middle-class

Budget is a big consideration for middle-class families. However, in the current market, smart AC brands like Walton or Gree are offering all the modern features at affordable prices. Buying an inverter AC in particular is no longer just a luxury; rather, it is the most effective tool for saving electricity. Although the price of inverters is slightly higher than non-inverters; but the big savings on electricity bills at the end of the month make the additional cost pay off within two to three years.

In this context, Md. Julhaq Hossain said, “The most important thing for middle-class families is to make the right decision within the budget. A big misconception is that buying an AC at a low price is a savings. In reality, if you do not use the right ton and energy-saving technology, that savings are lost very quickly. In this case, inverter technology ACs from reliable brands like Gree can be an effective solution. Because, they reduce electricity consumption by controlling their power according to the room temperature.

Buying precautions and proper maintenance

Experts say that for long-term use, it is important to ensure that the AC condenser is 100% copper or copper or not. In addition, it is necessary to keep an eye on whether modern and environmentally friendly refrigerant (such as R-32 gas) has been used in it for environmental protection and fast cooling.

However, buying a good AC is not the last thing, its durability depends on installing it properly. Installing an AC by an incompetent technician often causes various mechanical complications including gas leakage, which leads to big costs in the long run. If the AC is installed and regular servicing is ensured by an authorized representative and experienced technician, not only mechanical problems are reduced, but the life of the AC is also increased many times over.