When you decide to buy an air conditioner, you come across so many technical jargon that it can feel like you are trying to decipher some foreign language. Understanding terms such as BTU, SEER, EER, HVAC, COP, inverter technology, refrigerant, IP rating, noise level (dB), etc., can be overwhelming and confusing for many. However, educating yourself with these terminologies can make a huge difference and help you make a smart purchase.
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In this article, we will provide you with a glossary of air conditioner terms that will help you make a thoughtful choice. We will also list down the types of air conditioners available and their features, top picks on GARVEE, and more.
Table of Contents
· Essential Air Conditioner Terms Explained
· Types of Air Conditioners
· How to Choose the Right Air Conditioner for Your Needs?
· Air Conditioners on GARVEE that You Must Check Out
Essential Air Conditioner Terms Explained
Here are a few air conditioner terms that you should know before you decide to purchase one. This will give you a better understanding of what kind of AC you want based on your preferences.
Air Handler: An air handler is a key component of an HVAC system that basically works in conjunction with the outdoor unit. It helps circulate conditioned air all throughout your home, ensuring consistent airflow and temperature control.
BTU (British Thermal Unit): BTU is the measurement of the cooling capacity of an air conditioner. It represents the amount of heat an AC can remove from a space in a given period of time. The higher the BTU rating of an air conditioner, the greater its cooling capacity.
Blower: A blower is a fan inside the AC unit that helps push cooled air through the ductwork and into your home. It is one of the most essential components as it helps distribute cool air that is felt from the vents.
Compressor: The compressor is basically a key part or rather the heart of an air conditioner. Located inside the condenser unit, it pressurizes the refrigerant, enabling heat transfer. A high-quality compressor definitely improves efficiency and longevity.
Condenser Coil: A key part of an air conditioning system is a condenser coil. It is located in the outdoor unit where it releases all the heat absorbed by the refrigerant to the outside air. Thereby, cooling the refrigerant down and letting it cycle back to the system to cool your space.
Cooling Capacity: Cooling capacity is the amount of heat an air conditioner can remove from a space per hour. It is typically measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) or tons and is a key factor in selecting the right AC unit based on your room size.
COP (Coefficient of Performance): COP (Coefficient of Performance) basically is a measure of an air conditioner’s efficiency, indicating how much cooling it can produce per unit of energy consumed. Hence, the higher the COP of an AC, the greater its efficiency, as more cooling is achieved with less energy consumption.
Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier can be one of the features in some air conditioners that helps with the removal of excess moisture from the air, enhancing your comfort levels.
EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio): EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a measurement of how efficiently an air conditioner operates under peak or specific conditions. It is calculated by dividing the cooling capacity (in BTUs) by the power input (in watts). The higher the EER, the more efficient your AC unit is, meaning you get more cooling with less energy consumption.
Evaporator Coil: An evaporator coil located in the indoor unit of the air conditioner basically absorbs heat from the air in your home and enables the cooling process.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Basically, it is an umbrella term for complete climate control systems that regulate heating, cooling, humidity, and air quality in residential and commercial buildings.
Heat Pump: A heat pump is essentially a type of HVAC system that can cool as well as heat a home by reversing the cooling process. In the cooling mode, it works like a traditional AC and in the heat mode, it extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it indoors.
Inverter Technology: Inverter technology is basically a feature that is found in most modern air conditioners. This inverter technology adjusts the compressor’s speed, saving energy, and maintaining temperatures.
IP Rating (Ingress Protection Rating): An IP rating indicates an air conditioner's resistance to dust and water. The higher the IP rating, the greater the protection.
MERV Rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value): MERV Rating measures the effectiveness of air filters in capturing airborne particles. The higher the MERV rating, the better it filters dust, pollen, mold spores, and other contaminants.
Noise Level (dB - Decibels): dB or decibels measures the noise level of an air conditioner. Residential AC units can fall under the 40 to 70 dB category. Below 50 is usually considered quiet and perfect for bedrooms, however, there are some quieter models that can be as low as 19-25 Db.
Refrigerant: A refrigerant is a chemical compound that absorbs and releases heat, enabling the cooling process in air conditioners. The most common ones are R-410A and R-32.
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): SEER is the measurement of how efficiently an air conditioner cools over a typical cooling season. The higher the SEER ratings, the greater the energy savings and lower the electricity bills.
Ton: Ton basically refers to the measurement of an air conditioner’s cooling capacity. 1 ton = 12,000 BTUs per hour.
Types of Air Conditioners
Let’s take a look at the types of air conditioners and their features below.
Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioners are basically designed to cool your entire home. Cool air is distributed throughout a network of ducts. These ACs provide uniform cooling and are best suited for larger spaces. However, central air conditioners are much more expensive to install than other types of air conditioners.
Features:
· Central ACs work with a thermostat for automated control
· Requires ductwork
· High cooling efficiency
Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioners
As the name suggests, ductless mini split air conditioner requires no ductwork. These kinds of ACs are wall-mounted units that have an outdoor condenser and indoor air handlers. With a ductless mini split air conditioner, each room’s temperature can be controlled independently. Additionally, they have a higher initial cost but their operating expenses are lower.
Features:
· Wall-mounted indoor units
· Zone-based cooling for energy efficiency
· Operates quietly compared to central air conditioners
Window Air Conditioners
A window air conditioner is a compact single unit that is mounted in a window or a wall opening of a room. While these ACs are affordable and easy to install, they may not be as efficient as central or ductless air conditioners and they can be noisy. Additionally, they have a limited cooling range, as they are designed to cool only a single room or small space efficiently.
Features:
· They are easy to install and remove
· Compact design
· Affordable options
Portable Air Conditioners
A portable air conditioner is a freestanding AC unit with wheels that can be moved from one place to another, taking up your floor space. These air conditioners need an exhaust hose to vent hot air outside. Besides, though less efficient than ductless or window ACs, portable air conditioners are ideal for those looking for non-permanent options.
Features:
· It doesn’t require permanent installation
· Needs an exhaust hose
· Has wheels for easy mobility
· Suitable for small to medium-sized rooms
Hybrid Air Conditioners
Hybrid air conditioners are dual-fuel systems that combine electric cooling with a gas-powered heating system for enhanced energy efficiency. These systems automatically switch between power sources based on outdoor temperatures and energy demand, providing both heating and cooling. However, they have a higher upfront cost and can be complex to install.
Features:
· Automatically switches between power sources
· Reduces energy costs
· Perfect for areas where temperature fluctuates
Smart Air Conditioners
Smart air conditioners are Wi-Fi-enabled units that can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app or voice assistant. While they have a higher initial cost, they integrate seamlessly with home automation systems, offering enhanced convenience.
Features:
· Compatible with smart home systems
· Energy monitoring features
· Programmable temperature settings
How to Choose the Right Air Conditioner for Your Needs?
Here are a few factors to consider when choosing an AC for your home.
Measure Your Room: Use a BTU calculator to match the AC unit to your space size. Here’s a general BTU recommendation based on room size. Up to 150 sq. ft. → 5,000-6,000 BTU, 150-350 sq. ft. → 6,000-8,000 BTU, and 350-550 sq. ft. → 8,000-12,000 BTU.
Check Energy Efficiency Ratings: The higher the energy efficiency ratings, the lower your energy cost. Therefore, look for AC units with higher SEER, EER, and Energy-Star certification so that you can save up on your electricity bills.
Consider Noise Level (dB): Look for lower dB ratings for quiet operation, especially if you are looking for AC units for bedrooms.
Consider Usage Needs: When deciding on an AC unit remember to keep in mind your usage needs. If you need to cool just a single room, then more practical options will be window or portable ACs, but if you need cooling in multiple rooms, then more ideal options would be central or ductless AC units.
Consider Installation: If you cannot permanently install something, probably because you do not want to or you stay in a rented home, then go for a portable air conditioner.
Look for Smart Features: Wi-Fi control, timers, and eco-modes enhance convenience.
Air Conditioners on GARVEE that You Must Check Out
Explore garvee.com for a wide range of high-quality air conditioners that are tailored to meet your needs and preferences.
GARVEE 8000 BTU Smart Window AC
Fitting 23-36" windows, this ultra-quiet 8000 BTU window air conditioner is quick and efficient enough to cool a 350 square foot area. It has a 3-in-1 functionality – cool, dehumidify, and fan. In addition, it offers a sleep mode that guarantees you soundless sleep. It also has an environmentally safe R-32 refrigerant, which guarantees quick and effective cooling.
GARVEE 14000 BTU Portable AC
This GARVEE 14000 BTU portable air conditioner can cool an area of up to 700 square feet. It has three functions: cooling, fanning, and dehumidifying. It also has energy-saving features including a timer and sleep mode. Besides, you can move it from one area to another easily because of its 360° wheels.
GARVEE 12000 BTU Smart Split Air Conditioner
This 12000 BTU Split Air Conditioner offers efficient cooling and heating all year round. It has 5 modes, a self-cleaning and auto-defrost feature, and a remote for easy control. Additionally, this mini split air conditioner can seamlessly integrate with Google Home and Alexa, enabling effortless control via the app.
GARVEE 8000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
This 8000 BTU portable AC can effectively cool 350 square feet of space with its 8000 BTU capacity. It has four built-in features: fan, sleep mode, drying, and cooling. It also features a manual draining system and self-evaporation. An installation kit, exhaust hose, and remote control are included.
GARVEE 6000 BTU Window Air Conditioners with Remote Control and Wi-Fi
this 6000 BTU window AC can cool up to 250 square feet. It also features DC technology and an energy-saving mode. Additionally, its creative U-shape reduces noise.
GARVEE 9000 BTU Mini Split AC/Heating System
This GARVEE mini split AC has a powerful 9000 BTU cooling capacity and a high 19 SEER energy efficiency. It has a 4-in-1 functionality – cool, heat, fan, and dry. Additionally, it also has an automatic cleaning function and comes with an easy DIY installation kit.
We hope this ultimate glossary of air conditioner terms will help you understand air conditioners better so you can make an informed and smart decision when purchasing one.
Explore more such air conditioners on https://www.garvee.com/ here!