Important Things to Remember When Buying an Air Conditioner Learn the essential factors to consider before purchasing an air condition...
Important Things to Remember When Buying an Air Conditioner
Learn the essential factors to consider before purchasing an air conditioner in the Philippines — from the right size, energy efficiency, AC types, to maintenance tips. A complete guide for comfortable living and smart buying.
Important Things to Remember When Buying an Air Conditioner
In a tropical country like the Philippines, the heat is no joke—especially during the summer when temperatures can reach over 40°C. Because of this, having your own air conditioner at home, office, or business is gradually becoming a necessity rather than a luxury.
But like any big investment, it’s important to carefully think and study all aspects before buying an aircon. It’s not enough to just pick a well-known brand or the cheapest unit—you also need to consider the room size, electricity consumption, type of unit, and other features that can affect your unit’s performance and monthly expenses.
Choosing the wrong air conditioner can lead to:
-
Insufficient cooling in the room
-
High electricity bills
-
Frequent breakdowns or maintenance issues
-
Lack of comfort and peace of mind
If you are planning to buy an AC for the first time or upgrade from your old unit, this guide will help you make the right decision. We will discuss the most important factors to remember—from size, energy efficiency, unit type, to maintenance and features—to ensure that the air conditioner you choose is worth its performance and your budget.
1. Right Aircon Size (HP/BTU) Based on Room Size
Choosing the correct size of air conditioner is important to effectively cool your room or space. Aircon cooling capacity is measured in HP (Horsepower) or BTU (British Thermal Units).
-
Small rooms (around 10–15 sqm) typically need about 0.75 to 1 HP or roughly 7,000 to 10,000 BTU.
-
Medium-sized rooms (around 15–25 sqm) are best suited for 1.0 to 1.5 HP or 10,000 to 14,000 BTU.
-
Large rooms (25 sqm and above) require 1.5 HP or more, depending on factors like room size, number of occupants, and heat exposure.
If the aircon is too small for the room, it won’t cool effectively. If it’s too large, it will consume more electricity and increase your costs unnecessarily.
Remember, picking the right aircon size is key to a comfortable home and energy-efficient cooling.
✅ Read: How to Determine the Right HP of Aircon for Your Room
2. Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) and Inverter Technology
Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) measures how efficiently an air conditioner uses electricity to cool a space. A higher EER means better energy efficiency, which translates to lower electricity bills.
Inverter technology further improves efficiency by allowing the aircon’s compressor to adjust its speed based on the cooling demand, rather than constantly turning on and off. This results in more consistent temperatures, less energy waste, and quieter operation.
Air conditioners with inverter technology and a high EER are ideal for saving money in the long run and reducing your carbon footprint.
Explanation
A high EER means a more energy-efficient aircon. Inverter types use variable speed compressors that can save up to 60% electricity compared to traditional models.
✅ Read: Inverter vs Non-Inverter Aircon: Which is More Worth It?
3. Type of Aircon: Window, Split, or Portable
Choosing the right type of air conditioner depends on your space, budget, and cooling needs. Here’s a quick overview of the common types:
-
Window Aircon: This is a compact unit installed on a window or a hole in the wall. It’s usually more affordable and easier to install but can be noisier and may block the window.
-
Split Aircon: Consists of two parts—a wall-mounted indoor unit and an outdoor compressor. It’s quieter, more energy-efficient, and offers better cooling, but installation is more complex and usually more expensive.
-
Portable Aircon: These units can be moved around and don’t require permanent installation. They are convenient for renters or temporary cooling but tend to be less efficient and noisier compared to window or split units.
Consider your room size, noise preference, and installation possibilities when choosing the type that fits you best.
✅ Read: Differences Between Window, Split, and Portable Aircons
4. Brand Reputation and After-Sales Support
When buying an air conditioner, it's not just about the specs and features—the brand's reputation and the quality of its after-sales support matter just as much. A trusted brand is more likely to offer durable products, reliable performance, and consistent customer satisfaction.
Good after-sales support includes accessible customer service, availability of spare parts, service centers near your area, and a clear, reliable warranty. Choosing a well-established brand can give you peace of mind, knowing that help is available if your unit needs repairs or maintenance in the future.
Always check reviews, ask for recommendations, and consider how responsive a brand is to customer concerns before making your final decision.
5. Noise Level of the Unit
Insufficient cooling in the room
High electricity bills
Frequent breakdowns or maintenance issues
Lack of comfort and peace of mind
Small rooms (around 10–15 sqm) typically need about 0.75 to 1 HP or roughly 7,000 to 10,000 BTU.
Medium-sized rooms (around 15–25 sqm) are best suited for 1.0 to 1.5 HP or 10,000 to 14,000 BTU.
Large rooms (25 sqm and above) require 1.5 HP or more, depending on factors like room size, number of occupants, and heat exposure.
A high EER means a more energy-efficient aircon. Inverter types use variable speed compressors that can save up to 60% electricity compared to traditional models.
Window Aircon: This is a compact unit installed on a window or a hole in the wall. It’s usually more affordable and easier to install but can be noisier and may block the window.
Split Aircon: Consists of two parts—a wall-mounted indoor unit and an outdoor compressor. It’s quieter, more energy-efficient, and offers better cooling, but installation is more complex and usually more expensive.
Portable Aircon: These units can be moved around and don’t require permanent installation. They are convenient for renters or temporary cooling but tend to be less efficient and noisier compared to window or split units.
The noise level of an air conditioner is an important factor to consider, especially if it will be installed in a bedroom, study area, or any quiet space. A noisy unit can disrupt sleep, concentration, or relaxation.
Check the unit’s decibel (dB) rating—lower numbers mean quieter operation. Many newer models are designed to run more silently, especially inverter types and split-type systems.
If peace and quiet are a priority, it’s best to choose a unit with a low noise rating, or one that offers a “quiet mode” or “sleep mode” feature for reduced sound during nighttime use.
6. Installation and Maintenance Needs
One of the important things to consider when buying an air conditioner is its installation and maintenance requirements. Make sure that the area where it will be installed has enough space and the proper electrical setup. It's also important to check if the unit comes with free installation or if there will be an additional cost. In addition, regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary to keep the aircon running efficiently and to prevent early damage. Poor installation or lack of maintenance can lead to higher electricity consumption and reduced cooling performance.
7. Price and Long-Term Cost Efficiency
It's not enough to only look at the initial price of an air conditioner when buying one—you should also consider its long-term operating costs. Some aircon units may cost more upfront but are more energy-efficient, helping you save more on electricity bills over time. Look for features like a high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) or inverter technology. Choosing the right unit can help you manage not just your current budget but also your monthly energy expenses in the long run.
8. Additional Features: Smart Controls, Filters, Humidity Settings
Aside from an air conditioner’s cooling power, it’s also worth checking out the extra features that can enhance comfort and convenience.
✅ Smart Controls – Many modern air conditioners now come with Wi-Fi or smart connectivity, allowing you to control the unit remotely through a mobile app or smart home system. This means you can turn it on or off, adjust the temperature, or set a timer even when you're not at home.
✅ Filters – High-quality filters help clean the air by removing dust, smoke, allergens, and other pollutants. This is especially beneficial for people with allergies or households with pets.
✅ Humidity Settings – Some units come with a dehumidifier function that helps remove excess moisture from the air. This feature is useful during humid or rainy days, making the indoor air feel cooler and less sticky.
These added features aren't just luxuries—they can be a valuable investment for better comfort, health, and energy efficiency.
✅ Read: What Is a Smart Aircon? Features, Benefits, and Why It’s Worth It
✅ Final Thoughts
Choosing the right aircon provides a cooler and more comfortable life—without stress and extra expenses. With this guide, you’ll become a smarter buyer and find a unit that fits your space, budget, and needs perfectly.
Back to main Guide on Air conditioner, visit our Complete Air Conditioner Buying Guide
Choosing the right aircon provides a cooler and more comfortable life—without stress and extra expenses. With this guide, you’ll become a smarter buyer and find a unit that fits your space, budget, and needs perfectly.
Related Articles You Might Like:
- Smart Inverter vs Inverter Aircon: What’s the Difference and Which Is More Worth It?
- How to Determine the Right HP of Aircon for Your Room
- Inverter vs Non-Inverter Aircon: Which is More Worth It?
- Differences Between Window, Split, and Portable Aircons
- What Is a Smart Aircon? Features, Benefits, and Why It’s Worth It
- Smart Inverter vs Inverter Aircon: What’s the Difference and Which Is More Worth It?
- How to Determine the Right HP of Aircon for Your Room
- Inverter vs Non-Inverter Aircon: Which is More Worth It?
- Differences Between Window, Split, and Portable Aircons
- What Is a Smart Aircon? Features, Benefits, and Why It’s Worth It
COMMENTS