If you live in a tropical country like the Philippines, a quality air conditioner can be a lifesaver. No other appliance will be as good at keeping your indoor environment cool and comfortable even as outdoor temperatures begin to soar. Manufacturers are also coming out with modern AC units outfitted with a host of helpful features, such as quieter motors, energy-saving functions, built-in thermostats and timers, and sleeker, more space-efficient designs.
When you find yourself in need of a new AC, you may want to start looking up prices at your favorite appliance store straightaway. You might even find a shiny new inverter aircon for sale and jump at the chance to buy it right then and there. But did you know that where you decide to place your aircon in your home is just as important as the make and model you choose? Even the latest, most advanced air conditioners need to be situated in an ideal location to make the most of their cooling and energy-saving capabilities.
Here are 5 helpful tips to help you choose the optimal spot for your air conditioner:
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Make Sure Outdoor Units Have Enough Shade
A traditional window-type air conditioner is installed in a room through a small hole in one wall, with most of the unit’s body sitting outdoors. If you’ll be buying this type of aircon, it’s an absolute must to make sure that the unit has adequate sun protection. Constant exposure to direct sunlight will heat it up quickly and force it to work harder to cool the inside of your home. And if your aircon isn’t working at peak efficiency, you’ll also undoubtedly see higher energy costs at the end of each month.
To ensure that your outdoor AC unit cools your home most efficiently and saves as much energy as possible, it’s best to install it in a shady, well-ventilated area. You can also install a sunshade or other type of covering over your aircon to protect it not only from direct sunlight but from rain damage as well.
Keep It Away from Doors and Entranceways
Whether you end up with a window-type or a fully indoor split-type air conditioner, installing it far from the door or entrance to your chosen room will help it work its best. Placing it too close to the door will naturally cause the cool air to escape every time the door is opened and closed. This will in turn cause your room’s overall temperature to fluctuate, and it will probably take much longer for the room to reach the desired level of cool. The inconsistent temperature may also force your aircon’s internal sensors to work harder and consume more electricity.
Avoid Lightbulbs and Other Heat-Emitting Objects
Some more advanced AC units automatically shut off their motors once the room has reached a set temperature. Homeowners running these types of air conditioners may sometimes wonder why they continue to run when the room already feels cool enough. If your AC runs continuously, it’s likely that the aircons are installed too close to lightbulbs or other devices that emit heat, which can make it difficult for the unit’s sensors to detect changes in temperature.
If your aircon is unable to sense temperature changes, it may continue to run until you end up with a much colder room than desired, which uses more energy. The room’s occupants will also be forced to manually adjust temperature settings or shut off the AC for a few minutes once they get too cold. To avoid these inconveniences, it’s best to install your aircon away from any objects that emit light or heat.
Place It in a Spot That Will Distribute the Air Evenly
One failsafe tip for determining the ideal spot to place your aircon is to consider the size and shape of the room you intend to install it in very carefully. You want to situate your AC in a part of the room that will allow it to distribute air evenly throughout the whole space. In a rectangular room, for example, you’ll want to avoid cramped, cluttered corners that will block the airflow and make cooling less efficient. Instead, install your aircon along one of the room’s longer walls. This placement enables the air to flow freely to all sides of the room.
Install It High Up for More Efficient Cooling
It’s a scientific fact that hot air rises upwards while cool air sinks downwards. With this in mind, your aircon will cool your room most efficiently if you place it in an elevated spot. Installing your aircon too close to the ground will only make it more difficult to get the temperatures you want. You may even end up spending more on electricity because you have to keep your aircon on for longer than normal. A higher placement, meanwhile, supports the even distribution of cool air and will help your room reach the ideal temperature faster.
At the end of the day, getting the best possible home cooling experience is about more than just investing in a state-of-the-art aircon. Thinking carefully about where to place your air conditioner will allow you to get the most mileage and the biggest energy savings out of any AC unit you buy.
