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Many households are planning to install air conditioning systems to combat the harsh summer weather. So, which type of air conditioner should you choose to save on costs?
1. Choosing an energy-efficient air conditioner: Revealing 2 lesser-known tips
Many households are planning to install air conditioning systems to combat intense heat. So, which type of air conditioner should you choose to save costs?
Summer has just arrived, and the weather in Hanoi and northern provinces has already reached 37-38 degrees Celsius. According to forecasts, 2019 is set to be a historically hot year. Many families are planning to install air conditioners before the peak heatwave hits.
Market research shows significant price variations among different air conditioner models, even for the same cooling area. However, the most expensive type may not necessarily be the most energy-efficient. Customers should choose based on their usage needs.
Is Inverter Air Conditioning Cost-Effective?
Utilizing inverter technology, Inverter air conditioners can automatically adjust their working capacity to match the room temperature. The unit operates quietly and steadily, avoiding constant on/off cycles like conventional air conditioners, resulting in energy savings.
According to calculations, if used for more than 6 hours, Inverter air conditioners can save from 30-50% on electricity costs. However, the downside is that Inverter air conditioners are more expensive, approximately 3 million VND more than regular ones with the same capacity. Installation and repairs are also more challenging, requiring highly skilled technicians at a higher cost.
For families using air conditioning for a short time, around 2-3 hours per day, choosing a regular air conditioner may be more economical.
In the case of households with babies, it is advisable to use Inverter air conditioners for gentle, stable cooling without the extremes of being too cold or too hot, as often seen in regular air conditioners.
Buying a Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner or a Floor-Standing Air Conditioner
Compared to wall-mounted air conditioners, floor-standing air conditioners typically have higher capacity (averaging from 18,000-100,000 BTU). Therefore, floor-standing air conditioners are suitable for larger spaces like living rooms, restaurants, or crowded offices.
Due to its specially designed condenser unit, the floor-standing air conditioner operates stably and is more durable than wall-mounted ones. On the other hand, wall-mounted air conditioners run quietly without generating noise like floor-standing ones. The price of wall-mounted air conditioners is also more affordable.
Choosing an air conditioner using gas R410a or R32
These are the two most common types of refrigerants used today. R32, introduced later, is often used in the latest air conditioner models. Compared to R410a, R32 provides deeper and cooler cooling, making air conditioners that use R32 more energy-efficient. However, the cost of charging R32 gas is usually double that of R410a.
Choosing installation technicians from the store or external technicians
The efficient operation of an air conditioner depends heavily on the skills of the installation technician. Unfortunately, this factor is often overlooked by customers. Not all appliance stores or electronic stores have a dedicated team of professional technicians. The installation process may be outsourced to a third party, which is common with e-commerce websites selling online.
Due to not being responsible for warranty, there have been cases where the hired installation unit lacks responsibility or cuts corners, such as using inferior quality copper pipes, electrical wires, or substituting materials with lower quality, etc.
It is advisable for customers to use the services of reputable electronics centers and chains. In the case of online orders, it is recommended to hire a team of reputable technicians from outside.
