Gone are the days when the only way to keep cool in a Bermuda summer was to either install an air conditioner that sounded like an aeroplane taking off or open the window and pray for a breeze.
Technology has advanced so much, in fact, that now the only thing leaving us hot and sweaty is the dilemma of choosing from the vast range of AC options at the appliance stores.
How big is your room? What floor is it on? What’s your budget? Do you care what the AC looks and sounds like? Does it need to be energy efficient and easy to maintain?
As you consider all these questions and more, Brendan Stones, the General Manager of AirCare, provided advice to help navigate the ever-evolving world of air conditioners.
“When air conditioning started becoming popular in Bermuda almost all homes (and even some offices) used window units,” Mr Stones said.
“These units were loud and extremely inefficient. While window units have become much quieter and more energy efficient thanks to the development of new technologies, there is now a much wider variety of more efficient and aesthetically pleasing options to air condition homes and offices with far better results.”
Air conditioners come in different shapes and sizes, so Mr. Stones talked us through various the pros and cons:
Window air conditioners
Sitting within the window frame, these units draw hot air out of the room and blow cold air in.
Pros:
- Highly effective cooling small to medium spaces.
- Water drains outside the house.
- Readily available and fairly affordable to purchase and run.
- Require little maintenance.
Cons:
- Potential security risk and can fall if not secured appropriately.
- Some find them visually unappealing.
- Water can drain in an inconvenient place.
- Generally noisier and lower energy efficiency rating.
Latest model: Midea 12,000 BTU window unit. Self-evaporative, auto-defrosting and auto-restarting functions, fresh air ventilation and both heating and cooling. Far more energy efficient than its predecessors.
Portable air conditioners
These standalone cooling units can be placed anywhere and easily moved or stored thanks to their compact design.
Pros:
- Provide quick, temporary cooling solution for small to medium spaces.
- Flexible, portable and can be self-installed in 15 minutes.
- Budget friendly for initial investment and general maintenance.
- Newer smart units can connect to an app for extra convenience.
Cons:
- Limited cooling capacity options and less energy efficient.
- Tend to be noisier because the components are inside your home.
- You need to empty the drain pan.
- Require an exhaust hose to be vented through a window.
Latest model: Midea portable air conditioner. Free-standing in-room unit that produces 12,000 BTU per hour. Easy and quick installation, quiet and efficient, can be easily moved from room to room.
Split system air conditioners
These contain an indoor unit and an outdoor compressor and condenser unit, connected by copper tubes. Heat is absorbed by the indoor unit and transferred by the flow of refrigerant to the condenser unit outside, where it is released.
Pros
- Convenient with flexible options such as single or multi-zone, wall units, concealed ducted and ceiling cassettes.
- Attractive, sleek and slim, without air ducts or clunky components in the window.
- Energy efficient and can offer heating, cooling and dehumidification functions.
- Easy to use and programmable with a variety of settings.
Cons
- Initial investment is more expensive.
- Require professional installation and maintenance, which increases costs while improving efficiency and longevity.
Latest model: Daikin Atmosphera single zone heating and cooling system. Uses the R32 refrigerant gas which makes it more energy efficient than older models, with lower threat to global warming.
Factors to consider when choosing air conditioners:
Energy efficiency
Installing energy efficiency rated units can reduce your energy use by up to 50 per cent.
Look out for the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio/Rating (SEER); Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER); Heating Seasonal Performance Factor Rating (HSPF); and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER).
“The higher the energy rating, the more energy efficient the unit,” Mr. Stones explained.
“Energy ratings can be provided for each system supported by AirCare, including window and portable units, to ensure customers know the efficiency of the system they are investing in.”
Room size
Your sales consultant will help you pick the right AC for your space.
You will need to consider what floor you’re on, because heat rises, how much direct sunlight it gets and how many people or heat producing appliances are in the room.
If you’re installing split or central systems, a consultant will visit the property to recommend the size of the unit.
Noise
Advances in technology mean that even window units and portable units are relatively quiet these days.
Ask about the decibel rating to decide which system option, unit, or brand works best for you. “Purchasers should keep in mind that the loudest component of an AC system is the compressor,” Mr. Stones said. “Portable ACs tend to be louder than most units because the compressor is part of the unit.”
Longevity
The quality of the device, installation, and maintenance can improve its longevity, but Bermuda’s humidity and salty air will shorten its life.
Mr Stones said: “Typically, window units have the shortest lifespan as they are exposed to the elements. Central air conditioning and mini-split systems have the cooling unit outside which is exposed to the elements, but with proper maintenance these can last for ten years or more.”
You should purchase from a licensed retailer and ensure a qualified HVAC technician installs your central and split systems.
Maintenance
Regular system maintenance will improve energy efficiency; extend equipment lifespan; produce savings on your monthly bill; maintain optimal performance; and help you detect problems early.
During maintenance appointments, technicians monitor refrigerant levels, check for issues such as leaks, and clean coils and drains.
Mr. Stones said: “While some Items like filter cleaning can be done safely by the customers, the items checked during a maintenance appointment are best left to the professionally trained technician.”
“We urge customers not to wait for increased energy bills, unusual noises or smells, or for the
system to stop working before scheduling a maintenance appointment.”
