Choosing the Perfect AC for Your Home: 6 Essential Things to Know

In summer, an air conditioner (AC) has become a basic necessity for every home. But selecting the right AC can be confusing. Choosing the wrong size may either raise your electricity bill or fail to cool your room properly.

Let’s understand how to choose the perfect AC with answers to these 6 important questions:

1. How to Determine the Correct Size (Ton/BTU) of an AC?

Answer:
First, measure your room size (length × width) to calculate the area in square feet. Then, multiply the area by 20 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per square foot.

To convert BTUs to tons, remember:
1 ton = 12,000 BTUs.
For example, a 1.5-ton AC means 18,000 BTUs.

Example:
For a 10×12 ft room (120 sq ft):
120 × 20 = 2,400 BTUs.

According to this formula, for a 120 sq ft room, you would need an AC with about 0.75 tons of cooling capacity.

2. What to Consider if a Room Gets Very Hot? How Do Sunlight and Windows Affect It?

Answer:
The direction of windows plays a major role. Rooms with west or south-facing windows tend to get hotter. In such cases, opt for an AC with 10–15% higher BTU capacity.

Also, heat enters quickly through glass windows. If your room has 2–3 large windows, consider increasing the AC capacity accordingly.

3. Inverter AC vs. Regular AC: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better?

Answer:
Once the set temperature is achieved, an inverter AC slows down to maintain cooling, saving electricity and operating more quietly.
On the other hand, regular ACs frequently turn on and off, leading to higher electricity consumption.

For long-term usage, an inverter AC is the better choice, as it can save 30–40% on energy bills.

4. Is It Necessary to Buy a 5-Star Rated AC? How Much Difference Does It Make?

Answer:
The more stars (1 to 5), the less electricity the AC will consume.
A 5-star AC can save 20–25% more electricity compared to a 3-star AC.

If you plan to run your AC for 8–10 hours daily, a 5-star model is highly recommended for better energy savings.

5. Single Split or Multi-Split AC: Which Should You Choose?

Answer:

For one room, a single split AC is ideal. It’s affordable and easier to install.
A multi-split AC can cool 2–3 rooms with one outdoor unit, preserving the aesthetic of your home. However, it is more expensive.
Ducted ACs are suitable for large houses (1000+ sq ft), but they are costly in terms of both installation and maintenance.

6. What to Do If the Room Is Not Cooling Properly?

Answer:
There could be three main reasons:

Oversized AC: An AC that is too large will cool the room too quickly without properly dehumidifying it, leading to frequent on-off cycles and inefficient cooling.
Poor Insulation: Check if cold air is leaking through doors or windows. Seal any leaks properly.
Dirty AC Filters: Clogged filters can restrict airflow, reducing cooling efficiency. Clean the filters regularly.