Currently, in the Philippines, the hot, dry season can be very severe. People experiment with various methods of cooling off. Others seek solace in air conditioners’ cool temperatures.
Well, do your research beforehand if you want an AC to beat the summer heat. After all, buying an aircon can be a daunting task, especially for those who have never bought one before. In this article, we will provide you with some tips before buying an aircon in the Philippines.
1.Look at your budget
The prices of air conditioning units in the Philippines vary depending on several factors such as the brand, type, capacity, and features. Generally, window-type air conditioners can cost anywhere from PHP 10,000 to PHP 30,000, while split-type air conditioners can range from PHP 20,000 to PHP 60,000 or more.
Additionally, there are also portable air conditioning units that can cost between PHP 10,000 to PHP 30,000, and central air conditioning systems that can cost upwards of PHP 100,000 or more.
It is always best to check with local retailers and manufacturers for the latest pricing information and to compare prices and features before making a purchase decision.
2. Choose between inverter or non-inverter air conditioner
Based on their operating principles, inverter and non-inverter air conditioners are the two main types of air conditioning in the Philippines. Knowing the distinction between the two is crucial, particularly if you want to reduce your electricity costs.
A variable-speed compressor is used by inverter units. The compressor slows down after the unit achieves the desired temperature. Less energy is used in this system.
In contrast, a non-inverter unit employs a compressor with a fixed speed. When it reaches the desired temperature, it shuts off entirely. And it will come back on if the room becomes too warm.
The constant on/off cycle of a non-inverter AC actually consumes a lot of energy, which raises your utility bill. However, non-inverter air conditioners are less expensive and quite simple to maintain.
3. Determine the Size of Your Room
Before buying an aircon, you must determine the size of the room you intend to cool. This will help you determine the appropriate cooling capacity of the aircon you need. An aircon’s cooling capacity is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU), and it should correspond to the size of your room.
To determine the size of the room you need to cool, you will need to measure the length and width of the room in meters or feet. Multiply these two numbers to get the area of the room in square meters or square feet.
For example, if your room is 3 meters wide and 4 meters long, the area of the room would be 12 square meters (3 x 4 = 12).
Once you know the area of your room, you can use the following rule of thumb to determine the appropriate air conditioning capacity:
For a room up to 14 square meters, you will need an air conditioner with a capacity of at least 1.5 kW (5,000 BTUs)
For a room up to 25 square meters, you will need an air conditioner with a capacity of at least 2.5 kW (8,000 BTUs)
For a room up to 40 square meters, you will need an air conditioner with a capacity of at least 4 kW (12,000 BTUs)
4.Consider the Energy Efficiency
The cost of running an aircon can add up over time. This is why it’s important to consider the energy efficiency of the unit you intend to buy. An aircon with a higher energy efficiency rating will consume less electricity, which will result in lower electricity bills.
Look for aircons that have the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) or the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) labels.
The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is a measure of the cooling efficiency of an air conditioning system. It is calculated by dividing the cooling output of the air conditioning system in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour by the power consumption in watts. The higher the EER, the more efficient the air conditioning system.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has set a minimum EER requirement for air conditioning units sold in the country. According to the DOE’s Energy Efficiency Standards and Labeling (EESL) program, the minimum EER requirement for window-type air conditioning units is 10.7, while for split-type air conditioning units, it is 12.1.
Meanwhile, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) label is used to indicate the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems. The SEER rating is a measure of how much cooling a system provides per unit of energy consumed over an entire cooling season.
The Department of Energy (DOE) also regulates the labeling of SEER ratings for air conditioning systems. The label is typically displayed on the product packaging and can also be found on the product specification sheets.
The SEER rating scale in the Philippines ranges from 9 to 26, with higher numbers indicating greater energy efficiency. The DOE recommends that consumers choose air conditioning systems with SEER ratings of at least 14 for optimal energy efficiency.
5.Choose the Right Type of Aircon
There are different types of aircon available in the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Window Type Air Conditioner-
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Split Type Air Conditioner-
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Portable Air Conditioner –
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Ceiling Mounted Air Conditioner –
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6.Look for Additional Features
Air conditioning units in the Philippines often come with additional features that can enhance their performance and energy efficiency. These additional features can provide added comfort, energy savings, and convenience, making them worth considering when choosing an aircon unit.
Inverter technology
Ionizer
Dehumidifier
Wi-Fi connectivity
Sleep mode
Self-cleaning function
Auto-restart
Multi-directional airflow
7.Check for After-sales Service and Warranty
Make sure to check the after-sales service and warranty of the aircon you intend to buy. Look for a brand that offers a comprehensive warranty and after-sales service in case something goes wrong with your unit.
Warranty
Service centers
Customer support:
Maintenance services
Replacement parts availability:
8.Choose a reputable brand
Buy your cooling device from the leading aircon brands. You can be sure they’ll operate effectively and last a long time. Yes, they can be fairly pricey, but in the long term, especially if your device doesn’t use a lot of power, you get what you pay for.
Carrier
Daikin
LG
Panasonic
Samsung
Buying an aircon is a major investment, especially in a tropical country like the Philippines. With these tips, you can make an informed decision and choose an aircon that is appropriate for your needs and budget.
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