merlin

For efficient cooling of smaller spaces, a room air conditioner is a great choice. Today's energy-efficient models can also handle larger areas with ease. The key to choosing the right air conditioner is matching the proper unit to the space you want to cool.

The technology is the same as your refrigerator. An evaporator coil cools the interior (in this case the room) and the condenser coil releases the hot air outdoors. Refrigerant is moved by a pump through tubes between the two coils to transfer the heat. A fan blows the cool air into the room.

Guide to Buy an Air Conditioner - Terminology and Product Features

Choosing the right air conditioner is easy with the right information. The first step, before you go shopping, is to learn to speak the language and I dont mean Turkish!

Btu – The British Thermal Unit (Btu) is the international measurement of energy. A Btu is the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. In AC jargon, Btu's measure the amount of heat an air conditioning unit can remove from the room. As the Btu rating increases, so does the size, weight and cost of the air conditioner. Room air conditioners are generally 5000 – 24,000 Btu's. Matching Btu requirements to room size is important. The room(s) won't cool efficiently if the Btu rating is too low or too high for the size of the room.

EER – The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is calculated by dividing the Btu's by the number of watts. The higher the EER number the more efficient the unit should be. A higher EER rated air conditioner will also be more expensive, so decide if the higher price tag is worth the energy savings you may be getting. The ratings range from 8-11.5. In Turkey, go for a rating of 10 or higher.

Thermostat – The heat-sensing thermostat adjusts the temperature of the air coming from the air conditioning unit. They can be programmable or manual. An adjustable thermostat combined with a variable-speed fan is an effective cooling machine. AC units are available with such features as remote control, 24 hour delay timers and digital temperature readouts.

Filter – Clean air is essential for efficient operation. Look for units with filters that can be easily cleaned or replaced.

Fan – The fan moves the air. A variable-speed fan combined with an adjustable thermostat is an effective cooling machine. Look for louvers that adjust up/down and right/left.

Before You Buy Measure the Room

Determine the square footage of the room (multiply length x width).

There are lots of variables to consider when choosing a room AC — number of windows, number of people in the room, which direction the room is facing, ceiling height, etc. This chart can help you find the right size room air conditioner to meet your needs.

Area To Be Cooled
(square feet) Capacity Needed/(Btu's per hour)
100 to 150 5,000
150 to 250 6,000
250 to 300 7,000
300 to 350 8,000
350 to 400 9,000
400 to 450 10,000
450 to 550 12,000
500 to 700 14,000
700 to 1,000 18,000



Remember – bigger is not better. A unit that's too large will cycle on and off too frequently, using too much energy and causing unnecessary wear on the electrical components.



Noise

Although newer units are much quieter than older models, be prepared for some additional noise in the room.

Installation

Install it yourself and automatically invalidate any warranty forthwith. You must have the unit installed by an authorised service agent. Make sure they "stamp" your guarantee card and dont forget to get their number for service calls.

Maintenance

Air conditioner problems are easily avoided by doing some simple maintenance. Keep the filter and coils clean or replace them as recommended by the manufacturer. Here's some pre-season maintenance advice for your unit:

Remove the inside grill. Carefully take out the foam filter. Wash in warm soapy water. If the filter's extremely dirty, more than one washing may be needed. Rinse and allow the filter to dry before replacing. Filters that are beyond the reusable state can be inexpensively replaced.

Filter maintenance alone will increase your air conditioner's efficiency, but to get the most from your unit, a thorough cleaning is required.

Merv!

merlin

Sylvia, have a read through this - might help your decision on which type of unit to purchase.

Merv!

murdo

Very useful!!!

sue

I read with interest the article about buying the right type of air conditioning/heating units.

We were informed by our builder that we would need a 24000 unit for a lounge area of about 25 square metres, is this too large? Also the price quoted was about £750 and this is only for the one unit and does not include units for bedrooms. Someone on one of the threads said it was possible to buy locally in Altinkum and have installed almost immediately. As we will only be over for 2 weeks next year when our apartment is complete, do you think it is practicable to go for the option of purchasing ourselves when we go over or just go with the builder?

Love to have your comments please, also any suggestions of where we can purchase in Altinkum/Didum with directions please?

Thanks

Sue

merlin

A 24000 btu unit would be classed as a commercial model. Thats really going to impact on your electric bill.

The problem with many coastal designed homes is that they are all open plan kitchen/lounges with a open staircase as well.

I agree, a large unit is often necessary for these style houses however, it would be more practical to have the stairway entrance covered thereby containing the area and buying a lower rated unit.

As far as purchasing goes, if you are buying from a high street shop then the price would include installation. Personally, I would recommend from the better brand names such as siemens, bosch, arcelik etc.

Installation can normally be arranged same day as purchase. Expect a discount of 15 percent over list price if you are paying in cash.

Merv!

gipsybabe

Merlin
After reading your great post on air-con I thought I would ask you if you know what the difference is between mono-spilt, multi-split and saloon type air con units. Our developers are putting Arcelik units in our apartment. I have been on Arcelik site and they have these 3 types. They are putting in hot/cold units if that helps.
Thank you
Gipsybabe

Mag

I would also like to know the difference. We already have gas heating in our apartment and just want to install 2 A/C units in the bedrooms. I have been looking at the Arcelik website for prices, but wonder what the difference is and what would be the best type to install. All info appreciated.

Mag

Susan

Hi the,

Mono Split is 1 outside unit 1 inside air con

Multi Split is 1 outside unit and 2 inside units

Saloon type is for commercial use like Hotels etc.

Hope this helps you

Susan