Everyone looks forward to summer—until they are reminded just how hot Philippine summers actually get. And when you’re in the middle of sweltering humidity and heat, there’s nothing like coming home to a space that is comfortably, quietly, and more importantly, efficiently cooled.
The secret to creating this refreshing oasis lies in finding the right air conditioner to keep you comfortable all summer long—without breaking the bank. If that sounds too good to be true, pay attention. Prestiz, a brand best known for creating affordable and energy-efficient solutions to help you beat the heat is walking you through the basics of finding the right air conditioner to fit your needs and lifestyle.
Buying Checklist
When buying an air conditioner unit, it’s important to carefully evaluate a variety of factors to find the perfect unit. You don’t want to spend on an air conditioner that’s going to be too small or too big for a specific space.
Begin by measuring the room’s square footage, as this will help determine the appropriate cooling capacity (measured in BTUs). Remember, larger rooms require higher BTU ratings. Energy efficiency is also crucial so always look for units with high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings to minimize energy costs.
The type of air conditioner—whether it’s a window unit, portable unit, split system, or central air conditioning—should be chosen based on your space, budget, and installation requirements. Noise levels, measured in decibels (dB), should be considered as well, especially for areas like bedrooms or home offices where quiet operation is essential.
Air filters play a significant role in maintaining indoor air quality, so opt for a unit with a good-quality, washable, or replaceable air filter. Additionally, smart features such as Wi-Fi connectivity can enhance your air conditioner’s functionality, allowing for smartphone app control and smart home system integration.
Don’t forget to factor in installation and maintenance, including filter replacement or cleaning, and ensure that you choose a reputable brand like Prestiz, known for offering excellent warranty coverage and reliable customer support.
Understanding Horsepower
Term horsepower (HP) is something that you often come across when it comes to air conditioners.
Horsepower (HP) is a common indicator of an air conditioner’s cooling capacity. For small rooms (up to 14 sq. m.) like bedrooms or home offices, a 0.5 to 1 HP air conditioner should be sufficient.
For medium-sized rooms (14 to 23 sq. m.), such as living rooms or master bedrooms, a 1.5 HP air conditioner is recommended. Large rooms (23 to 37 sq. m.), including spacious living rooms or open-plan areas, generally require a 2 HP air conditioner. And Extra-large rooms (37+ sq. m.) and open spaces may need an air conditioner with 2.5 HP or higher.
Keep in mind that factors such as ceiling height, insulation, sun exposure, and the number of occupants can also influence the required horsepower. Thankfully, Prestiz offers several high-capacity models for such applications so be sure to review product details carefully to choose the right one for your needs.
Energy Efficiency Is Key
As much as you’d love to spend all day in an air-conditioned room during summer, the thought of electricity costs is enough to send you reaching for that off switch. Except if you have a unit with a great EER.
EER, or Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a measure used to rate the energy efficiency of air conditioners. It is calculated by dividing the cooling capacity of the air conditioner (measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs per hour) by the power input (measured in watts). The resulting ratio indicates how much cooling is provided for each unit of electrical power consumed.
A higher EER means that the air conditioner is more energy-efficient, as it can provide more cooling with less power consumption. EERs however tend to vary depending on the brand, design, and technology. So if you’re shopping for a new unit, be sure to look for higher EER ratings, which can help bring down energy bills and even minimize environmental impact.
Window-Type vs. Split-Type
A couple more things to remember. You’ll probably hear the terms, window-type or split-type a lot when you’re shopping for a unit. So here are a few things to remember.
Split-type air conditioners offer several advantages, including energy efficiency, quiet operation, aesthetic appeal, multi-zone capability, and flexible installation. With separate indoor and outdoor components, they minimize energy loss and operate more quietly than window or portable units. They’re also less obtrusive, don’t obstruct windows, and can be installed in rooms without window access. Some split systems even allow for multi-zone cooling. However, it’s important to weigh these with your space’s needs as they will require higher upfront costs, professional installation requirements, more complex maintenance, and limited portability.
On the other hand, window-type air conditioners have a lower upfront cost, easier installation, and better portability. They don’t require a separate outdoor component, which can be advantageous in certain situations. However, they have lower energy efficiency, generate more noise, obstruct windows, and have limited installation options compared to split-type units. When choosing between split and window-type air conditioners, carefully evaluate these factors in relation to your specific needs, preferences, and budget. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, it really all depends on what you need.
Prestiz Window Type Air Conditioners are available in 0.5 1.0 and 1.5. Split-type models are also available at 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 HP. There’s bound to be one that will seamlessly fit your lifestyle. Visit our Shopee or Lazada page to learn more about our products or visit our physical stores at FC Home Center Taguig Fti, FC Home Center Taguig Fti Signal, Home Along Bulacan Malolos 1, Home Along Bulacan Malolos 2, Home Along Bulacan Meycauayan 1, Home Along Bulacan Meycauayan 2, Homeworks Bulacan Marilao, Anson’s Cainta, Automatic Center Tutuban, Western Appliance Cavite Kawit, SM Hypermarket Monumento, and SM Supermarket Cavite Bacoor.
