How to choose the right AC for your apartment in Dubai
With average temperatures exceeding 40°C during the day in the summer months, you’ll definitely be needing air conditioning to maintain a comfortable environment in your Dubai home. So, how to choose the right AC for your home in Dubai? While newer developments come with a central air conditioning system, older buildings and complexes still rely on window units and split ACs. Whether you want to replace your old, existing AC, or are installing a brand-new unit, here’s everything you need to know.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT AC FOR YOUR APARTMENT IN DUBAI?
Living in a beautiful city like Dubai certainly has a lot of benefits. You have plenty of options to explore in the form of job opportunities, rental properties, schools, restaurants, supermarkets, healthcare facilities or entertainment avenues. However, given its geographical location in the heart of the Arabian Desert, the high humidity and soaring temperatures can be a bit of a challenge. Thankfully, you can get an air conditioner to compensate for the extreme weather.
Before hitting the stores or browsing your favourite websites, ask the landlord what kinds of units are accepted in the building complex to avoid potential problems post-purchase.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING AN AIR CONDITIONER
As a consumer, you’d find multiple AC brands and models out there. However, it is best to research and identify your needs and requirements before making the final purchase. You can find different units with various specifications and functionalities. Here’s how you can choose the right AC for your apartment.
SELECT THE CORRECT SIZE
Air conditioning units are measured in tons. And tons here represent their cooling ability, not weight. Getting a larger unit means you have to spend more money to buy the unit and pay hefty electricity bills. Depending on the size of your apartment, you can get a 1-ton to 5-ton AC. Remember, choosing the correct size will ensure that the temperature in your room is brought down slowly without adding unwanted expense to your electricity bill.
Getting the right AC size also guarantees optimal performance. You’ll have to spend less money on electricity bills to air conditioner maintenance if the AC size is right for your house. If you buy an AC that is too big for your apartment, the compressor will turn on and off repeatedly, leading to an increased bill and the need for frequent maintenance. On the other hand, an AC which is too small will run in overdrive, resulting in similar problems.
Typically, as a general rule, a 1-ton air conditioner is ideal for a space that measures up to 46.5 sq. m. or 500 sq. ft. Similarly, for a house covering an area of 93 square meters, a 2-ton AC might be the right choice. So, when considering how to choose the right air conditioner for your apartment, the first question to ask is about the size.
FIND THE RIGHT BTU
BTU or British Thermal Unit is another term you will have to familiarise yourself with when choosing an AC for your apartment. Ideally, you should select a 90 to 100 BTU unit per sq. ft. for optimum cooling. The higher the BTU value, the quicker your room will cool down. Though international standards recommend 30 BTU per sq. ft., such units are ineffective when the temperatures exceed 37 degrees celsius. You also need to pay attention to other factors, such as the covered area of the room, sunlight exposure and the number of occupants.
TROPICALISED AC
When buying ACs in Dubai, where the temperature and humidity are generally high, many homeowners opt for units that are tropicalised. These are specialised ACs designed to beat the Middle East region’s heat. The high ambient conditions require specific designs and functionalities. So, always go for brands that offer tropicalised ACs. Moreover, check the functional features like filtration and thermostat options.
The air-conditioning unit you choose should be certified to operate even when temperatures exceed 50 degrees to maintain ideal cooling throughout the year.
AIR QUALITY
Most buyers are keen to know more about the cooling qualities of the AC, but they ignore air quality.
Of course, the cooling ability of the AC is important. But, you must check the air quality, given your time in the room. Many brands in the market offer additional functions such as air purification and allergen removal. Even if you have to pay a tad extra, these health and safety measures are worth the investment.
AFTER-SALES SUPPORT
It’s always a good idea to gauge the value you get for your spending. Ask around to see what people are buying, and make sure to look at reviews online. Excellent after-sales support is crucial, considering ACs do need regular maintenance.
You can also join relevant Facebook groups and online forums to determine which companies offer the best after-sales support. While you ask how to choose the right air conditioner in Dubai, it is also essential to ask which company provides the best after-sales support.
INSTALLATION AND SERVICING
Some companies offer free installation and after-sales services, while others may charge money. Make sure you get clarity about this before making the final payment.
TYPES OF AIR CONDITIONERS
The discussion on how to choose the right AC is of no use if you can’t figure out the right AC type. Here’s an overview of the different AC types.
INVERTER ACS
Do you want to lower your air conditioning bills? Get an inverter installed in your home! Compressors in inverter ACs use an economical and effective cooling process, resulting in lower bills. Moreover, it only generates negligible noise. If you have solar panels installed, your unit can even be powered by the sun. Hence, in different ways, inverter split ACs are eco-friendly.
While these units are efficient and result in lower utility bills, the upfront costs and maintenance-related charges are still relatively higher. Replacement parts for inverter units are also expensive. These units are more suited for homes where the ACs run for longer hours at a time.
SPLIT ACS
The main difference between an inverter AC and non-inverter AC is the way their compressors work. Inverter ACs have variable compressor speeds, whereas for inverter ACs the speed is fixed. Hence, electricity consumption in the non-inverter AC is higher in comparison. The difference will be significant if you run the AC for many hours at a stretch.
These non-inverter split ACs cost less than inverter splits, and their parts are also not as expensive. Hence, upfront payments and maintenance costs are lower with non-inverters.
WINDOW AC
Window ACs are generally more effective in small rooms. They are easy to install, and the maintenance cost is low. However, they must be set up inside a window resulting in a lot of noise. Window air conditioners are not as efficient for a large-sized room.
PORTABLE AC
Portable ACs or Tower ACs, as the name suggests, have wheels so you can quickly move the unit around the apartment when needed. It doesn’t require installation and only needs to be connected to a power source to work.
Portable units, however, only work in rooms smaller than 20 sq.m. or 215 sq. ft. They can take up lots of unwanted space in a room depending on how much furniture you have. They are also not as energy efficient as inverter ACs.
FAQS
WHERE CAN YOU BUY AN AC IN DUBAI?
You can find some great deals at the top electronic stores in Dubai. Make sure you go through the checklist mentioned above to choose the right AC for your apartment.
WHICH ARE THE BEST AC MAINTENANCE COMPANIES IN DUBAI?
A regular AC maintenance schedule ensures efficient performance and long life. Top AC maintenance companies in Dubai do a good job, or you can hire reputable handymen in Dubai.
And there you have it, folks, everything you need to know about buying the right AC for your apartment in Dubai! Like any other product that requires high investment, it is vital to research before buying a new AC. So, it is essential to compare the specifications to make the right choice.
There are different ways to combat the heat in Dubai. One important thing that you could consider is to look at the top areas with chiller-free units in Dubai, which can have a significant bearing on the overall cost of utilities.