There was a time when air conditioners were considered a luxury and only the affluent could afford buying one. However, with rising temperatures every year and hot climate areas such as Delhi, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu etc. getting hotter and more humid, air conditioners have become a thing of necessity and more and more people are opting to buy or taking AC on rent in Faridabad or other states where it gets extremely hot during summertime. Living comfortably is a right everyone deserves but an air conditioner being a high priced electronic item, affordability can become a hindrance between you and your comfort. However, with easy buying options and many companies providing AC on rent to homeowners and businesses who do not want to invest on purchasing an AC, it has become much easier to acquire an AC and enjoy cool comfortable living. When taking AC on rent, choosing the right one involves considering various factors to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency. In this article we will look into some of the factors that one should consider before making a decision.
Taking AC on Rent : What to look for and Factors to consider
Understanding Space & Size Requirements of air conditioner rental
Assessing the Square Footage
Before renting out an AC the first thing one needs to analyze is the size of the room for which the ac is to be rented. If your room or office space is too big and you choose a smaller air conditioner unit then you would always need to run it at full capacity which would certainly put a dent on your electricity bill and yet might not provide proper cooling still. Similarly taking a bigger AC for a smaller room would make your space too cold to enjoy and create discomfort.
Considering Ceiling Height
Apart from calculating the Sq. Ft. area of your room there are some other factors as well that can affect your choice to rent an air conditioner like the ceiling height and sunlight exposure. The higher the ceiling or hotter the room, the stronger the air conditioner needs to be in terms of performance.
Determining the Right Cooling Capacity While Taking AC Rental
Calculating BTUs Needed
Determining something called BTU, which stands for British Thermal Units, is one of the important steps to take before you rent an AC. BTU is a heat measuring unit and it tells you how much heat the air conditioner can remove from a room per hour. Why is it important? Because if the unit has too low of a BTU rating for the space, it will struggle to cool the room efficiently, resulting in discomfort and higher energy bills. On the other hand, if the unit has too high of a BTU rating for the room, it may cool the space too quickly, leading to short cycling and inefficient operation, as well as potential issues with humidity control.
Rule of Thumb Method:
- For rooms up to 150 square feet: 5,000 BTUs
- For rooms 150 to 250 square feet: 6,000 BTUs
- For rooms 250 to 300 square feet: 7,000 BTUs
- For rooms 300 to 350 square feet: 8,000 BTUs
- Add 1,000 BTUs for every additional 50 square feet of space
Accounting for Other Heat Sources and factors
This method provides a quick estimate based on the size of the room. However, it doesn’t account for other factors such as insulation, number of windows, and sunlight exposure that can also affect the cooling load of a room. The type of compressor like Inverter or fixed speed compressor also needs to be taken into account while selecting an AC. For a more accurate assessment, you may want to consult with an HVAC professional.
Choosing the Right Type of AC On Rent
Consider the layout of your space and installation requirements when choosing the type of AC unit for rent that best suits your needs.
- Window AC On Rent
Window AC units are relatively affordable and easy to install. They are ideal for cooling single rooms or small spaces and have a longer life span compared to split ACs (can tell from personal experience). However it might not be the best choice when living in rented places where permanent modifications are not allowed. Its installation blocks the window, which also leads to limited sunlight. Though servicing costs are lower for window ACs, it may not come with many new age technologies that save up more on electricity bills.
- Portable AC On Rent
These are excellent choices for Students, singles living in rental properties as it doesn’t require permanent installation or window space and can be easily moved from one room to another. People who are frequently shifting places will benefit greatly from it. However, portable AC units are not very efficient as compared to Window and Slip ACs. They have limited cooling capacity and are noisier too.
- Split AC On Rent
Split AC systems consist of two units: an indoor unit (evaporator) and an outdoor unit (condenser), connected by refrigerant lines. They provide efficient cooling and have a quieter operation compared to Window ACs. They offer great flexibility in installation options and are energy efficient. They come with new and advanced technologies that provide higher performance and less pressure on electricity bills. However, they are more expensive than Window & Portable ACs especially for larger homes or multiple rooms.
Considering Energy Efficiency For AC On Rent
- Choosing the Right SEER Rating
SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is a determinant of cooling output of an air conditioner divided by the energy it consumes over an entire cooling season. It is one factor that should be considered in choosing the type of AC to be rented. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the AC is. Factors like climate of your region and higher upfront cost are to be taken into account when checking SEER ratings.
- Understanding Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
This is another measurement of energy efficiency of Air conditioner rental but Unlike SEER, which is based on seasonal performance, EER represents the efficiency of the unit at a single operating point.
- Looking for Energy Star Certified Units
While choosing which ACs are suitable for your home or office space, checking energy stars is also another way to determine its energy efficiency. Star ratings help us ascertain which AC would consume less power and provide high performance. The prices of AC rentals would also differ based on star ratings.
Consulting with Professionals and Reviewing Options While Rent an AC
- Seeking Advice from HVAC Experts
When choosing which AC best matches your requirements, it is always a good idea to consult HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Experts. The experts can help you assess the specific requirements and suggest the optimum option in air conditioners that would suit you best. Seek help from your local HVAC experts. Alternatively online reviews and recommendations can also be considered for added support.
- Exploring Rental Companies and Models
As buying an AC is not always a suitable option for home and office owners, opting to rent an AC and choosing the desired model is a good option for many. Research your local AC rental companies to choose the best one that suits your budget.
- Requesting Quotes and Comparing Prices
Once you have finalized 2-3 suppliers and AC rental companies, it is always advised to take quotes from various companies for different brands and models and compare prices to select the one that suits your budget and other requirements.
Summary For AC On Rent
Whether choosing Window AC or Split AC with Inverter compressor or fixed speed compressor, for small room or larger room, for home use or office usage, the above mentioned factors are crucial in choosing the right AC on rent that is just right for your needs.