Why should I buy an air conditioner? Benefits and advantages

Thinking about whether or not you should buy an AC? Make an informed decision and invest in your comfort and well-being with Hitachi. Learn more!

Buying an air conditioner to install or replace an existing unit in your home can make your living space a much more comfortable one. Whether it’s cooling, heating, improved indoor air quality, or features that make home comfort convenient, there are plenty of reasons to buy or upgrade your AC. In this article, we aim to answer the following question.

Should I buy an air conditioner?

So, thinking about getting an air conditioner? You’re not the only one.

Taking a look at stats shared by Cielowigle, in North America, demand saw over 19 million units being sought after in 2022​​, while 91% of households in Japan were reported to have some form of air conditioning technology already installed (a figure which continues to rise). In Europe, though having notably fewer air conditioning units compared to both China and the United States. air conditioning use has more than doubled, especially in the southern countries on the continent. This surge in air conditioning usage coincides with the growing interest in integrating smart technologies in homes, and has led to improved ways in which AC systems help manage energy use and save costs.

Is an air conditioner at home right for you? Here are some benefits they offer.

Air conditioner benefits and advantages

Air conditioners provide several benefits and, depending on their functions and features, air conditioning can relieve symptoms for those with allergies and respiratory issues. It can prevent mold growth and the circulation of spores, improve the space used for studying or remote working, and also help you have achieve the best night’s sleep ever.

Air quality and air conditioning: How HVAC can improve IAQ

Air conditioning isn’t just for keeping a space the ideal temperature; it’s also able to help maintain good air quality in your home. By installing an AC, you can significantly improve indoor air quality (IAQ). They filter out pollutants and allergens, which makes the air cleaner and safer to breathe. Key causes of poor indoor air quality include:

• Inadequate ventilation.
• High temperature and humidity levels.
• Mold and dampness.
• Emissions from home furnishings.
• Outdoor air pollutants infiltrating indoors.

Luckily, air conditioners can help reduce, if not eliminate, many of these impurities from the air, helping to ensure that the air we breathe indoors stays cleaner for longer. It’s a simple yet effective way to create a more comfortable and healthier living and working environment.

It’s important not to forget that regular ventilation of indoor spaces is an important part of maintaining a healthy home.

Enjoy indoor comfort with energy-efficient AC

Air conditioners with energy-saving features offer an easy way to create a comfortable indoor environment without excessive consumption of electricity. By understanding ways to save energy through efficient use of your AC, you can maintain a pleasant temperature in your home while also being mindful of energy use.

Hitachi offers energy-efficient modes and features, such as the Eco-Mode that will help you reduce your electricity bills. Eco-Mode conserves energy by moderating the cooling power based on the current room temperature, while Smart-Eco utilizes sensors to detect human presence in the room and adjusts the settings depending on occupancy, avoiding unnecessary operation and helping use energy efficiently.

Ideal room temperature: Optimizing overall comfort

Research indicates that the ideal temperature varies slightly based on individual preferences and what you’re doing. The recommended living room temperature according to ASHRAE lies between 18-23°C (64-76°F) but this will of course depend on various factors. While the exact temperature can differ from person to person, it also depends on location, outdoor weather conditions, age, and metabolism, which could impact your temperature preference and enhance daily comfort.

Device overheating: Preventing it with ACs

Did you know that air conditioning can also help protect your home appliances and devices? It’s a handy benefit that’s not often highlighted. By keeping the perfect room temperature, an air conditioner can prevent your electronic devices from overheating. For example, during a hot summer day, the increased outdoor temperatures can cause your laptop to overheat, potentially leading to hardware damage or data loss. An air conditioner keeps the room temperature in check, ensuring your laptop avoids overheating.

This is a simple yet effective way to keep your gadgets work smoothly and last longer. It’s an added perk of having an AC at home that goes beyond just keeping you cool.

How can AC help create a healthier home

We’ve highlighted how air conditioners help reduce respiratory system complaints in the home thanks to their ability to filter out pollutants, controlling humidity, and maintaining comfortable temperatures, but they can also help improve our mood, sleep satisfaction and concentration.

          Ambient Temperature and Mood: How can ACs improve our well-being

Maintaining a comfortable ambient temperature can subtly enhance our mood and overall sense of well-being. Air conditioning can help with this, especially during extreme weather conditions. When the temperature is just right, not too hot or cold, we tend to feel more at ease and focused.

AC regulates the indoor temperature to a comfortable level, which can positively influence our energy levels and mood. This adjustment can be particularly beneficial on days when the outdoor weather might otherwise make us feel too hot, cold, irritable, or sluggish. While the connection between ambient temperature and our mood is nuanced, having control over our immediate environment with AC provides a simple yet effective way to support our daily comfort and, therefore, our mood.

Ideal temperature for sleeping: Improved rest for a better day

Finding the ideal temperature for sleeping can lead to improved rest, setting you up for a better day. Experts suggest that the best room temperature for sleep is around 65ºF (18ºC). This range helps your body maintain its natural thermoregulation process, making it easier to fall and stay asleep. While individual preferences might vary slightly, maintaining your room within this temperature range can potentially enhance your sleep quality and, by extension, your overall daily well-being.

Within the Hitachi Home Air Conditioning range, you have SleepSense, which allows you to set your AC to a comfortable temperature that helps you fall asleep. When SleepSense detects that you are sleeping, it will automatically adjust the temperature, preventing the room from getting too cold or too hot and, as an added benefit, reducing energy consumption.

Mental well-being and Concentration

If you’ve ever found yourself feeling bad-tempered, angry, or more impatient without any obvious reason, consider this: your indoor environment might be the culprit.

Ensuring your indoor space has adequate lighting and a comfortable temperature can significantly enhance your concentration. This is where investing in a good air conditioning system becomes important. Not only does it help regulate your home’s temperature, but it also improves air quality and creates an environment conducive to productivity and a positive mood. So, if the above sounds familiar, consider how an air conditioning system could transform your indoor space into a sanctuary for your mental health. This will also have a great impact on the following topic, stress levels.

Reducing stress levels 

There are plenty of factors that can positively improve your health, and reducing stress levels is one of them. When stress is managed well, it lessens the chance of stress-related illnesses, like insomnia or anxiety, and improves your daily life quality. Air conditioning helps a lot in this aspect, and it actively contributes to a stress-free ambiance by regulating indoor temperatures, reducing humidity, and improving air quality. These factors collectively create a serene environment that can diminish the likelihood of stress-induced conditions, such as insomnia or anxiety, thereby enhancing your quality of life.

What’s the best home AC according to my needs?

When selecting the best AC for your home, think about your specific needs and the layout of your space:

• Split ACs are popular for easy installation and quiet operation, suitable for single rooms.
• Multi-split ACs allow you to control the climate of multiple rooms independently
• Cassette ACs are mounted in the ceiling, offering a space-saving solution with even air distribution.
• Ducted AC systems are integrated into your home’s structure, providing discreet and efficient cooling throughout the house.
• Floor-standing ACs are great for spaces where wall or ceiling installation isn’t feasible.

Hitachi’s air conditioning buying guide offers insights into the different types on offer, as well as understanding size, features and energy efficiency, helping you decide which is the best AC for your home.

H3       AC sizing: What’s the best for my space?

Choosing the right AC sizing for your home involves understanding BTUs, which reflect an air conditioner’s cooling capacity. The general guideline is 20 BTUs per square foot of your room. However, other factors like room layout, insulation, and sun exposure also influence the ideal size. It’s about finding a balance—too many BTUs can lead to inefficiency, while too few can result in inadequate cooling. Learn about AC Sizing in more depth, here.

Replacing your AC: When is time to change it?

Considering a replacement for your current AC unit rather than an entirely new installation? If your air conditioner isn’t performing as it used to, and repairs are becoming more frequent or costly, it might be time to consider a new one. A new AC can offer improved air quality and energy efficiency, potentially saving you money in the long run. Look at the condition of your current unit, the potential benefits of a new one, and whether an upgrade fits your needs.

Signs your air conditioner needs to be replaced

When your air conditioner starts acting up, it’s not always clear whether you should fix it or get a new one. If your energy bills are creeping up or the AC can’t keep the room cool like it used to, it might be time for a change. Sometimes, fixing an old AC can cost as much or more than getting a new one. You need to weigh up the costs and decide what’s best for your situation. If you’re unsure, a trusted HVAC expert can guide you in the right direction.

When’s the best time of the year to replace your HVAC system?

Depending on where you live and if you have seasons, it’s recommended to plan the replacement of your HVAC system during the off-seasons, like fall and spring. During these periods, contractors are potentially less busy, making it easier to schedule a replacement and potentially get better deals. It’s also more comfortable for you, as these seasons usually have milder weather, reducing inconvenience while the system is being replaced. Remember, the best time to replace AC is when you can prepare ahead, avoiding rushed decisions during extreme weather months​​.

Conclusion:

The best decision when it comes to buying a new AC

In conclusion, installing an air conditioner or replacing an existing one benefits you and your home in numerous ways. It’s an investment in your comfort and health. Think of it as not just a purchase but a step towards a more comfortable, healthier, and efficient lifestyle.

While it might seem like a significant upfront expense, the long-term advantages —be it through energy savings, increased productivity, or simply the joy of a comfortable retreat— clearly illustrate its value. Hitachi’s air conditioning solutions are designed to cater to a variety of preferences, for all types of homes.