An incorrectly sized air conditioner costs more and cools worse. Here's how to choose the right power for your space and spend less in summer.
The most common mistake: too much or too little power
The question we hear most is "how many BTU do I need?" And the honest answer is: it depends. A unit with too little power never cools the room and runs flat out the whole time, costing a lot. One with too much power cools quickly, switches off and switches back on, and that constant stop-start wears the unit out and wastes energy.
In the Algarve climate, with long, hot summers, getting the power right is what separates an air conditioner that keeps you comfortable from one that just runs up bills.
What determines the power you need
- The floor area and ceiling height of the room.
- Sun exposure: a room facing south or west heats up far more.
- Insulation, windows and the number of people usually in the space.
- Whether it is for cooling only or also for heating in winter.
This is why a table off the internet rarely does the job. A quick visit to the site lets us size it accurately and avoid surprises.
Split, multisplit or heat pump?
For a single room, a simple split does the job. For several rooms, a multisplit system (one outdoor unit and several indoor ones) is tidier and more efficient than a handful of independent units. And if you want to cool in summer and heat in winter with low consumption, modern heat pumps do both, often replacing electric heaters to good effect.
Maintenance: what makes the difference on your bill
A dirty air conditioner costs more and cools less. It is maintenance that keeps consumption low and the air healthy, so it is worth staying on top of it.
- Clean or replace the filters regularly, especially before summer.
- Check the gas charge: a unit low on gas works harder for the same result.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear and clean.
- Have a yearly service before the months of heaviest use.
Small habits that save a lot
Setting the unit to 24-25°C instead of 19°C makes a huge difference on the bill, and the comfort is practically the same. Closing doors and blinds during the hottest hours helps the unit avoid working against the sun. And using the automatic mode or the timer stops it running for hours on end for no reason.
Need to install or service your air conditioning?
We install, maintain and repair air conditioning and heat pumps in Lagoa and the surrounding area. If you want the right power for your space, and your bill under control, get in touch for a no-obligation assessment.
