If you've ever bought a fan or air cooler during a hot spell you'll know that cheap cooling products don't really deliver: they're underpowered, they're inefficient and they can be really expensive to run. But that doesn't mean you need to spend a ton of money on a full A/C installation to get year-round comfort in your home, office or garage. A new breed of affordable, efficient and reliable air conditioners can keep any space cool in the heat and warm in the winter for considerably less than you'd pay for a traditional HVAC system.
Unlike budget products, which pass the costs onto you in the form of higher running costs and much less effective cooling, these highly efficient air conditioners cost less to run, last longer, and keep you comfortable in any kind of weather.
When it comes to buying cooling products, price matters – but it's just one factor. It's also important to consider cooling performance, energy efficiency, smart features, long-term reliability, installation support and after-sales service to ensure you're getting real value for money.
A new kind of cooling
We're all familiar with traditional central air conditioners and stand-alone portable ones. But now there's a new kind of air conditioner that's getting lots of attention because it delivers the best of both worlds: superb cooling and heating without the cost of a whole-home installation. It's called a mini split air conditioner and it's a particularly good option for home owners.
A mini split air conditioner delivers home air conditioning and heating without the traditional ductwork that standard air conditioners need to move air around your home. That makes it much easier and cheaper to install than traditional air conditioning systems.
With a mini split air conditioner there's an outdoor unit on the outside and then one or more indoor units to deliver cool or warm air as directed. The indoor units are small but mighty, delivering effective cooling and heating without the bulk or noise of portable units. And many models now include ultra-quiet bedtime modes, energy-saving modes, smart controls and inverter technology for even more convenience and comfort.
How to choose the perfect air conditioner
With heating and cooling systems there are a few key things to look at. The first and one of the most important is the cooling power, which is measured in BTU: the bigger the number, the larger the area it can cool. And the second important detail is the SEER rating, which is a general energy efficiency rating. The higher the rating the higher the energy efficiency – and that means lower running costs.
Those two details are important with any air conditioner, but depending on your requirements there may be other key features for you to consider. Some models can heat rooms in the winter as well as cool them in the summer, and many models have multiple modes and airflow settings for quietness, performance and comfort. If you're planning to put your air conditioner in a bedroom then one with whisper-quiet operation is essential, and if like us you're a fan of smart home tech you'll appreciate Wi-Fi connectivity, app control or voice control.
No matter what kind of system you're considering, it's important to look for features such as self-cleaning functions and washable filters, which make keeping your system clean and delivering top performance much easier. And don't forget to get a quote for installation: although experienced DIYers can install a mini split air conditioner, professional installation is highly recommended.
What to expect from a mini split system
A split mini AC system “heats and cools faster than any unit I’ve owned,” says Josie, who uses her system for a 500 sq ft. sunroom “that used to be unusable” in the heat of summer and cold of winter. “This split AC changed everything. Cooling kicks in within seconds, and the heat pump mode is just as quick.” Jeffrey is another happy owner. “My electric bill actually went down,” he writes. “I replaced an old window unit with this mini-split and my monthly bill dropped by $30. Plus, it’s so quiet I forget it’s there.”
“Our martial arts studio needs powerful, reliable climate control, and this unit delivers,’ Paul K says. It “handles high activity like a champion”. He continues: “The rapid cooling quickly offsets the heat generated during intense classes. The remote and voice control via Google Assistant let instructors adjust settings without leaving the mat [and] the easy-to-clean filters are a big plus for our dusty environment.”
Paul, Josie and Jeffrey were reviewing the Costway Blast Pro Series 12000 BTU 20 SEER2 115V WiFi Enabled Mini Split Air Conditioner and Heater. That model puts out 12,000 BTU, which is ideal for large spaces up to 600 sq. ft.
The Blast Pro features a dual inverter split AC with heat pump that delivers smooth output and steady temperatures, saving energy without sacrificing comfort. It cools and heats in all conditions, with heating even at -4ºF and cooling at 127ºF. It features 7 operation modes and 8 fan speeds, Wi-Fi and app control, whisper-quiet operation as low as 28 dB and self-cleaning with removable, washable filters. And its high-efficiency 20 SEER2 energy rating with additional ECO mode means it's very energy efficient.
Costway has an impressive track record in heating and cooling: the brand also offers ice makers, cooling fans, heat pump systems and other home comfort products, giving households more ways to stay cool and comfortable throughout the season. And in addition to the Blast Pro Series, Costway also offers the X-Pro series to deliver even more power for larger homes.
The mini split for max power
One of the big benefits of mini split AC systems is that you can use them for more than one room. That was a big plus for Anne, who says that “I have two small rooms that need air conditioning, and I was hesitant about whether to buy two small acs or a two-zone ac.” Anne went for the Costway X-Pro 18000 BTU 2 Zone 24 SEER2 Mini Split AC with Heat Pump, which is a dual-zone mini split AC that delivers 18,000 BTU. “The product is great,” she says. “Only one outdoor unit is making my house look less cramped.”
The X-Pro delivers even higher efficiency and more power thanks to its advanced inverter technology. Its 18,000 BTU output can be distributed to two zones independently, and it features 4D auto swing to distribute airflow more evenly. Rated up to 24 SEER2, the Energy Star certified mini split AC unit uses R454B refrigerant for efficient heating and cooling with lower global warming potential.
Like the Blast Pro series the X-Pro features chassis electrical heating that enables it to perform even in tough conditions, delivering cooling in ambient temperatures up to 131°F and heating down to -13°F. And that extra power doesn't mean it's extra loud: 30 dB means it's ideal for bedrooms and light sleepers.
In addition to its WiFi and app control the X-Pro also works with Alexa and Google Assistant as part of your smart home setup, and there's also a handy remote for quick adjustments. And like its sibling the X-Pro features a self-cleaning system and removable, washable filters to make maintenance easy.
How to find the perfect cooling products for you
When you're comparing cooling products, it's wise to think about long-term value rather than just the sticker price: some products will cost more to run or might not last as long as more premium products. And it's worth thinking about heating as well as cooling: it's more cost-effective to have a dual-mode system than to buy cooling and heating separately.
Don't forget to check the important numbers either: make sure the BTU rating is powerful enough for your space, compare SEER2 ratings to find the most energy efficient models, and take the noise levels into consideration if you'll be using the product in a bedroom or home office.
Keep an eye out for special promotions: for example, Costway is running a Cooling Week promotion until August where 200 customers who purchase qualifying cooling products will win an additional cooling product for free.
Last but not least, don't forget about installation. For example, Costway works closely with a professional installation team in California and their installation team is expanding, with the goal of serving customers across the U.S. in the future.
Click here to discover how mini split ac can make your home even more comfortable.
