Last year, there was a meteorological consensus that 2024 would be the hottest year for the earth. As tropical countries are experiencing severe heat, Bangladesh is also bearing its brunt. In fact, the country is under a severe heat wave which is expected to continue into next month as well. In this scorching heat, air conditioners are a sigh of relief for many. There are several types of air conditioners each with specific features. Here’s everything you need to know to buy the perfect AC for your home.  Types of Home Air Conditioners  When it comes to home air conditioners, the choices may seem a bit confusing. There are several types based on size, function, and cooling options. The most common types of air conditioners for home use are:  Central Air Conditioner  Central air conditioning units are usually seen in commercial spaces. This system uses a large unit that is typically installed outside the home. The adjoined duct is used to distribute the cool air to various rooms.  Central air conditioners are best suited for large homes or for maintaining a unified temperature across the home. It also comes with a high initial setup cost.  Ductless Mini-Split System  Ductless mini-split systems are the most common type of air conditioner for homes in Bangladesh. This system has an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor air handling unit. It is ideal for separate cooling in each room. The initial setup cost and operational cost of this system are much less compared to central air conditioning.  Read more: Heat Stroke Prevention: Best foods, drinks to avoid heat exhaustion Window Air Conditioning  Window air conditioning is a self-contained unit that is directly installed in the window or the wall of a room. This system is ideal for small rooms or single apartments.  Portable Air Conditioner  Portable air conditioners are also self-contained types of air conditioners. The system usually has a moveable duct that exhausts heat through the window. This system is best suited for renters or for cooling specific areas temporarily. Hybrid Air Conditioners  These systems combine a traditional air source heat pump with a gas furnace, providing efficient cooling and heating options. The operational costs of hybrid systems are significantly less as they can efficiently switch between gas and electricity.  Smart HVAC Systems  Smart HVAC systems use smart thermostats to optimally cool your home. Smart HVAC systems are installed with different types of air conditioning systems to increase their efficiency and reduce the overall cost.  Read more: Tips to Keep Home Cool in Summer Without AC What to Consider Before Buying a Residential Air Conditioner? There are several spatial and technical aspects to consider before buying a home air conditioning unit. Here’s to name a few. Cooling Capacity  The cooling capacity determines how fast an air conditioner can cool your home. It is measured in BTU or British Thermal Unit. A system with insufficient BTUs will struggle to cool the area effectively, while one with too many BTUs will cycle on and off frequently, leading to inefficiency and temperature fluctuations. Inverter vs. Non-inverter  Inverter AC tends to be more energy efficient thanks to its intelligent cooling capabilities. They are more expensive compared to non-inverter ACs. However, they can save a lot of money in the long run.  Dehumidification Feature  For humid and tropical weather like Bangladesh, it is recommended to buy AC with a dehumidification feature. It will help to remove the excess moisture from the air and improve the comfort level.  Type of System  Decide on the type of AC system based on your home. For example, a single detached apartment is better off with split systems. On the other hand, a central AC system is better for duplex or triplex-style homes.  Type of Refrigerant If you’re cautious about the long-term health effects of your AC, then you should consider the type of refrigerant used in the AC system. Many older models come with R-22 coolant which is being phased out due to environmental concerns. If you want environment-friendly options, it is recommended to go for R-410A refrigerants.  Besides these, it is important to look at the budget, features and controls, warranty and support, noise level as well as user reviews before buying an AC unit.   Read more: Beat Dehydration with These Summer Vegetables