How do you know if your van needs an air conditioner? Some models already come with them installed, but not all vehicles are so lucky. A/C units can cost anywhere from $300 to $2,000 depending on their size and capacity, so you want to ensure you’re getting the right one for your needs. Here’s all you need to know when you want to find the perfect rooftop air conditioner for your van.
Think about your budget
Rooftop air conditioners can be pretty pricey. It’s good to consider your budget when deciding whether or not you should get one. It’s wise to buy from a company that offers flexible financing options if you need help paying for an air conditioner. If your budget is limited, and you are thinking about ways to spend less, consider getting a portable air conditioner for your van instead of a permanent one.
Do your research before making a decision
It’s essential to research what features are available in rooftop air conditioners before deciding on one for your van. If you can, visit a retailer that sells them and see what they look like in person. Visit manufacturers’ websites and search online to get as much information as possible. This way, you won’t just pick a random air conditioner without knowing what it has to offer.
Choosing the right equipment for your needs
Once you have a list of prospective AC units, it’s time to nail down which is right for you. When shopping around, look into features like BTUs (British Thermal Units), CFMs (Cubic Feet per Minute), and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). These specs help determine how effective an air conditioner will be in any given environment. If you live in a hot climate, choose an AC with high BTUs—the higher, the better. If you don’t need your van cooled off all that often or live somewhere with mild summers, lower-BTU models are cheaper to run and can still do their job effectively. The same goes for SEER ratings: Higher numbers mean better efficiency at keeping cool air inside your van; lower numbers mean higher energy costs.
Considerations while shopping online
If you are getting a rooftop air conditioner for your van, you must keep in mind that you may have to buy some extra accessories. Many of these air conditioners do not come with mounts, so you will need to buy one separately and make sure it fits your vehicle. Also, keep in mind that if your air conditioner is too heavy for your vehicle or does not fit appropriately on top of it, you may be putting yourself at the risk of accidents.
Control Unit Considerations
First, you’ll need to consider how you want to control your air conditioner. Most rooftop AC units can be wired into a standard wall switch; however, some models come with remote control (often called smart technology). If you live in an area that gets hot year-round, you might want to opt for remote control. However, if your trips tend to be seasonal or temporary, wiring into a regular switch will likely suffice.
Conclusion
When you want to install a rooftop air conditioner in your van, consider many things before beginning. Size, portability, and efficiency should play an essential role in determining which system is best for your van conversion. Whether you are looking for something small enough to mount on a pop top or something large enough to cool an entire room, you must find an air conditioner that will work well with your lifestyle while maintaining maximum efficiency.