SMART SPENDER>BEST VALUE FOR MONEY

Choosing Your Broadband Internet Provider

The choices for high-speed Internet access have expanded beyond cable and DSL to wireless broadband. So which one is best for you?

By Sherwin Chan

It was bound to happen. It was never a question of why, only a reckoning of when. Tommy mustered all his courage, cleared his throat, and began mouthing, “Daddy, I want Internet access.”

Daddy ponders about his son’s request. “Maybe it is about time”, he muses. Growing up on a 56K dial-up and busy lines in between, Daddy almost gets misty eyed. These days, there are cable Internet, DSL Internet, mobile 3G Internet and – still dial-up. He’s unsure of how to go about deciding.

It seems technology grew faster than his hair and now he’s at a loss on which service to choose. With lots of brands vying for his hard-earned money, he has to make a good decision. While he’s happy with the cost control of prepaid Internet cards, he realizes that it’s getting harder to control Internet use.

What should he choose?

Boom with no bust

According to a recent Yahoo and Nielsen study, there are an estimated 20 million Internet users in the Philippines. According to the study, “85% of all online users from total urban Philippines are from the Class D and E socioeconomic class while the rest are from Class ABC”. How the Internet is accessed is a different story. Most of those in the lower socioeconomic sectors access through Internet cafés. On the other hand, “majority of Class ABC respondents said they have a computer at home (88%) and have home Internet access (77%),” states the report.

Filipinos use the Internet mostly for online games, social networking, checking e-mail, and sending instant messages. Filipinos comprise a significant percentage of membership and usage in Friendster and Facebook. There’s also a growing prevalence of online micro-entrepreneurs on sites like Multiply.

With these as premise, providing affordable Internet access will become one of the cornerstones of growth for cellular network providers, not just for DSL and cable Internet providers. Recall that this industry enjoyed spectacular growth after offering prepaid services for mobile phone users. So it’s a no-brainer that the very same companies are adopting the same strategy in marketing their wireless Internet services. In fact, the recent growth of wireless broadband devices has been phenomenal, with all three major wireless providers offering prepaid and postpaid mobile Internet access.

Flurry of choices

So what are the options? There are basically these three: cable, DSL, and wireless. Let’s look at the pros and cons for each as well as what kind of speed and cash out you should expect.

Cable

If you are a speed monger, you might want to look at cable Internet. One of the providers of cable Internet is Sky Broadband. According to its Web site, “instead of using phone lines…cable lines carry more data and have higher bandwidth.” They advertise that they can go up to 12Mbps download speed.

Their plans are divided into SkyCable and non-SkyCable subscribers. The rates are the same, but the speeds are not. For example, at a monthly rate of P999, non-subscribers get only 1Mbps while the cable subscriber gets 1.5Mbps. With the P1,999 plan, the subscriber enjoys 3Mbps speed while the non-subscriber gets only 2Mbps. They also have bundled plans, which includes subscription to SkyCable Gold cable TV and SkyVoice Plan 100 phone service, for P3,999 (6Mbps) and P5,999 (12Mbps). There’s no installation fee but there’s a cable modem deposit of P1,000 (waived for the last two premium plans). There’s also one-year lock-in period.

The rival provider is Global Destiny Cable, which offers a 999 plan for speeds from 256kbps to 1.5Mbps.

Be aware though that cable Internet has its flaws due to its infrastructure setup. With the cable setup, if a lot of users in the neighborhood are sending and receiving data from the Internet at the same time, then you will notice your speed start to bog down. Quoting from an Internet source, “cable modem services share bandwidth among subscribers in a locality”. So if a lot of your neighbors are connected to the cable provider, there might be no difference in terms of speed with DSL.

DSL

DSL has now started taking over the realm of dial-up. Since most of us have phones anyway, adding a modem seems like a practical idea. The three providers that come to mind are Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), Globe Telecom (Globe), and Bayan Telecommunications (BayanTel).

PLDT myDSL offers three plans – Xperience (Plan 999), Xcite (Plan 1995), Xcel (Plan 3000), which come with a free modem. The speeds are as follows, respectively: 1Mbps, 2Mbps, and 3Mbps. They also offer a Plan 990 (384kbps) and 1299 (512kbps), which are bundled with a free landline phone service (modem fee of P1,200).

On the other hand, Globe Broadband offers various packages, namely Explore: Internet@Home, with a Plan 795 with speeds up to 512kbps and a Plan 995 that’s up 384kbps but with a free bundled landline phone service. The Extreme: Internet 2 the MAX packages are Plan 995 (1Mbps), Plan 1295 (1Mbps plus landline), and Plan 1995 (2Mbps plus landline). Globe also offers Tatoo, a broadband prepaid kit for P1,895 with a per-use charge of P5 per 15 minutes, at speeds up to 2Mbps.

Bayan DSL (formerly Sky DSL), on the other hand, offers three types of plans: Plan 899, Plan 1699, and Plan 2699. The speeds are 384kbps, 768kbps, and 2Mbps. If you want a phone with that, the packages go up to Plan 1199, Plan 1999, and Plan 2999 respectively. There’s a one-year lock-in period and a P1,999 installation fee. They also offer you a 15-day money back guarantee.

Since the packages offered by the service providers are almost at parity price, it will all redound to the customer service that one gets from them. According to online reviews, Bayan DSL is a favorite in terms of customer service. And with their money back guarantee, who can beat that?

You should consider though that since most people still use PLDT as their landline, the infrastructure advantage of PLDT is still there. So it’s something you should consider.

Wireless

Wireless Internet is ideal for people who are on the go. It’s also ideal for travelers, writers, and even photo bloggers. However, wireless Internet is not for people who love watching online videos, downloading files, or playing online games.

Recently, the bevy of TV commercials has been from Globe and Smart Communications (Smart). Also silently starting is Sun Cellular (Sun). The two biggest providers have been heavy in their marketing efforts evangelizing everyone to switch to prepaid wireless Internet access with their promise of “speeds of up to 2Mbps”. One commercial even spoofs the Heroes television series.

With wireless Internet, only Smart and Sun offer unlimited usage. Globe breaks down its Visibility packages as follows: with plans 799 (free 40 hours), 999 (free 60 hours), and 1499 (free 100 hours). There’s a one-time P1,000 installation fee. The pre-paid plan has no monthly fees, just a per-use charge of P5 for every 15 minutes for speeds as fast as 1.8Mbps, but averages 400-700kbps (for HSDPA).

Smart on the other hand has 799 (free 60 hours) and 999 (unlimited). With Globe, depending on the signals (HSDPA or 3G) the speed can range from 384kbps to 2Mbps. With Smart, plan 799 has speed “up to 3Mbps”, while the plan 999 is up to 384kbps only.

Sun offers a 999 wireless plan that gives you both a modem and a mobile phone plan 350. If you don’t want the mobile phone plan, just get their Easy Broadband plan of 799. Both the 999 and 799 plans offer unlimited use of internet. For plan 799, be prepared to shell out P2,500 as a one-time modem charge. Sun also offers a plan 649 for existing Sun mobile subscribers.

In terms of value, Sun wins hands down; however, the 24-month lock-up for plan 999 might be a bit long for some. Smart locks your contract for only 12 months. If you’re the type of person who is in control of your urges, then the best option for you is the prepaid service – Tattoo or Smart Bro Prepaid.

Smart and Globe’s marketing though can be confusing. Consider the following marketing language of the two. With Globe, they charge “P5 for 15 minutes browsing.” With Smart, they state it as “P10 for 30 minutes.” Do the math and you’ll realize there’s no difference.

There is a difference though of ease of reloading. With Globe, you can just reload using regular call and text cards of Globe. With Smart, you need special Smart Bro Load Cards or a Smart load via retailer.

Choosing the right one

In the end, the word to the wise is that we base our decisions on our needs. What is our objective for a certain fixed expenditure? Marketers are very good in convincing us to go for what we want and sometimes, it’s not what we need. It’s always good to know first what you need before you visit the shop.

Why’s that? If you would take note, one of our biggest expenses are fixed expenses that we can do without. Do you really need that many postpaid cell phone lines and landlines? Is the mobile plan you took the right plan? Do you need to turn on the air-con for more than eight hours? These are questions that we often neglect to ask ourselves.

Tommy’s Dad is using a more pragmatic approach in selecting their Internet provider. On average, he notices that their costs for using prepaid Internet cards sum up to about P700 a month. However, he also realizes at that price range, most of the service providers only have limited hours for that package or it has slower speeds.

In the end, he chooses a DSL plan without naming his preferred brand.

[sidebar]

The Plans

So what’s the best value for your money? Rates (as of March 31, 2009) do not include any installation fee and modem rental charge.

Cable Internet

DSL

Wireless

EASY MONEY>HOW-TO

How to Haggle

Filipinos are used to haggling, given their propensity to buy second-hand items at ukay-ukay stores as well as knock-offs and factory overruns at tiangges and bazaars. But some people are embarrassed about haggling because they might look cheap or they want to avoid an argument. Remember that the seller will almost always make a good profit even at the discounted price you set and agree on. To be a better haggler, follow these steps.

Step 1: Set your price

Before you even go shopping, do your research. Go online, check classified ads, and visit stores to get an idea of the price range – and the lowest you can go. If you don’t have the luxury of doing prior research, like for small items like a souvenir shirt, tell the vendor you’ll go around and check competing stores. However way you do it, set a price that makes it a good deal. Anything above it, pass it up.

Step 2: Act reluctant

Once you find something you like, don’t get too excited. You immediately lose your leverage. The trick is to show reluctance. One way to do that is to appear only slightly interested. Another way is to act like you really want it, but someone – mainly your spouse – isn’t so keen about it because of the price. You can also look for any flaw in the item –a little scratch, chip, or missing button. Maybe it looks like it’s been on display for too long or there’s no stock except for the display or demo unit. Finally, keep quiet. A long, awkward silence or mumbling “hmmm” with a facial expression that shows you’re not sure or convinced may get the salesperson to cut the price further or throw in another freebie.

Step 3: Be prepared to walk away

Don’t get attached to an item – be ready to walk away at any time. More often than not, the salesperson will call you back into the store and agree on your price. If not, go to a competitor more willing to negotiate. It’s not worth dealing with a company that refuses to budge an inch to get your business.

Step 4: Stay cool

The Web site howtohaggle.com advises: “Keep your cool at all times. The second you become angry, you are no longer haggling but are arguing.” Usually, the shopkeeper or sales person is simply acting angry. It’s all about bluffing. Nevertheless, be careful not to offend or agitate. So be firm but polite. After all, you’re the one offering a different price from what is advertised. If the exchange gets heated, don’t make a scene. Keep a cool head, say “thank you,” and walk away.

Step 5: Bring out your last card

If you and the seller can’t meet halfway, there’s one more way you may get him to agree or at least further lower his price: offer to pay in cash. Retailers don’t like credit card payments since they lower their margins. Another cash tactic is to show just enough bills in your pockets or wallet and say this is all you have. Add a couple more bills if that doesn’t work. If business is slow, he just might grudgingly accept. Now if price is non-negotiable, there’s another way of getting a good deal: ask for freebies. It could be a free item, extra service, or longer warranty. Knowing that you got more than you paid for will make you feel good about the deal.

SMART SPENDER>TIPID TIPS

The Guerilla Guide to Cell Phone Usage

Spending too much on your phone bills? Follow these tips

By Sherwin Chan

While governments worldwide are scurrying to save their economies by spending, individuals like you and me are saving money by reducing our spending. Cutting spending – both discretionary and nondiscretionary – can be tough as this means a change in lifestyle. And there is none more difficult than modifying our mobile phone usage habits.

We send an average of 15 messages a day per person. In a month, that number sums up to 450 messages. Assuming you are using one of the two dominant providers in the country, you would have consumed your prepaid credit of 300 by the 20^th day – just on text messages. Even a postpaid plan of P500 seems inadequate when you consider that you also have to make calls from time to time.

Old numbers, new habits

It is estimated that almost half of the Philippine population already use a cell phone – prepaid or postpaid. This means that most of us are looking for ways to cut down on existing usage costs instead of looking for a new plan. The prepaid subscriber has it easier as he can just stop using his phone and save money instantly. On the other hand, the postpaid subscriber is going to be billed a monthly rate no matter what.

Apart from a monthly rate, if you’re a postpaid subscriber, you are probably still tied up with your two-year contract. You have the option to divorce, but the settlement will leave your jaw dropping. So the only choice left is to find creative ways of keeping the monthly bill at a minimum.

Here are our five guerilla tips for saving on your cell phone bills:

1. Track your calls and texts

The most obvious solution is also the most disregarded. Cell phones today can track both the total minutes of your calls and the total text messages you’ve sent. Since these features are already there, be wise enough to use them.

Moreover, make sure that you turn on the “summary after call” feature of your cell phone. Now, you don’t have to count every minute of your calls. But by being conscious about it, you’ll think twice before you make another call. When you finish a conversation, make sure that you press the end call button even if you are on the receiving end of the call.

2. Call, don’t text

While texting is still cheaper than calling, consider this scenario: ever realize how a simple question of “what you doin?” can lead to a lot of texting back and forth? If you sum it all up, you would have spent more on text than if you just called the person. Apart from that fact, there are promotional call rates out there from Globe Telecom and Sun Cellular.

Both prepaid and postpaid Globe subscribers enjoy special discounted call rates in-network. By adding one of three prefixes before your 10 digit number you can make cheaper calls Globe to Globe. With “235”, you benefit from P10 per three-minute Globe-Globe calls. With “232”, you get 10 centavos per second on Globe to Globe or Touch Mobile calls. And with “236”, you are charged P20 for 20 minutes per call between Globe to Globe or Touch Mobile.

The “235” promo will last indefinitely while the other two promos will end March 2009. To make a call using any of these prefixes assuming your Globe subscriber number is 0917-1234567, just dial – 2359171234567.

The charges applied depend on the type of postpaid plan you have. If you are a G-Plan subscriber, all your calls are charged first to your free minutes. Once your free minutes are consumed you can start enjoying these lower rates; however, they are charged on top of your fixed monthly rate. If you happen to be a G-Flex (consumable plan) subscriber, both the 232 and 235 prefixes are deducted from your bill. The 236 promo on the other hand, will be on top of your bill.

This tip is pointless for Sun subscribers as long as you and your friends are using the same network. Unfortunately, Smart’s text and call promotions are currently available only to prepaid subscribers. This brings us to our next tip.

3. Be on the same network as your friends, family and colleagues

If you happen to be out of the contract period, examine your contacts list. Among those that you frequently call, what networks do they use? Chances are you will realize that most of your friends are connected to a particular network. Maybe it’s time you switched?

You can try Smart’s Gold Lite Plan where you can get a line by just submitting a valid address-bearing ID. The benefits start when you realize that the call rate for this plan is just P2 Smart to Smart/Talk ‘n Text. The lock-in period is six months only and with a starter plan rate of P300, it is among the lowest out there. The Lite plans also come in denominations of 500, 800, 1200, 1800 and 2500. All plans do not have a free cell phone.

If you intend to get an additional plan for your family, why not look into the group plans plan offered by Smart and Sun? The Smart Trio Plan has a call rate P4 per minute for calls made among the three subscribers. With Sun Cellular, a value-minded consumer can look into their Group Plan 999. With this plan, three family members can enjoy unlimited texting and calling among themselves. Both the Smart and Sun group plans have free phones.

4. Say “no” to nonessential services and text-in promotions

Ringtones, while fancy and “cool,” costs money. Most phones today support MP3 and other music formats. These tones are readily available all over the Internet. This goes the same for wallpaper and mobile phone games if you know where to look.

Text-in promotions on the other had are very much the same as raffle promos. The odds of you winning are low. And unlike raffle promos, you are charged for sending an entry. So why bother?

5. Going abroad? Don’t bring your phone

Grab a local SIM card in your destination country. When you make calls using your Globe, Smart, or Sun phone from abroad, you will be shocked when you see your next statement. If you absolutely must bring it, use your phone to receive text messages. Your family and friends back home are only charged the regular text rate of P1 even if you are abroad.

Hopefully these tips will help you rationalize the use of your cell phone. Hard times call for tough measures. It doesn’t have to be painful though as long as you are conscious of how you use it.

SMART SPENDER>CONSUMER HELP

Damaged Goods

What to do when you open a newly purchased product that happens to be damaged or simply does not work?

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

You’ve probably experienced or heard the horror stories that come with purchasing a new gadget, appliance, or even a brand-new car. Ken Santiago (not his real name) even describes his whole incident as a “nightmare” when it took him almost a year to settle his case with the cell phone company and then with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Last 2007, he bought a cell phone worth P20,000, only to break down after awhile. He asked for a replacement and was given a different brand but it became of no use too. And then the whole “nightmare” happened when the cell phone company refused to accommodate him. When he asked the help of DTI, he was told that he can file a case but he just decided to accept the money offered by the retailer even though it was way below the price of the original phone he bought.

“The P13,000 I got, I think, is not worth it, considering the bad service I got from the seller,” Ken says. “I just had no choice but to fight for my right as a consumer.”

Ken is not alone. Some consumers right now – perhaps including you – are eager to fight for their rights, but don’t really know what to do about it. Fortunately, DTI offers some helpful tips once the product that you have bought breaks down – whether you’ve had it for a few days or years.

“When you buy a product, you immediately have the inherent remedy,” says Atty. Pedro Vicente, director in charge at the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection of the DTI. “That’s why we have what we call the 3R’s – refund, repair, and replace.”

According to Atty. Vicente, once your product seems to be of no use anymore, here are some things that you should do under these different scenarios:

1. Under warranty. Whether you just bought the product or you’ve had it for some time but it’s still under warranty, present the defective product immediately to the retailer – whether it’s just for a major or minor fix. The consumer has the option to have the product changed, repaired, or have the money refunded.

2. Lapsed warrant. Once the warranty has lapsed, there is no other choice. “When the consumer has had it for the longest time, he needs to pay for the repair or for other services that he wants imposed,” says Atty. Vicente.

3. No settlement. If the retailer refuses to have your product replaced or refund your money, and it’s still under warranty, you can file a complaint at DTI at tel. no. 751-3330. You can also file a complaint at the consumer welfare desks at selected establishments, such as those found in malls or small stores. According to Atty. Vicente, DTI serves as a mediator between you and the retailer. “Look at it this way – DTI acts like both a judge and a prosecutor.” Such process can take at least one month or longer, depending on the nature of the complaint. When witnesses keep on popping up, the issue might be settled a little bit longer.

For consumers within Metro Manila, you can file a complaint at either DTI’s Pasay, Quezon City, or Makati branches. For those outside Metro Manila, you can file a complaint at the regional branches.

But according to Atty. Vicente, in order not to go through all of these proceedings since it could cost you your time, resources, and efforts, the best way to protect your consumer rights is still to ensure that what you have bought is indeed of good quality. He gives you a lowdown on the things that you need to look out for:

Before purchase

• Know what you should buy. If cell phones are your thing, know its features. Do you want it to have a camera? Or do you need a cell phone with Bluetooth? The same goes with other appliances such as a television, refrigerator, or microwave oven – know their features. This way, you know that you won’t be shortchanged. “Consumers should be aware of the product features and the benefits they should gain from the product,” says Atty. Vicente. Ken adds that, “try all the features to check that everything is working right.”

• Don’t be an impulsive buyer. Never approach a store to buy a cell phone or a gadget which looks “good” and “fashionable”. Chances are, you could get frustrated or disappointed because you don’t know how to use the product. Study the material first.

• Choose where you buy your products. Always buy your products at registered stores and don’t just rely on anywhere else. This could guarantee not just the quality of your product but you can be sure of the internal remedy – the 3Rs.

When purchasing

• Examine and observe. The business name or the state of warranty should be explicitly stated and written on the packaging of the product that you plan to buy.

• Ask questions. There are products which have implied warranty, which means that the warranty is not stated in the packaging. If this is the case, talk to your retailer or seller the things that you need to know such as the warranty. Also ask hypothetical questions – what if the product you bought breaks down? Who can you approach? Be sure that your questions are answered clearly.

Upon purchase

• Always get the receipt and keep it. At least when your product breaks down, you have proof. “I have an envelope for all the receipts and warranty certificates of all the products that I purchase,” Ken says.

Ken indeed has learned a lot of things with his experience. “Whenever I buy a new gadget now, I use it for the whole week to make sure it will not give me any trouble,” he says. “I understand that I can return a defective unit within seven days upon purchase. And of course, I always ask the stores if they give assistance to their customers.”

So when it comes to buying new products, always make sure that the usefulness and benefits of the products are maximized according to what you need. Rest assured, you won’t be having any problems dealing with defects anytime soon.

SMART SPENDER>BUYER’S GUIDE

Buyer’s Guide to Air Conditioners

The hot summer’s near and it’s time to turn the A/C on. If you’re buying an air conditioner for the first time or need to replace your ancient model, here’s a checklist of what to look for

By Carlos Gonzales

Thirty four degrees Celsius is not “warm.” It’s the “Sahara Desert.” Okay, that may be a bit of an exaggeration but summer nights can be awfully hot. Electric fans just won’t do it and if you’re still keeping your decrepit 80s- or 90s-era air conditioner, you’ll wonder if it has miraculously transformed into a heater or at least a glorified blower.

The average life expectancy of an air conditioner is around 10 years, after which it starts having more problems. The longer you hold on to it, the less sense to have it fixed since repairing it may not be cost-effective and will likely not do much good in the long haul. You might as well buy a new unit that’s much more energy efficient and will last a longer time.

So whether you’re replacing a unit or buying for the first time, there are five things you should consider:

1. Type

Air conditioners come in at least four types: window, split, centralized, and portable. Your choice depends on your space requirements and budget.

Window: This is the most common type for home use, particularly for small rooms, installed through a window or a hollow area of a wall. Pros: ideal for small rooms, relatively inexpensive, and easy to install. Cons: a bit unsightly, can’t handle big spaces.

Split system: A notch above window types are split systems, which come in either as a package (no outdoor components, but take up room space) or in separate components (indoor and outdoor). They can also be wall mounted, floor mounted, or ceiling suspended. A variant is a multi split system, which is similar to a split system except one outdoor component powers multiple indoor parts, thus is able to cool the entire house instead of just one room. Pros: cools bigger space better, sleek and compact design, quieter. Cons: more expensive, require professional installation.

Central ducted: A centralized system uses an indoor unit linked to an outdoor compressor unit that pumps cool air through flexible ductwork around your house. Pros: efficient, quiet, cools entire house. Cons: most expensive type, difficult to install.

Portable: The newer portable air conditioners can be rolled around the house. Pros: portable, cheaper, consume less energy, simple to install. Cons: less powerful, can’t be a substitute for standard types.

For most homes, a window type or split system is sufficient. But if you have a big house, centralized air conditioning may be a better option. For living rooms and kitchens, a portable unit will suffice.

2. Size

The most crucial factor to consider when buying an A/C is its size, which should be based on how big your room is. If it’s too small for your room, it will not be cool enough and your air conditioner has to work harder, thus consuming more energy and jacking up your electricity bill. If it’s too large, it may cool your room fast but it will feel damp and humid since there isn’t enough time to remove moisture. There are generally three sizes for window and split type units:

Small: For rooms smaller than 25 sq.m. Horsepower: 1.0 HP or below unit. Capacity: 8,440 to 10,550 kJ/hr (kilojoules per hour).

Mid-sized: For rooms between 25 and 44 sq.m. Horsepower: 1.5 or 2.0 HP. Capacity: 12,661 to 22,156 kJ/hr.

Large: For rooms between 50 and 72 sq.m. Horsepower: 2.5 or 3.0 HP unit Capacity: 24,266 to 35,872 kJ/hr.  

For most rooms, small- and mid-sized air conditioners are enough. Aside from the room area, you should also take into account factors like ceiling height, other appliances, natural light, number of occupants, and adjust the required cooling capacity and horsepower accordingly.

3. Features

This is what sales people will highlight to differentiate their models from competitors. So what exactly should you look for?

Inverter: This automatically adjusts the fan and motor speed of the A/C to cool down rooms quickly and more efficiently as well as maintain a constant temperature, which can save on power consumption. Models with inverters are a little more expensive but they can save 30%-50% in electricity.

Energy Savers: Look for a set of operating modes that help save energy usage, such as a timer, sleep mode, energy saving mode, auto restart, and the like.

Air Direction: You’re A/C is installed usually at either side of a wall, rarely at the center, so you need to direct airflow toward one side. Look for a model that has air flow control steps, air direction control, and a remote control.

Purifiers: Newer models have the ability to filters dirt and dust particles (even germs) to purify the air in the room as well as remove odors.

Dehumidifier: Removes some the humidity in the room without having to cool the room, so this should

There are other extra features that may appeal to you. Just remember that the more functions there, the more expensive.

4. Efficiency

Don’t just look for the initial purchase price but the total cost of ownership. The critical aspect is efficiency, which affects electricity consumption. What you should look for is an Energy Star rating, expressed in EER (energy efficiency ratio), which indicates how good an air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooling. For every point difference in EER, you save 10% in electricity cost. Air conditioners manufactured after October 2000 should have at least a 9.7 EER. To get the yellow Energy Star label, the unit must have a 10.7 EER.

5. Noise

Many air conditioners are noisier than your snoring spouse, which makes sleeping a bigger challenge. So if you’re a light sleeper, look for a unit that runs quietly in the background, not blaring scandalously. Some models indicate their low and high indoor and outdoor noise levels in decibels (dB). The lower the number, the quieter it is.

[SIDEBAR]

[note: please save space for this table]

What to Buy

Carrier

Kolin

Panasonic

Kelvinator

LG

Condura

Whirlpool

GE

Haier

Kenmore

Sharp