Keeping Australian homes cool in summer, and warm in winter is an essential aspect of living. Knowing the best air conditioning system for your home will save you money and time in the long term.
Before browsing specific air conditioning systems – consider your circumstances. The following criteria acts as a guide to identify which system you will need.
Air Conditioning Installation
House Location & Insulation
Where your home is correlates to an air conditioning system’s effectiveness – consistently hot climates would need a more powerful cooling system, and more colder areas requiring heating systems.
Insulated ceilings and walls have positive effects on the capacity needed for an air conditioner. Capacity refers to the amount of kilowatts (kw), the greater kw, the larger an area can be cooled or heated – needing less capacity will save you money, allowing for a smaller system.
Room Size & Orientation
Inside your home, the sizes of rooms (length, width, and height) will determine your air conditioning units capacity. The effectiveness of an air conditioning system is impacted by the orientation of a room. This is because the direction the room faces may receive more heat or shade in different seasons.
Comparing Air Conditioning Systems
Learn about the main air conditioning systems on the market to understand the functionality of each unit, and its compatibility with your living situation before calling a residential electrician.
Split System Air Conditioning
Split air conditioning systems can be identified by the two separate units needed to function. A “condenser” is seen outside the home, typically on an external wall that is parallel to the interior unit, known as the “head unit”.
Benefits:
- Best option for smaller properties or for single-room use
- Remote control operation gives you full control of the temperature
- Lower running and installation costs compared to ducted systems
Limitations:
- Requires a condenser unit outside your home
- Exterior unit must be parallel to interior system, may not be viable for home designs
- Cooling capacity can be limited to the room it’s installed in
Ducted Air Conditioning
Ducted air conditioning systems differ from split systems because the entire unit is concealed. It could be discreetly located outside the property or hidden in the roof – with cooled air then being directed through to multiple rooms across the home, with only vents being visible.
Benefits:
- Increases marketability and value of your home
- Allows cooling for all areas to be maintained and consistent
- Operates more efficiently and quietly than split systems
Limitations:
- Must have a certain amount of space, may not be suitable for smaller homes
- Cannot control specific room temperatures or switch off when not needed in a single area
- Typically hard-wired to a wall/ not remote control
Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning
The most popular air conditioner unit is a reverse-cycle system, because it can keep you cool and warm. Even if you don’t require heating often, reverse cycle systems are the best option for Australian homes.
Why is it the best option?
- Most energy efficient form of electrical heating
- Environmentally friendly – most units produce about one third the amount of greenhouse gases
- A cost-effective way to heat you home in winter
Still Not Sure?
Air conditioning installation is largely dependent on your situation. Maines Electrical pride themselves on keeping up to date with the latest air conditioning technologies and devices, so no matter the air conditioner or brand, our team can take care of it.
Need a new air conditioner fitted, or need servicing? Maines Electrical’s team of expert air conditioning specialists can do it all.
feel free to contact us online or call us on 07 3807 6769.