With summer on our doorstep, it is crucial to choose an effective air conditioning unit to make your home comfortable all summer long. But before you purchase a unit, it is also important to understand what system you need and why you need it.

That said, below are some things you need to consider before you purchase an air conditioner this summer.  

Things to Consider When Buying an Air Conditioner
Where You Live

While most models operate in a temperature range of between -10°C to up to 45°C you should consider the climate of where your house is located. That way, you can opt for an air conditioning unit that meets the outdoor temperature range.

If you live in an area that frosts during the Winter, like Canberra and the surrounding regions, for example, then you should choose a model with automatic de-icing. Such a feature prevents frost buildup, specifically on the outdoor exchange heater coils.

Room’s Size

The second aspect you must consider is the size of the room. Doing so helps you pick a unit that has the most suitable power and features to efficiently cool the space. It is also recommended to opt for an air conditioning system that has either the exact cooling capacity—or higher. 

Purchasing the right size of air conditioner will reduce the initial and ongoing operation costs. Not to mention any unwanted noise impacts inflicted on your neighbours. 

Is Your House Set Up to Reduce Heat?

The next thing to consider is your house’s ability to reduce heat. Understand the features of your house that could reduce heat captured in your home.

First, check the colour of your home’s roof and wall exterior. The lighter the colour is, the more it will reflect the sun’s heat. If your house’s roofing has insulation, you would not need a high cooling capacity air conditioning unit system, either, as insulation allows conditioned air to remain cooler for a longer time.

In fact, it is recommended that your home be insulated before deciding to install an air conditioner. The amount of energy and money you will save for having your house insulated is worth every penny.

You should also consider the placement of windows around your home. In summer, windows are a major contributor to unwanted heat gain.

If you are not lucky enough to have north-facing windows that minimise heat, a few design elements to consider that will reduce heat load include glazed windows, adding a verandah, planting trees or screening plants, shutters or even shade sails outside if it's appropriate.

Assess What System You Need

With the large range of units on the market today, there is sure to be a system to suit any budget. There are the 3 main types of air conditioners to choose from:

  • An evaporative ducted system is the cheapest form of ducted cooling and lowers the temperature in a house through multiple ceiling outlets. Cool air is distributed via ducting in your roof space throughout your home.
  • A ducted refrigerated system uses innovative technology to filter the air, remove humidity and circulate cool air using air conditioning ducts and refrigerants. This system offers whole-house cooling and is a flexible climate control solution.
  • A reverse-cycle split system is a great option for cooling parts of the house. These have a separate indoor air handling unit and an outdoor compressor unit, keeping most of the noise outside.

Regardless of your budget, you should assess the air conditioning unit's capacity to save energy. Energy rating labels must be displayed on cooling-only and reverse-cycle models with a rating from 1 to 6 stars. The more stars indicate a more efficient unit and lower running costs.

Hiring a Professional Installer

Poorly installed air conditioners tend to emit buzzing sounds that may disturb or irritate your neighbour. Unless you are using a small, portable unit, installing an air conditioner is not a recommended DIY job.

So, it is best to get a qualified person to do the job. By working with a professional you can be sure your selected model is competitively priced, perfect for the space and installed correctly so you can minimise electricity bills and reap the cooling benefits.

Contact Level Plumbing Canberra today at (02) 6188 6088 for a free installation quote.