How To Choose The Best Air Conditioner For Your Home

Local Climate

Many Australians reside in a region with a moderately humid climate. Unfortunately, this implies that in order to keep us cool, our air conditioners will need to work harder, which will increase energy usage. Additionally, it means that some models of air conditioners are virtually useless in areas of the nation where humidity levels are especially high. Evaporative coolers, for instance, are not ideal in high humidity because extra moisture forms inside the air conditioner. A refrigerated system would be the greatest cooling choice for locations with high humidity levels.

How many rooms you would like to cool

Choosing a unit to cool a single room is relatively simple; however, cooling multiple rooms necessitates more careful consideration. For cooling a single room, window units or split systems are ideal. However, if you need to cool additional rooms on your property, you might want to consider a multi-split system or a ducted air conditioning system.

Room size and layout

It is critical to select an air conditioner with the appropriate cooling output or capacity (usually measured in kilowatts) for the space. Choosing an air conditioning unit with the incorrect capacity for the size of the room results not only in poor performance, but also in increased energy consumption and operating costs. It can also shorten the system’s lifespan. Natural light, insulation, ceiling height, and roof type will all play a role in determining the appropriate air conditioner capacity. Because every home is different, it’s best to have a qualified contractor or installer advise you on what type of unit and size will be best suited to your needs.

Energy efficiency

Although high-efficiency appliances may cost more up front, they can readily pay for themselves over a few years thanks to lower operating expenses. How to select Energy star rating labelling system* rates the energy efficiency of air conditioners marketed in Australia. The more stars a product has, the more effective it is (please note that most ducted systems do not display a rating). The estimated annual electricity consumption is also provided on the label. For a complete, current list of appliances, visit the Energy Rating website.

The noise of the system

Some air conditioners have an excessive amount of internal noise that could make it difficult to sleep or have a conversation. When operating with higher fan speeds, evaporative coolers typically produce more interior noise than refrigerated air conditioners. Due to the separation of the running components, ducted or split systems often have the lowest noise levels.

Reliability

When selecting an air conditioner, reliability is a crucial factor. As with the majority of pricey appliances, it pays to stick with a reputable brand, look for extensive warranty terms, and choose retailers with a solid track record of after-sale support.

Design

Think about the space your chosen air conditioner will require and whether it will be appropriate for the location.

Benjamin McCluskey

Ben is the owner of BM Heating & Cooling. Based in Melbourne with a passion for all things HVAC he hopes to educate and pass on his knowledge for all things heating and cooling.

October 2, 2022

How To Choose The Best Air Conditioner For Your Home