When it comes to choosing the ideal air conditioner, selecting the right type of system, with the right features for your space, is essential to maximising performance and value on your purchase.
But with so many options, it can be hard to narrow it down and find the perfect fit. From wall mounted units like split system and box units to ducted cooling and portable air conditioners, each can be the ideal solution in the right circumstances—so how do you make the best choice?
With such a huge difference in price, performance and efficiency across the range, doing some research before you buy can save you from the potential headaches and additional costs of installing a system that is not performing optimally. This means considering the key factors such as size of room, external climate, energy efficiency, reliability, upfront and ongoing costs and noise to name a few.
So, to help you find the best match, in this article we share our tips and insights on the most suitable air conditioners for different areas of the home and workplace.
Cooling your living zone
The living zone is the heart of the home, and maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round allows you to enjoy your time in this space. During summer, having an air conditioning system in your living room that cools your space fast, operates efficiently and maintains a comfortable temperature allows you to escape the heat and relax in comfort with family and friends. In addition, an energy efficient choice will keep your power bills down, making a big difference to your budget during peak times.
For most living zones, a split system reverse cycle air conditioner is the best and most popular option. They are quiet, efficient, cool your room fast and require little maintenance. They also have various levels and functions which allow you to adjust the power and direction of the cool air output, helping you to create the right level of comfort to suit your needs. Best of all they come in a range of outputs, allowing you to select the one that best suits the size of your room so that it is nicely cooled without your unit working too hard.
If your budget or situation does not allow for a split system to be installed, you may opt for a wall-mounted box which costs less to purchase and can be installed on a window sill, or a portable air conditioner that can be moved from room to room as needed. However, keep in mind that these solutions will not be as efficient, will generally be noisier and will take up more space.
Cooling your bedrooms
There’s nothing worse than tossing and turning through a hot night unable to get comfortable enough to fall asleep. In climates with high summer temperatures, a cooling system in your bedroom can make a massive difference to your level of comfort and ability to sleep in the warmer months.
Choosing the right system comes down to similar factors to those mentioned above for the living room. In particular, pay attention to noise levels and also the size of the room to ensure optimum running power. In addition, having access to functions like sleep mode can help to keep running costs low while maintaining a comfortable temperature through the night. Again, split system reverse cycles are the most suitable choice for most homeowners, while box or portable systems can be a great temporary or budget option.
Cooling your whole home
Installing air conditioning that will keep your entire house cool offers the ultimate level of comfort. However, this will generally cost significantly more, both in the upfront cost of purchase and installation, and the ongoing running costs. The most popular whole home systems are ducted cooling, which have a central fan unit installed in the ceiling that blows cool air into each room via ducts. They are large and complicated to install, which makes them unsuitable for smaller homes or short-term accommodation such as rentals.
If you live in a climate that experiences extreme summer heat frequently, a whole home solution will likely be high on your list of priorities, so you may opt for ducted cooling—but for many locations in Australia, targeted cooling in the living area or bedrooms will be sufficient.
Cooling your commercial space
When it comes to cooling your workplace, understanding the size and layout are key. Other important factors include durability, longevity, reliability and efficiency, as your air conditioning will often be operating for long stretches of time.
In most commercial spaces, such as offices, shops and public places like schools, a split-system reverse cycle will be the most cost-effective option. However, if your space includes an awkward spot or separate area that your split-system can’t reach, or you only need to cool a small area at a time, a portable commercial air conditioner can be a fantastic solution that can be easily moved around as you need.
Cool your space with the right system
It’s clear that split-system air conditioners work well in most spaces, and when you choose the right size they deliver performance and value in spades. However, there are times when another option may tick more of your boxes. For example, if you live in a location with extreme summers, you may opt for a whole-house ducted system, and if you are renting you may go for a portable or window box unit instead.
The key to getting it right is to understand the size and features of your space, do some research into the options, then once you have a shortlist, talk to an expert for guidance on the best fit.
Our team has the experience and knowledge to recommend an air conditioning system that will match your budget and needs. Get in touch for friendly advice today!