Looking to install a new air conditioner in your home? Looking to replace an older unit? Not sure where to start? Look no further, as we are here to help. This guide will tell you exactly what you need to know before purchasing your new air conditioning unit. When it comes to purchasing air conditioner units there are a lot of choices and a lot of questions you need to ask before being sure you have chosen the best air conditioner unit for you and your family. So let’s get started. There is a lot of information to consider before making a final decision. Therefore we have broken this up into 3 parts.
Reverse Cycle or Cooling Only?
This might be the easiest question we need to ask ourselves in the Territory. In our climate is very unlikely that we will ever need an air conditioning unit that heats as well as cools. For this I think it is safe to say you will only ever need a cooling only unit. (Cooling only units are also cheaper than reverse cycle!)
Size of the Room the Air Conditioning Unit Will be in?
The size of the room will affect the size of the unit needed to cool the space. The ceiling height and floor area of the room will determine the capacity of the air conditioner you need. If the unit is too small, it will not be as effective or energy efficient, as it may be using a higher amount of energy to cool effectively. We recommend booking in a free quote request so we can give you an exact size with no guess work.
Is the room Insulated?
If your room is not insulated you will need to invest in an air conditioner that has a larger cooling capacity to compensate. Insulation will help repel the heat year round in Brisbane. This will improve your air conditioner unit’s energy efficiency as it will not need to work as hard.
What about my Windows?
It is counter intuitive to think that your windows have any impact on the size of the air conditioning unit you need to cool your home. It is not like we can open them without being hit with a wall of heat. When it comes to windows and your air conditioner it can be very important to take note of the size, position and aspect of the window as well as what you have covering them.
Windows affect the natural temperature of the room. The aspect can affect the ambient temperature and can vary at different times of the year. For example west facing will experience direct afternoon sun or east facing will experience direct morning sun and all this will need to be taken into account. The heavier the coverings over the window will also prevent the day’s sun penetrating as much, especially if these coverings are a light colour. Always remember the darker the colour the more the heat will be attracted to it and vice versa.
Noise?
Concerned about the noise your new air conditioning unit is going to make? Be sure to check the noise level rating before buying. Panasonic air conditioners are amongst the quietest in the world.
What Brand Should I Trust?
It is important to pick a brand that you have heard of before and one that offers warranty work in Brisbane. There are a few brands out there that don’t have a warranty agent in the Territory so be careful before buying that you can get the aftercare that you deserve if anything goes wrong. At Advanced Air we are Panasonic warranty agents and deal mainly in Panasonic units. These units all come with a 5-year warranty meaning if anything goes wrong in the next 5 years all you need to do is give us a call and we will be there as soon as possible.
What Kind of Air Conditioning Unit do I need?
Depending on what you want your air conditioner unit to do there are a few different types. Mainly Split Systems and Ducted units. Split Systems are two separate units, an indoor and an outdoor unit. Ducted systems have an outdoor unit and a concealed indoor unit. They deliver air through ducted pipes into each room via vents on the floor, wall or ceiling. Before deciding which type you would like you should discuss your options with a professional.
What Will This Cost?
A big factor in such a decision will probably ultimately come down to cost. Air conditioning units can be a big investment. So make sure that you are getting the most for your money and purchasing a recognised brand with a reputable guarantee. You can check out our range of products here, all of which come with a 5 year warranty. Cost can also greatly affect the type of air conditioner units you purchase. While no option is cheap, the split system would be the cheaper option between ducted and split system units. If you are ever unsure or would like to talk through your options you can get in contact with us and talk to a professional or book in a free quote online today.
What is an Energy Efficiency Rating?
The Energy Efficient Rating was introduced to provide independent and standardised energy efficiency information in order to allow performance comparisons between domestic appliances. It provides us with a star rating to give a quick comparative assessment of the units’ energy efficiency. The more stars an appliance has the more energy efficient it will be. Meaning ultimately the more money you will save on your power bill. It will also include an estimated annual energy consumption figure for that appliance. This is calculated from a number of tests and an average Australian household usage estimates. The lower this number is the better the energy consumption and the cheaper the running costs.
Location, Location, Location!
The location of the air conditioner unit can be very important to how effective its cooling effect will be. Air conditioners have two separate components, an indoor and outdoor unit, and a location for each needs to be considered. In Brisbane, the indoor unit can become our best friend, especially in certain parts of the year. For this reason, it is important that it not only sits in a position that is aesthetically appealing but you will also need to make sure it is in the best position for it to do its job to the best of its ability. For the outdoor unit, you will need to make sure you pick a location that has ample room for the installation. You will also need to make sure air can move freely. Each local council has specific installation requirements so check this out before carrying out any installations.
Who Will Install my Air Conditioner?
For your peace of mind and to make sure you are as comfortable as possible for as long as possible, we advise you get your new air conditioner unit installed by a licensed installer. If your installer is not registered with the Australian Refrigeration Council your warranty will not cover any faults caused during the installation process.
End of Our Buyer’s Guide!
I hope this has helped you make a decision. Do you still have questions? Or you would like to talk to a professional about your options? Get in contact with us today. We are happy to help you with any of your air conditioner needs. Alternatively, you can book a free quote online with one of our professionals.
