4 Factors to Consider Before Buying Air Conditioners
Australians spend about 3.7 billion dollars on air conditioners during the summers. And the market size for air conditioners is expected to grow due to climate changes causing severe heat waves and an increased disposable income for the people. As such, several big brands are operating in the market, launching new products with improved features to meet the needs of the people. And when considering consumer appliances like AC, brands like Midea in Australia emerge as the top market players. However, choosing the right air conditioner that meets your needs is challenging. Hence, the discussion on the following factors will help you navigate the selection process and make the best purchase.
- Type of Air Conditioner
An average Australian home is 2032 square feet, and a split air conditioner is usually the best choice for these homes. As such, the following are the common types of air conditioning available in the market:
Split system: Split systems have one indoor and outdoor unit and are best for cooling a room of 60 m2.
Multi-split system: Multi-split systems have two or more indoor units connected to an outdoor unit. You can use such systems if two or three rooms are reasonably close.
Ducted system: Ducted units have a central unit on the roof and are connected by air ducts to sensors and air outlets in each room. It can be the most efficient choice for cooling the entire house.
Portable system: Portable systems have a single unit that can be moved from one room to another according to your needs. These systems have a flexible duct attached to a window for venting the heat out.
Wall/window system: Wall/window systems are single-box units installed through an external wall or a window. These are best for rooms with an area of 50 m2.
- Energy Efficiency
Cooling and heating appliances account for almost 40 per cent of the total energy usage in an average Australian home. So, when looking at air conditioners, you must get one that enables you to save money.
When registering a model with the government, any manufacturer like Midea in Australia gets a star rating based on the test results marked against the set standard for Australian air conditioners. And the rating will enable you to make easy and quick comparisons of models and select one that will be the most energy-efficient. So remember, the more the number of stars, the more energy efficient the air conditioner is.
- Functional Features
Modern air conditioning has numerous functional features, but choosing one that improves energy efficiency is always better. And for maximising energy efficiency from your AC unit in average Australian conditions, it is ideal to set the unit to 25 to 27 degrees during summers. Also, check if the system has an eco mode that reduces power consumption by reducing heating or cooling output by a few degrees. In addition, look for other features like dehumidifiers to reduce humidity and make the air cooler and comfortable.
- Cost
The price of a split or multi-split AC may range between 600 AUD and 5500 AUD. And a ducted AC may start from 5000 AUD and can exceed 10000 AUD. Meanwhile, portable ACs may range between 300 and 1100 AUD, while wall or window ACs may have a price range of 500 and 1100 AUD.
Also, remember Air conditioners with high energy ratings are more expensive than those with lower energy ratings. Therefore, the more money you spend, the more benefits you get from the system.
Buying air conditioning is a big investment, and it should not be done in a rush. You can use an expert professional’s help if you’re confused to make a decision. Ultimately, you want an air conditioner that will meet all your needs throughout the year and serve you well for fifteen to twenty years.
