Thinking of getting an AC? Brisbane is known for its beautiful subtropical climate, but during summertime, the heat can be somewhat brutal. Walking into an air-conditioned room can be all the relief you need, but before you rush into buying an AC out of desperation, there are a few important things you’ll need to consider.
Here in this article our aim is to help you make the best decision possible when installing an air conditioner. You’ll find ten key considerations you need to make to make the best investment.
- What type of air conditioner do you need?
- The type of air conditioner you’ll need to buy will ultimately depend on the size of the area you want to use it for. There are several different types of air conditioners you can choose from, which include:
- Ducted system air conditioners
- This type of air conditioner consists of an indoor and outdoor unit. It recesses about a faux ceiling so as not to compromise aesthetics for functionality, ensuring it is well protected. This type of air conditioner is generally more expensive but incredibly efficient and has a relatively simple installation process. It’s ideal for buildings that need multiple rooms to be cooled down.
- Split system air conditioners
- This type of air conditioner is typically used in homes and comes in two different types: the split air conditioner system (which consists of an outdoor and one indoor unit) and the multi-head air conditioner system (which consists of an outdoor unit that connects to two or more indoor units). The split system air conditioner is also affordable and has a simple installation, but like the ducted air conditioner, the outdoor unit can be noisy.
- Portable air conditioner
- Unlike fixed AC systems, portable air conditioners do not require installation, making them super convenient. Like other systems, they are comprised of an integrated compression system under a casing, but they can be moved around from one room to another when needed. The downside to using a portable air conditioner is that they tend to be quite bulky and also quite noisy, but a big benefit is that they’re generally a lot more affordable than fixed AC systems.
- Window wall air conditioners
- This type of AC system comprises indoor and outdoor units that form one piece of equipment. Both units are connected through a hole in the windows or walls so that one part of the equipment is outside and the other is inside. This type of AC is also generally cheaper than a ducted or split system AC and is easy to install; however, it’s quite noisy.
- What size air conditioner do you need?
- A crucial consideration when choosing an AC is what size you’ll need. Why? The right size AC will ensure you get maximum efficiency and performance out of the device. Get one that is a size too big, and you’ll spend too much money initially on electricity bills. Get one that is too small and won’t be able to effectively cool down a large room or multiple rooms. There are a few factors that will determine what the best size AC will be for you:
- The room size
- The unit position
- The windows and other openings
- The wall and ceiling insulation
- The wall composition
- The rule of thumb for determining the size of AC is that for every square metre of the room, you’ll need between 0.12 to 0.15kW of power.
- What is the best position for your air conditioner?
- The position of your AC is something that needs to be strategically planned, but thankfully, a professional AC technician will usually determine this for you during the installation. Most people will have an idea of where they’d like the AC to go based on the aesthetic of the room, but functionality should always come before appearance. Some important factors that will help you determine where the best spot for the AC will be include:
- Indoor unit
- A place that has optimal drainage
- A place that will promote the best airflow
- Outdoor unit
- A place that is well-ventilated
- A place that does not have any obstacles nearby
- A place that is as close to the indoor unit as possible (ideally within 5m)
- How much can you afford to install and run an air conditioner?
- While the bigger the air conditioning system you need, the more expensive the initial cost will be, it will also play a role in how much it costs to run. The cost of installing and running an AC will vary depending on the brand, size, and age of the HVAC system. To determine what you can afford, you need to understand the cooling capacity of the AC unit, which is measured in kW (kilowatts) but not to be confused with the power consumption (which is also measured in kW but is only a fraction of the cooling capacity rating). So, always check the energy rating before you buy an air conditioner.
- The installation cost for your AC will also differ according to the company you go through, so make sure you do your research to see what the total initial cost will be. Find out air conditioning installation costs in Brisbane here!
Final Thoughts
While most air conditioners serve the same purpose, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Pay attention to the considerations we’ve mentioned, and you should be able to get one that fits not only your building but also your budget.