Summer is right around the corner, which means one thing for Australians – it’s time to turn on the air conditioning! While most of us would prefer not to think about our energy bills, the truth is that space conditioning accounts for approximately 40% of energy use in an average Australian home. If you want to stay cool and save money simultaneously, there’s no way around it. You need to choose an energy-efficient air conditioner tailored to your home’s needs. This blog post will discuss some tips for choosing an HVAC unit to help you keep the temperature and your energy bills down.
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Yes, size matters!
When it comes to cooling your home, size matters – both in terms of the physical size of the unit and its cooling capacity. An air conditioner that is too small for your home will have to work overtime to try and keep the temperature down. At the same time, an oversized air conditioner will cool your home too quickly and then cycle off before it has a chance to remove the humidity from the air, leading to a stuffy, uncomfortable environment and patchy temperatures.
At REQ Refrigeration, we highly recommend using the heating load and cooling load calculations designed by the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH). These calculators consider factors such as the location of your home, the size of your rooms, ceiling height, insulation levels, and the number of windows and doors to help select the ideal cooling capacity for your home.
Split or Ducted?
Two main types of air conditioners are available on the Australian market – split-system and ducted. Each has its advantages and disadvantages regarding energy efficiency, and the best option for you will depend on the specific needs of your home.
Split-system air conditioners are the most common type of air conditioner found in Australian homes. They consist of an outdoor unit that releases heat from your home and an indoor unit that blows cool, conditioned air into your living space. Split systems are relatively easy to install and can be energy efficient when used strategically and fitted to an appropriate space. Split systems work particularly well in smaller homes or open-plan living areas.
Ducted air conditioning systems circulate cool, conditioned air through a series of ducts tucked away in your ceiling. These systems are more expensive to install than split systems, but they are also much more energy-efficient as they allow you to target specific areas or rooms in your home that you want to keep cool. Ducted air conditioning is well-suited to larger homes where heating and cooling needs vary from room to room or floor to floor.
Consider Your Needs
If you are looking for an air conditioner that is both energy-efficient and cost-effective, it is essential to consider your energy needs when making a purchase. The first step is to assess how often you will be using your air conditioner throughout the year. If you live in an area with hot summers and mild winters, you will likely use your air conditioner less frequently than in a climate with extreme temperatures.
Once you have a good idea of how often you will be using your air conditioner, you can start to look at specific models that meet your needs. Looking for an air conditioner with a high Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) is a great starting point for the discerning homeowner. The New Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL), introduced in April 2021, will also be a helpful guide when selecting an air conditioner, indicating:
- Ratings up to 10 stars for heating and cooling.
- Capacity and power in kilowatts (kW) Capacity in kilowatts (kW).
- The performance provided does not consider climate Performance provided for three climate zones (hot, average, cold) across Australia and New Zealand.
- Output capacity for heating and cooling at one outdoor temperature Output capacity for heating at two outdoor temperatures and cooling at one outdoor temperature.
- Input power for heating and cooling in kilowatts (kW).
- Annual energy use for heating and cooling (for each zone) in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- Noise indicators to show the volume in decibels (dB(A)) of the internal and external units.
Finally, remember to factor in the installation cost when selecting an air conditioner for your home. While split systems are typically cheaper to install than ducted systems, the initial investment may be higher depending on the size and capacity of your chosen unit. Speak with a qualified HVAC installer to get an accurate quote for your air conditioner installation before making your final purchase.
Know Your Brands
Many air conditioner brands are on the market, but not all are created equal. When choosing an air conditioner for your home, selecting a unit from a reliable, reputable brand is vital. At REQ Refrigeration, we only sell and install units from these trusted brands. We believe that when it comes to something as important as the comfort of your home, you should never compromise on quality.
REQ technicians specialise in installing Kaden and Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning units. Kaden air conditioners are designed in Australia, so you can be sure they are built to withstand our harsh climate. Mitsubishi Electric is a world leader in air conditioning technology, with a reputation for quality, reliability and efficiency. When selecting an air conditioning installation service, it’s essential to choose a company that only works with the best brands in the business and isn’t looking to wrangle you into investing in an inferior product.
Wrapping Up
By following these simple tips, you can be sure to select an air conditioner that is both energy-efficient and cost-effective. Remember to consider the size of your unit, the type of system you need, and your energy usage when making a purchase, and you will be sure to find the perfect air conditioner for your needs.
We hope this guide was helpful. If you have any lingering questions or would like more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with REQ. Our experienced team is always on hand to offer free, competitive quotations and industry-leading advice.