Summer temperatures in Australia can be unforgiving, but having the right air conditioning system in place will help your family beat the heat and stay comfortably cool. That said, not all residential air conditioning systems are created equal. Residential air conditioners come in all shapes and sizes to match the requirements and budgets of different homeowners.
Before investing in an air conditioning system, you should find the right one first. Consider the following factors when choosing an air conditioner for your home.
Your home's cooling load
One of the top factors to consider when selecting a residential air conditioner is your home's cooling load or demand.
Your residential cooling load or demand refers to the heat and humidity your air conditioner must extract from your home's interior environment to keep it cool and comfortable in hot weather. The higher your residential cooling demand, the larger the unit you need to keep your house cosy.
The size of an air conditioner is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Make sure you choose the correct air conditioner size to ensure reliable and efficient cooling performance.
The cooling efficiency of your air conditioner
Like many Australian homeowners, you worry about the efficiency of your home. As air conditioners run on electricity, you want to keep your air conditioning electricity usage to a minimum.
Efficient air conditioner operation saves energy and money and minimises your home's overall ecological footprint.
When shopping for an air conditioning unit, look at its energy rating. This information is typically included in the packaging of the product. Aim for a product with a high energy rating—this will cost you more initially but save you money over the long term.
The type of air conditioner you need
Air conditioners come in different configurations to suit various applications. The main types of air conditioners used in modern homes include:
- Central air conditioners
- Split-system air conditioners
- Multi-split system air conditioners
- Packaged air conditioners
- Room air conditioners
- Portable air conditioners
Each type of air conditioner has specific characteristics and pros and cons that you should review before making a final purchase decision. For example, a central air conditioner is ideal for whole-house cooling while multi-split systems cool different rooms separately. Room air conditioners cool individual rooms only.
Before buying an air conditioner, ensure it is designed for the space you intend to cool.
Selecting the right air conditioning product is the first step in ensuring proper air conditioning system installation.
Contact a residential air conditioning installation service for more information.