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The average Australian reading this article is aware of how unpredictable our weather is, changing from a blistering heat to a snapping cold from one day to the next (or if you're a Melbournite, from hour to hour). If you're building a new home or you're just trying to be as comfortable as you can as a renter in this weather whiplash, this is your ultimate guide to choosing the right heating and cooling system. In this article, we will be covering types of systems, what size you will need, energy ratings, integrating an air conditioner with a smart home, and installation. Spoiler alert: our JD electrical team can install air conditioners in residential and commercial spaces, servicing the Greater Brisbane Region. Let's get started...
Different Systems
Split System
The modern air conditioning system is made up of two units: a compressor which sits on the outer part of the home, and an air conditioning unit which is usually mounted on the wall (this is the same for ducted air conditioning, but we'll get into that later). The compressor takes the hot air out of the room, while the conditioning unit pushes cool air in. This makes up the basic air conditioning system with the inclusion (in most cases) of a remote control. Below is an example of what you get in a Mitsubishi Avanti Split System package.
Reverse System
In most cases, an air conditioner will be both split system and have reverse system capabilities, but you still need to check, as there are some older models on the market that may not. A reverse system means that the unit is able to heat the air or cool the air (heating capabilities). If you are looking for a heater for an open outdoor area, check out our blog post on heat strips and heating systems here. A great option for an air conditioner that also functions as a heater is the Hair Flexis.
Portable
Portable air conditioning units are a great alternative for those who are renting or cannot commit to installing a complete system. The pros of using a portable unit are that they can come with you when you leave the property, they have relatively low start-up costs as they require no installation/electrician fees, and they can move from room to room. However, it is important to note that portable air conditioners are inefficient at cooling large rooms and open spaces. You may also want to consider the noise level when deciding whether or not you want to try a portable system or installing a proper system. When using a portable air conditioner, the operation is happening right there in the room, and so does the noise. In comparison to an installed system, where the bulk of the operation is happening outside of the property, a portable unit pails in comparison.
Ducted
Ducted air conditioning is where most of the operation happens in the ceiling! And it's all in the name, a large system of ducts are installed into the ceiling and connect on one end, to the vents, which push out cool air that travels from the intake panel which is also in the ceiling collecting air. The duct will also collect hot air and push it out of the property through an exhaust. Ducted air conditioning is the best option in almost every case as it is functionally better, and aesthetically pleasing due to the system being flush-mounted in the roof.Â
To organise ducted air conditioning for your home or business, you will need to contact our team. This is because every property will be set up differently; requiring vents in every room (if you like) which is unique to your specification.Â
The pros of ducted air conditioning are that you can control the temperature of each room, ensuring your comfort with climate control!
Energy Ratings
So what is the cost of running aircon in my home?
That will depend on the unit's energy rating and the size of your unit's capabilities in comparison to the size of the room it is trying to cool or heat. But we'll talk more about that in the next section. A reverse system's energy rating will be rated in two categories: by the cooling system in blue, and by the heating system in red. As with any energy rating, the more stars a product has, the better it is rated, the less it will cost for the product to run.Â
Below the star rating, sometimes, there is the amount of electricity the model will use per year, based on average use. The lower the number, the cheaper it will be to run.Â
What Size do I Need?
It is important to choose the correct sized unit for the space you are asking the unit to cool or heat. If your air conditioner is underpowered or working too hard, it will quickly burn out. We measure the size of the unit by kW, and there is actually a formula you can use. As a general rule of thumb, you will need 125w per square meter of the room you are trying to cool. So if you know the dimensions of the room, for example, your room is 25 square meters (5m x 5m = 25 square meters x 125w) you will need a 3.2kW unit.
Small Rooms: 0 - 20m2
Small rooms are considered anything less than 20 meters squared and can be cooled or heated by using a portable air conditioning unit or a small split system unit that has a strength of 2kW-4kW. Or, if you are having a ducted unit, one vent will suffice.
Medium Rooms: 20 - 40m2
Larger bedrooms and living areas will require more energy to cool or heat the space. We recommend from 4kW - 6kW split system air conditioning units. Medium rooms are classified as any space in the 20m2-40m2. Your electrician will know how many vents to use for ducted air conditioning, which is another pro of choosing a ducted system - there is less for the customer to worry about!
Large areas and Large Office Spaces: 40m2 +
Large rooms are classified as any space over 40m2 and will require a split system air conditioning unit that is between 6kW-9kW.Â
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Smart Home?
Smart lights, smart fan, smart security system...but what about smart climate control? The tado° Smart AC Control can turn your existing air conditioner into a smart system that has open window detection, adapts to the weather, and can detect when no one is in the home to save you $$.
Whether you've started to convert your house to a smart home or have it planned in your new build, integrating your climate control into your smart system isn't just convenient, it's life-changing. In the same way you can schedule your lights to turn on/off/dim at certain times or as weather dependant, the same can be done with your air conditioning system. The Tado accessory is intuitive and can ensure your house maintains the same comfortable temperature regardless of the hot or cold weather conditions.
This accessory also saves you money by ensuring the system is off depending on who is within the home. This is done by geofencing; the Tado can turn your system off when the last person has left the home. It can also turn on your system when it detects you are nearing your home! There are so many more benefits, including climate-controlling multiple rooms and super simple setup - click here to view the product and read more!
Compatible with most manufacturers including Samsung, Toshiba, Panasonic, Daikin, Honeywell, Pioneer, Mitsubishi Electric, Siemens, Hitachi, Haier, Carrier, General Electric, Fujitsu, Frigidaire, Sanyo, Whirlpool.
Installation
We're more than a lighting store...
JD Lighting has gone far beyond lighting over the past 13 years. These days we specialise in ceiling fans, security, heating and cooling, solar installation, and smart homes! In addition to these great feats, we have a new electrical division, JD Lighting Electrical. Our electricians have over 50 years of combined experience in both residential and commercial electrical repairs and installations. Our team has expanded exponentially to assist you in any electrical installation, in this case...air conditioning units whether you are after a ducted system or a standalone unit.
No Delivery Times!
Whether it's an air conditioning unit, lightings, fans, or smoke alarms, when you order your items through JD Lighting and organise installation through JDLE, you don't have to worry about delivery times to your home, or picking up your products. Once your stock arrives at our central warehouse, our electricians will collect your items and take it with them on the day of installation, saving you time and money!
Our Team and Serviced Areas:
When organising your installation through JDLE you can expect our electrical team to be respectful in their work, appearance, and manner. You can expect our team to listen to your preferences and take your concerns into consideration. We service the below areas, but if you are unsure, contact us to enquire