Purchasing an Air Conditioner
There are a few key factors to consider when choosing an air conditioner:
- Do you live in a rental property? If so, consider air conditioning that doesn’t need any installation, such as a fan or a portable air conditioner.
- Consider the size of the room before purchasing an air conditioner. Mismatching the space you’re heating or cooling to the air conditioner may deliver in either inadequate results or wasted energy.
- Do you want your house to be cool in the summer and warm in the winter? If that’s the case, reverse-cycle air conditioning is a good option for year-round climate control.
Air Conditioner Features
How They Work
To ensure you’re getting the right air conditioning equipment for your needs, it’s crucial to understand a few important words:
- Reverse Cycle: An air conditioner that has both heating and cooling capabilities.
- Inverter: Inverter air conditioners maintain a constant rate of airflow for improved temperature control and energy efficiency.
- Smart AC: Smart air conditioners connect to your home network (e.g. WiFi), allowing you to adjust and monitor their output using an app on a compatible smartphone.
Capacity & Efficiency
The capacity of air conditioning is measured in kilowatts (kW). Efficiency is classified using a star system, with more stars indicating greater efficiency.
- As a general rule, an air conditioner needs to be sized to at least 160 watts of capacity per square metre in the room.
- Reverse cycle air conditioners use two kW values: the first for cooling capacity and the second for heating.
- The efficiency of a device is determined by its star rating, which is based on the ratio of power input to its cooling and heating capacity.
Air Conditioner Features
How They Work
To ensure you’re getting the right air conditioning equipment for your needs, it’s crucial to understand a few important words:
- Reverse Cycle: An air conditioner that has both heating and cooling capabilities.
- Inverter: Inverter air conditioners maintain a constant rate of airflow for improved temperature control and energy efficiency.
- Smart AC: Smart air conditioners connect to your home network (e.g. WiFi), allowing you to adjust and monitor their output using an app on a compatible smartphone.
Capacity & Efficiency
The capacity of air conditioning is measured in kilowatts (kW),. Efficiency is classified using a star system, with more stars indicating greater efficiency.
- As a general rule, an air conditioner needs at least 160 watts of capacity per square metre in the room.
- Reverse cycle air conditioners use two kW values: the first for cooling capacity and the second for heating.
- The efficiency of a device is determined by its star-rating, which is based on the ratio of power input to its cooling and heating capacity.
Types of Air Conditioners
Split System
When it comes to air conditioning, you have a lot of choices. Split system AC is the most popular type of air conditioning in Australia today. Each system has an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.
- A split system is ideal for large rooms or zones within a home that need to be cooled or heated. If there are multiple rooms or you have an open-plan home, there is a good chance you will need to install multiple units.
- Modern split system air conditioners also often have additional features such as built-in WiFi, motion sensors, smart modes and air ionisers, which increases efficiency and air quality.
- It’s important to hire a professional for this job since it can be quite dangerous, so keep these expenses in mind before purchasing. An expert can also suggest the most suitable location for units to optimise performance and efficiency, all the while making it a safe addition to your home.
Ducted System
Ducted system air conditioners are designed to manage the airflow and temperature throughout the home. A central unit, usually in the ceiling, connects to ducts that run into your bedrooms, living rooms, kitchen, and hallways. Powerful and sophisticated, they offer residents the most control of any system.
- Generally, ducted system air conditioning is more quiet, more powerful and more efficient than the alternatives. When it comes to cooling or heating an entire residence, this is the best option.
- Special features such as zone control and smart systems such as MyAir help improve efficiency for savings year-round. Air filtration systems remove pathogens, dust and pollen from their air for a fresh feeling.
- Having one central unit makes it easier to service and maintain, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.
- Discreet vents in the roof distribute the air silently, so there’s no impact on your day-to-day living.
Standard ducted air conditioning installation includes:
- Round or square, plastic insulated supply air grilles
- Supply and installation of premium Advantage Air purtech return air grille complete with double layer electrostatic filter or Metal Return air grille with polyester filter depending on installation requirements.
- Installation of interconnecting pipework between air conditioning units to meet Australia Standards
- Ductwork and standard coverings
- Supply and installation of chosen air conditioning and zone control system
- Commissioning and education on how to use equipment
- Concrete slab or wall brackets for mounting outdoor unit
- Electrical feed, isolator & interconnect cabling for air-conditioner installed to manufacturers specifications & Australian standards by a licensed electrical subcontractor.
- Three visits to sites for homes under construction. Rough-in (frame up & roof on), Vents cut-outs (as soon as it is plastered up), Fit off (once the painting is done & power is ON).
Additional options include:
- Active air purification solutions such as Airily & RGF REME Halo LED
- Passive air purification such as MERV 16 air filtration
- Energy Recovery Ventilators to bring filtered outside air into your home without putting excessive load on your air conditioning system
- Roof ventilators
- Ceiling insulation
- Garage door insulation panels
- Gecko protection for the electronics in your outdoor unit
- Corrosion protection which is great if you live near the sea
- Smart controls upgrades such as MyAir
Match Air Conditioning to Your Room Size
Finding the right air conditioner might be difficult, particularly if you’re not sure what size you require. The following are some factors to consider: room size, ceiling height, insulation, window size, amount of sunlight and more. It’s crucial to get the correct size unit since air conditioners that are too big will consume more power, whereas undersized ones will not cool the space adequately.
The below indicates the cooling and heating requirements for a variety of room sizes:
- For a room up to 16m2, a 2.5kW unit should cool the room;
- For a room up to 22m2, a 3.5kW unit should cool the room;
- For a room up to 37m2, a 5-6kW unit should cool the room; and
- For a room up to 50m2, a 7-8kW unit should cool the room.
However, this is only a general guide. We recommend speaking to an expert installer before proceeding with an AC system to take into consideration the broad range of construction variables and environmental conditions of various room sizes. Smarter Air can provide a free quote for any installation so you can have that peace of mind.
Contact Us today to learn more.
Types of Air Conditioners
Split System
When it comes to air conditioning, you have a lot of choices. Split system AC is the most popular type of air conditioning in Australia today. Each system has an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.
- A split system is ideal for large rooms or zones within a home that need to be cooled or heated. If there are multiple rooms or you have an open-plan home, there is a good chance you will need to install multiple units.
- Modern split system air conditioners also often have additional features such as built-in WiFi, motion sensors, smart modes and air ionisers, which increases efficiency and air quality.
- It’s important to hire a professional for this job since it can be quite dangerous, so keep these expenses in mind before purchasing. An expert can also suggest the most suitable location for units to optimise performance and efficiency, all the while making it a safe addition to your home.
Ducted System
Ducted system air conditioners are designed to manage the airflow and temperature throughout the home. A central unit, usually in the ceiling, connects to ducts that run into your bedrooms, living rooms, kitchen, and hallways. Powerful and sophisticated, they offer residents the most control of any system.
- Generally, ducted system air conditioning is more quiet, more powerful and more efficient than the alternatives. When it comes to cooling or heating an entire residence, this is the best option.
- Special features such as zone control and smart systems such as MyAir help improve efficiency for savings year-round. Air filtration systems remove pathogens, dust and pollen from the air for a fresh feeling.
- Having one central unit makes it easier to service and maintain, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.
- Discreet vents in the roof distribute the air silently, so there’s no impact on your day-to-day living.
Standard ducted air conditioning installation includes:
- Round or square, plastic insulated supply air grilles
- Supply and installation of premium Advantage Air purtech return air grille complete with double layer electrostatic filter or Metal Return air grille with polyester filter depending on installation requirements.
- Installation of interconnecting pipework between air conditioning units to meet Australia Standards
- Ductwork and standard coverings
- Supply and installation of chosen air conditioning and zone control system
- Commissioning and education on how to use equipment
- Concrete slab or wall brackets for mounting outdoor unit
- Electrical feed, isolator & interconnect cabling for air-conditioner installed to manufacturers specifications & Australian standards by a licensed electrical subcontractor.
- Three visits to sites for homes under construction. Rough-in (frame up & roof on), Vents cut-outs (as soon as it is plastered up), Fit off (once the painting is done & power is ON).
Additional options include:
- Active air purification solutions such as Airily & RGF REME Halo LED
- Passive air purification such as HEPA filters
- Energy Recovery Ventilators to bring filtered outside air into your home without putting excessive load on your air conditioning system
- Roof ventilators
- Ceiling insulation
- Garage door insulation panels
- Gecko protection for the electronics in your outdoor unit
- Corrosion protection which is great if you live near the sea
- Smart controls upgrades such as MyAir
Match Air Conditioning to Your Room Size
Finding the right air conditioner might be difficult, particularly if you’re not sure what size you require. The following are some factors to consider: room size, ceiling height, insulation, window size, amount of sunlight and more. It’s crucial to get the correct size unit since air conditioners that are too big will consume more power, whereas undersized ones will not cool the space adequately.
The below indicates the cooling and heating requirements for a variety of room sizes:
- For a room up to 16m2, a 2.5kW unit should cool the room;
- For a room up to 22m2, a 3.5kW unit should cool the room;
- For a room up to 37m2, a 5-6kW unit should cool the room; and
- For a room up to 50m2, a 7-8kW unit should cool the room.
However, this is only a general guide. We recommend speaking to an expert installer before proceeding with an AC system to take into consideration the broad range of construction variables and environmental conditions of various room sizes. Smarter Air can provide a free quote for any installation so you can have that peace of mind.
Contact Us today to learn more.
Our Coverage
Our air conditioning service also includes new housing estates at North Lakes, Caboolture, North Brisbane, Redland Bay, Ipswich, Shoreline Estate, Pimpama, Flagstone, Bethania, Brookhaven, Holmview, Bahrs Scrub, Mount Cotton, Victoria Point, Thornlands, Woongoolba, Highfields, Kingsholme, Ormeau, Rochedale, Everleigh Estate, Springfield Lakes, Skyridge Estate - Worongary, Forest Lake, New Beith, Pallara, Logan Reserve, Logan Village, Coomera, Jacobs Well, Maudsland, Pacific Pines, Nerang, Gilston, White Rock, Highland Park, Hope Island, Lawnton, Helensvale, Worongary, Aura Estate Bells Creek, Robina, Yarrabilba, Flagstone, Spring Mountain & Greenbank.
