How to Choose an Air Conditioner
Air conditioners are becoming a standard feature of surviving hot Ipswich summers. But with so many on the market, how do you choose the right unit and installer? By following our simple tips you can keep your house cool and your power bills down:
1. Choose a reputable, licensed electrical contractor
Installing an air conditioner requires skills in both electrical and refrigeration. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got the best unit available, if it’s not installed correctly it will never operate efficiently. Electricians that are licensed to install air conditioners require additional qualifications and must be accredited by the Australian Refrigeration Council. Be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true or are below industry standard and always ask to see the licence of any electrician working in your home.
2. Size matters
Selecting the right sized air conditioner for your room can increase the unit’s efficiency. Too small and the room will not be cooled, too large and you may face hefty electricity bills. The power output of air conditioners is measured in kilowatts (kW). For a standard bedroom we recommend 80 watts of power per square metre and for a living room we recommend 125 watts per square metre. This means that a living room measuring 30 square metres will require a 3.75 kW unit. We provide free education and advice regarding sizing and efficiency as part of our standard service.
3. Not all units are created equally
When it comes to air conditioners, like many other purchases, you get what you pay for. Those weekend specials at the local hardware store may seem like too good a bargain to pass up. It’s an air conditioner, as long as it blows cool air they’re all much the same, right? Wrong! Lower quality units often have a reduced lifespan meaning that you may need to replace the unit after only a few years use. Energy efficiency can also be an issue as low cost units often come with a lower rating, meaning they use more power. What you save off the shelf you pay for in your next power bill! Be sure to ask us which units we recommend to keep your expenses down.
4. Energy efficiency
With costs of living on the rise, running costs of air conditioners have never been more important. Choosing a unit with a high energy efficiency rating is a good way to keep costs down. The introduction of inverter technology in modern day air conditioners can reduce running costs by up to 30%. Energy efficiency is measured in star ratings and air conditioners can receive a maximum of ten stars. Generally speaking, the higher the rating the higher the savings. Efficient units help to build sustainability for our future, so you will be doing your bit for the environment as well.