Looking to buy a brand new air conditioner?
Whether you’re replacing your current unit or purchasing an air conditioner for the first time, air conditioning is a life changing investment that can improve your home life tenfold.
No more sitting and sweating in the heat all through summer.
No more shivering your way through winter and wearing an absurd amount of layers to keep warm.
Air conditioning is certainly a game-changer for your level of comfort at home. However, there are a few things you need to consider before rushing off to buy a new air conditioning unit. We’ve put together a list of five essential things you need to consider before investing in air conditioning. Read on.
#1. What size air conditioner do I need?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to installing a new air conditioner.
All homes and families are different with unique needs and requirements. For example, a large home with several bedrooms might need a split system air conditioning unit, while a smaller home or apartment might only need ducted air conditioning to circulate warm (or cool) air throughout the home.
Some homeowners might prefer a minimalist look and opt for ducted air conditioning. These units are also great for people who want to save on space.
You can find out the optimum air conditioner size for your home by using our cost calculator. Just answer a few simple questions including the amount of space your air conditioning needs to cover, the purpose of the air conditioning unit (domestic or commercial), and the system you’re thinking about getting.
We’ll give you an estimate of the size you need – plus the costs involved.
#2. What’s my budget?
Air conditioning is an investment that will improve your lifestyle for years to come. You need to consider how much you’re willing to spend on home improvement.
The cost of a new air conditioner varies depending on the kind of air conditioning you’re after (ducted or split system), the size of the unit, and the type of building you’re looking to warm up or cool down (domestic versus commercial).
Want to get an idea of the cost NOW?
Check out our air conditioning cost calculator.
#3. Where am I going to install my new air conditioner?
Once you’ve figured out what size air conditioner you need plus the amount you’re willing to spend, you can start planning for installation.
The question is: where’s the best place to install an air conditioning unit?
Indoor air conditioning units
Indoor units should be installed in a central location to allow balanced air flow throughout the room. For example, an air conditioning unit in a bedroom is best placed above the bed. In a lounge room, the best placement would be above the TV so it’s facing you.
You should also plan for your air conditioning unit to be installed in a high place so that the cool/warm air can fill all the space in the room.
Outdoor air conditioning units
The outdoor units of split system air conditioners are generally installed against the outer wall of the room being air conditioned. These should be placed on solid, stable ground where they’re unlikely to vibrate.
You also want to have plenty of free space on either side of the unit to allow airflow and easy access for maintenance.
#4. Will my air conditioner be safe from damage outdoors?
For larger homes, a split or multi split system air conditioner might be the solution for you. These air conditioning systems have multiple indoor units connected to one large outdoor unit, circulating air throughout the house and heating or cooling each room individually.
However, it’s important to think about your location and consider whether your split system air conditioner will be safe from damage outdoors. The outdoor unit will be exposed to the elements and also more at risk of theft or vandalism.
Homeowners living near the beach, for example, would need to take extra precautions to maintain their air conditioning because sea air can damage and corrode the coils inside the unit. We wrote a blog on the effects of salt air on air conditioners – check it out and learn how to protect your AC from damage.
#5. What’s the best brand of air conditioner for me?
At Air Conditioning Industries, we have three premium air conditioning brands: Fujitsu, Temperzone/Hitachi, and Mitsubishi Electric.
These brands are all industry-leaders in air conditioning, creating optimal temperatures for homes around Australia for decades.
If you’re looking for a quiet air conditioner that warms up or cools down your home without drawing attention, you might want to go for a Mitsubishi Electric. Known for their near-silent units,
Mitsubishi has air conditioning for both homes and businesses.
Alternatively, you can get peace of mind with Fujitsu. Australia’s favourite air conditioning manufacturer, Fujitsu offers a seven year warranty on all air conditioning units.
For a great price, check out Hitachi. These air conditioning units are both reliable and affordable, offering new homeowners the chance to improve their home life at a reasonable price.
Hash out the details before running off to buy an air conditioner
There are a lot of things to consider before purchasing a new air conditioner.
Where’s it going to be installed? What size is right for a small, medium, or large home? What’s the best brand on the market right now? How much is it going to cost?
All of these things need to be taken into consideration to get the best possible outcome from your air conditioning unit. You want to achieve the perfect temperature for your home from summer to
winter, so you need to ensure you’re getting the right air conditioning unit for your home.
Want to discuss your options with an experienced professional?
