Preparing for those unbearable hot summer days? Having an air conditioner in your home can be a lifesaver.
These days you are spoiled for choice with all the options on the market to keep your home cool and comfortable. But how do you choose?
In this handy guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the different types of air conditioners and the installation process for each one – so that you can make the best choice!
Can I Install the Air Conditioning Unit Myself?
Unless you have both an electrical and a refrigeration licence, installing an air conditioner yourself is illegal in Australia. Trust me, the risks are not worth the few pennies you’ll save.
Consider hiring a professional installer like Sun City Air Conditioning to get the job done safely, quickly, and most efficiently.
Types of Air Conditioners
First of all, it’s worth having some knowledge of the different types of air conditioning systems available so that you can make an informed decision on which one will match your home best.
Window Air Conditioner
As the name suggests, this popular kind of air conditioner is installed in a window, or it can be mounted on a wall with a supporting frame.
Having a window air conditioner installed is a quick (under 10 minutes), simple process.
Ducted Air Conditioner / Central Air Conditioner
These are most commonly installed in larger buildings with several rooms. Cool air flows through vents in each room which are connected via ductwork.
Although this type of system is pricey, it’s well worth the investment in the long term, as it’s super-efficient, reliable and lasts for years.
Split System Air Conditioner
This common air conditioning system consists of both an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.
They are ideal for cooling a single room, or you can have multiple indoor units to cool multiple rooms while being connected to the same outdoor unit.
How does it work? The indoor unit’s evaporator generates cool air in the room, and the outside unit’s evaporator releases the warm air simultaneously.
Portable Air Conditioner
Ever seen those ‘cooling machines’ on wheels? It’s likely they were portable air conditioners.
The reason people buy them is that they are easy to transport, affordable, and designed to cool small areas.
Warm air is sucked outside through an exhaust hose, and cooler air is distributed throughout the room.
Can you install portable air conditioning units yourself?
Yes! This kind of AC doesn’t require professional installation, so you can definitely go the DIY route if that’s your thing.
Here’s how:
- Attach the exhaust hose to the back of the AC unit.
- Position the window fitting in your desired window frame and close the window to keep it secure.
- Connect the hose to the window fitting.
- Plug the AC unit into a power outlet and switch it on.
As you can see, it doesn’t take rocket science to install a portable AC, and it typically only takes 10 to 20 minutes.
What Is the Most Energy Efficient Air Conditioner?
Want to keep your electricity bills to a minimum, reduce your carbon footprint and benefit your health?
When it comes to having an air conditioner in your home, this is certainly still achievable if you make the right choices:
- Choose an air conditioner that is the right size for your space.
If it’s too big or too small, the system will either be running continually to generate cool air, or it will be running in shorter cycles, respectively. Both of these scenarios will waste a lot of energy. - Make sure it has a programmable thermostat.
Energy efficiency largely depends on the AC’s thermostat. Set the thermostat to switch off when no one is using the room, or you can even alter the settings to suit your preferences in various rooms if you have more than one unit. - Schedule regular servicing. As with any appliance, without regular maintenance, it won’t run as effectively and it tends to use more power. Stay on track with your air-con inspections and have an expert check issues as soon as they arise.
Final Words
Your perfect air conditioning solution will mainly depend on the size and layout of your room or home, as well as your budget.
Unless you’re happy with a portable air conditioner, it’s essential that you hire a qualified professional to install your air conditioning system – whether it’s a split system, a central air unit, or a window air conditioner.