Picking the right air conditioning unit for your home is extremely important. The unit you choose can either be an effective cooling or heating solution, or a costly lesson in what not to do.

There’s more to choosing a suitable unit than just looks. Here are several factors that you need to consider when choosing an HVAC unit for your home. While no two homes are identical, some options will generally be more suitable for Australian homes.

1. Energy efficiency

With electricity prices constantly rising, if not going through the roof, running costs are more important now than ever before. New units are efficient but can be still quite energy-hungry. Because of this, units that feature inverter technology, which can provide a reduction of almost 30% on your energy consumption compared to older air conditioning technology.

The current demand for energy efficient air conditioners has seen most of the major manufacturers develop in-house technologies that lead to further savings. Some, for example, will reduce power consumption by monitoring whether a room is in use, and adjusting usage accordingly. This approach allows for considerable savings.

2. Health features

It is also important when choosing an air conditioner to consider features that will improve the air quality in your home. Traditionally, air conditioners have featured a basic mesh filter that collects particles and dust, but some more modern systems include built-in ionisers, UV air filtration systems and antiviral and antioxidant filters. While these systems shouldn’t be completely depended on to regulate the quality of the air in your home, they can really help.

Home owners should also look for an air conditioner that maintains the moisture in the room’s air. This reduces common complaints associated with air conditioning like dry skin, throats and eyes, and is especially beneficial if you spend extensive time in close proximity to one or sleeping in the bedroom with an air conditioning unit operating all night.

3. Room design

You need to purchase the correct capacity air conditioner to suit your room size. This will ensure that it operates as efficiently as possible, and that you’re not stressing the air conditioner or wasting energy.

Before heading to the shops to pick up an air conditioner to install in your home, you should measure the length, width and height of the room or area that the air conditioner is intended for. These measurements are critical for an accurate calculation of the capacity required (generally measured in kilowatts).

To assist you in selecting the correct size air conditioner, you can find useful web calculators on line for an indication of what you need for the area you want to cool. The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Airconditioning and Heating (AIRAH), for example, has a very comprehensive calculator on their FairAir site.

4. Operating temperature range

It is important that the air conditioner you buy is designed to withstand Australia’s harsh climate and temperature extremes. Some heaters now work in temperatures as low as -15 degrees, and cooling is possible even when the outside temperature is a scorching 46 degrees. While most brands and models will operate in most conceivable circumstances, if you experience extreme weather conditions where you live it won’t hurt to check what the rated operating range is.

5. Humidity

Most of us in Australia live in a reasonably humid climate for parts of the year, which, unfortunately, means our air conditioners have to work harder and as a result. This consumes more electricity and also means that certain types of air conditioners are effectively useless, particularly in tropical areas around the northern parts of Australia. Evaporative coolers, in particular, due to the way they work are not good in more humid climates.

In the tropical northern areas of Australia, higher humidity levels actually cause moisture to form inside your air conditioning unit. If you have an air conditioner unit in an area with high humidity, make sure it isn’t located next to a kitchen or laundry where you’re likely to create more humidity, and avoid opening doors and windows when the air conditioner’s running.

6. Reliability

Reliability is a key consideration when choosing an air conditioner. As with most expensive appliances, it pays to stick with a well-established brand, and to look for lengthy warranty periods and companies that have a reputation for good after-sales service.

7. Design

Don’t forget that your air conditioner will take up a considerable amount of space on your wall. It’s important to consider how the unit will look in your home. An air conditioners are now as much a piece of furniture as your book shelf is.

8. Installation limitations – apartment installations

When installing an air conditioning unit in an apartment, there are several problems that may arise. In particular, shared walls and small balconies can severely limit the number of places you can place the outdoor unit.

Likewise, when considering where to install your unit, you should take into account how loud the unit might be. If you intend to install a unit within a few metres of your neighbours’ doors or windows, you should check with your local council about what the noise regulations are in your area, and what the rated noise (dB) levels are on the system you want to buy.

If you live in a flat or an apartment, you should seek approval from the body corporate before installing anything. Likewise, all installations and repairs should be carried out by a licensed and experienced technician.

If you live in Sydney, the Annie Smithers team recommend N3 Air Conditioning as they are air conditioning contractors Sydney residents trust.

About N3 Air Conditioning

For over ten years, the team at N3 Air Conditioning have been providing professional air conditioning services for Sydney homeowners. The primary focus is residential clients, and they offer supply, installation, repairs and service, for an array of air conditioning systems.

They are a family owned and operated business doing top level Sydney residential air conditioning installation work. With all work being fully insured, clients are putting their project in good hands. Pricing is also extremely competitive and their expert installers get the job done fast and as expected.

Regardless of the need for a reverse cycle or split system, inverter or ducted system, they can offer the very best solutions, at competitive prices, to meet your current home environment and lifestyle needs.

For more information on the company and to view their complete array of services, visit their website, visit via this link: https://n3airconditioning.com.au/