Looking to beat the heat this summer?
Finding the right air conditioner can make all the difference. Let’s break down what you need to know.
In this guide:
- What’s the difference between Split Systems, Window/Wall & Portable Air Conditioners?
- What type of air conditioner and what size do I need?
- What kind of smart features should I look out for?
- How can I reduce my energy costs with air conditioning?
- What do the air conditioner ratings mean?
- How do I maintain my air conditioner?
What’s the difference between Split Systems, Window/Wall & Portable Air Conditioners?
Split Systems are perfect for cooling one or more rooms efficiently. They’re serviced by two separate units: an indoor unit that delivers conditioned air to your room, and an outdoor unit that houses the compressor and heat exchanger to transfer hot air out.
Spilt Systems Air Conditioners are great for large and open plan living areas while multi-system air conditioners might be handy for those with bigger, multi storey and multi room homes.
Window or Wall units are great for single rooms and are often a budget-friendly choice. They’re designed to be mounted from a windowsill or wall cavity.
Portable air conditioners offer flexibility as you can move them from room to room. External venting is required to move hot air out of the room. Portable air conditioners are ideal for renters and users after flexible cooling.
What type of air conditioner and what size do I need?
To choose the right air conditioner model, consider your room’s dimensions/size, how you use the space and the air conditioner’s capacity in kilowatts (kW).
Larger, open-plan areas will benefit from a powerful split system, while smaller rooms might only need a window or portable unit.
Air Conditioner Capacity Guide:
- Air conditioners with a capacity up to 5kW are ideal for areas up to 40m²
- Air conditioners with a capacity of 5-9kW are great for areas up to 60m²
- Air conditioners with a 9kW+ capacity are perfect for spacious living areas and whole home cooling (apartments and studios)
What kind of smart features should I look out for?
Take control of your air conditioner with many smart features designed to add convenience, intelligent climate control and energy savings to your household.
- Timers: schedule operation so the unit only works when you need it.
- Motion sensors: adjust cooling or heating based on human presence, entering energy saving mode when no one is around.
- Use energy saving or eco modes: to reduce power consumption and lower your bills.
- Wi-Fi connected air conditioners: enable intelligent controls: think voice commands and app control, scheduled operation, geofencing, energy monitoring and troubleshooting.
How can I reduce my energy costs with air conditioning?
There are many ways to reduce energy costs associated with using an air conditioner. Below are some simple steps you could adopt:
- Choose an air conditioner with a high energy-star rating
- Use an energy saving economy or ‘eco’ mode, at night use the ‘sleep’ mode
- Schedule timers and automatic shut-off so the unit powers off when you no longer need it
- Increase your cooling temperature one degree higher in summer and lower it one degree in winter to save energy – every degree matters
- Monitor energy use via compatible smart devices and apps
What do the air conditioner ratings mean?
Air conditioner ratings indicate two things: its cooling and/or heating capacity, and its energy efficiency.
The star rating shows the unit’s energy efficiency – more stars mean more savings. The air conditioner’s efficiency is dependent on which climate zone it’s used in, make sure to check the star rating against your location.
On the rating label, the kilowatt (kW) capacity tells you its cooling or heating power.
