Choosing an air conditioner for that cool feeling

If you've shopped for a home air conditioner recently, you'll know there are a lot of things to consider. Split systems, reverse cycle, ducted or portable air conditioner? Consider your options before the heat hits - with these hints on choosing an air conditioner.

1. Choose the right type of air conditioning system

The wide range of air conditioner models on the market can be confusing. It's important you choose the right type for your own needs:

 
Portable units: These are, as the name suggests, small airconditioning units that can be moved from room to room, depending on what you need cooled. They're good if you're renting or don't want to invest in a professionally installed system, but remember that they don't work as efficiently as the more permanent models and really only work in the immediate area they're positioned in.

Window units: Installed in a window opening, these can work well to cool a single room, but are generally quite noisy and are not recommended if you have a larger space to cool, as their power is limited.

Split systems: Called a split system because of the fact that the unit is 'split' into two - the wall unit indoors and the condenser outdoors - they're efficient, quiet and effective at cooling open-plan areas. However, one unit won't cool more than a couple of rooms, so you would have to purchase and install several units if you wanted to cool an entire house.

Ducted: The most expensive option, ducted airconditioning is usually installed in the roof and is 'ducted' through the house to several outlets. It's designed to cool an entire house, but can be installed with 'zones' so that you can cool just one area if necessary.

2. Decide if you need your system to heat as well as cool

Consider whether you'll need your air conditioner to raise the temperature in your home during cooler months. A reverse cycle climate control system can be a cost-effective way to heat your home.

3. Have size in mind

When it comes to choosing an air conditioner, bigger doesn't always mean better. Make sure you consider the size of your the room you'll be cooling. Calculate the area of the room in square metres and then allow 125 kilowatts of cooling power for every square metre of living space. For bedrooms, which you'll probably want to be a little less breezy, allow 80 kilowatts per square metre. The direction your house is facing, the region's climate and the type of insulation your house or apartment has will also come into play - so check with your local supplier before buying the air conditioner.

4. Choose an energy-efficient model

As well as finding a good fit for the space you're cooling, you are in control of the energy efficiency rating of the model you choose. In today's green-conscious age, energy ratings are clearly visible on all household appliances, so if you're eco-minded make your dollar speak for you.

The most energy-efficient models are split systems with variable speed settings. Rather than having only two modes of operation (full power and off) as traditional models do, an inverter airconditioner can adjust its power output to suit the amount of cooling that's required at any one time, using the room's current temperature as a gauge. Because they don't turn on and off all the time - something that can use a great surge of energy - they are not only more efficient at providing a regulated room temperature, they are also more cost effective.

Another innovation to consider, particularly if you live anywhere near the beach, is anti-corrosion technology. A variety of brands feature it, all calling it something different, but basically the principle is the same - the outdoor unit comes complete with an anti-corrosion coating to ensure greater protection and resistance to salt damage.
Make sure you're in the cool crowd this summer with an air conditioning system: