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It’s getting hot out there and you’re ready to install an air conditioner to keep your Canberra home cool and comfortable all summer long. But before you start shopping for a unit, you need to know how to choose the right size air conditioner. Here’s what you need to know to get the best results.
How to choose the correct size air conditioner
In Canberra, we enjoy a moderate to hot climate for much of the year which means that air conditioners are a necessity for many households. But with so many different models and air con brands on the market, how do you know which air conditioner is right for your home? Bliss Air have a great reputation throughout Canberra, and love to help Aussie homes get that perfect, cool, temperature.
The answer lies in choosing the correct size unit for the space you wish to cool. Too small a unit and your home won’t be sufficiently cooled, too large and the unit will be working overtime, using up energy and costing you more money on your electricity bills.
Here are some tips on how to choose the correct size air conditioner for Canberra homes.
1. Determine the room size
The first step is to determine the room size of the area you wish to cool. To do this, measure the length and width of the room in metres. Once you have these measurements, multiply the length by the width to get the square metre measurement of the room.
For example, if your room is 4 metres long and 3 metres wide, the square metre measurement would be 12 (4×3=12).
Most Canberra homes have a 2.4m ceiling height. But if its higher we need to take that into account.
2. Identify the room’s exposure
The next factor to consider is the room’s exposure. Is the room located on the sunny side of the house? Does it have large windows that let in a lot of light and heat?
Rooms that are located on the sunny side of the house or have a lot of windows will require a more powerful air conditioner to cool them effectively.
3. Consider the room’s insulation
Another factor to consider when choosing an air conditioner is the room’s insulation. If the room is poorly insulated, it will be harder to keep cool and you will require a more powerful air conditioner.
On the other hand, if the room is well insulated, you will be able to use a less powerful air conditioner and still achieve the same level of cooling.
4. Determine the size of the air conditioner
As a general guideline, multiply the floor area by 120-180 watts, depending on a few factors. In southern areas like Melbourne and Canberra, 120-140 watts per square metre will be sufficient. Then round it up to slightly oversize the unit to allow for changes in the future. In tropical climates like Cairns or Townsville, use 160-180 watts per square metre.
If you have a very high ceiling or lots of large windows facing the sun, add 100-200 watts per square metre. These are rough guidelines, but they will work most of the time.
As already mentioned, the above chart needs to factor in ceiling height, exposure to the sun, number of windows and doors, insulations levels, and so on. But as a guide its quite handy. You can see that, generally speaking, most bedrooms will need a 2.0 – 2.5kW unit, depending on the size of the room, walk-in wardrobes, and ensuites, etc.
Most living rooms will be well serviced with a 6.0 – 7.0kW unit. Its very rare that we need to go over these guidelines, and if you do, you may simply be throwing money away unnecessarily.
6. Choose the type of air conditioner
There are two main types of air conditioners available on the market: split-system and portable.
Reverse-Cycle or Split-system air conditioners are the most popular type of air conditioner in Australia. They are permanent fixtures that are installed inside the home and consist of two main components: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.
There are plenty of reasons to consider a split system air conditioner for your home or business.
1. Cost-effective – Split system air conditioners are generally more affordable to purchase and install than other types of air conditioning systems.
2. Increased efficiency – Split system air conditioners tend to be more energy-efficient than their counterparts, helping you to save money on your energy bills.
3. Flexible installation – Split system air conditioners can be installed in a variety of locations, such as in the ceiling, floor, or wall.
4. Reduced noise – Most split system air conditioners operate at a lower noise level than other types of air conditioners, making them ideal for bedrooms, offices, and other noise-sensitive areas.
5. Increased comfort – Split system air conditioners can provide a higher level of comfort than other types of air conditioners, thanks to their ability to evenly distribute cool air throughout the room.
6. Reduce Humidity – A split system air conditioner can also help to improve the indoor air quality in your home. This is because the evaporator coils in the indoor unit of a split system air conditioner remove moisture from the air as it cools it. This can help to reduce the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause a musty smell in your home.
7. Consider the energy efficiency rating
When purchasing an air conditioner, it’s important to consider the energy efficiency rating (EER). The EER is a measure of how much energy the unit uses to generate cooling.
The higher the EER, the more energy efficient the unit and the lower your running costs will be.
8. Compare the warranties
When purchasing an air conditioner, it’s important to compare the warranties that are offered by different manufacturers. Some brands offer longer warranties than others, so it’s important to find a unit that comes with a warranty that meets your needs. A good brand will have a minimum warranty on parts and labour of 5 years.
9. Get professional advice
Air conditioners are a necessary appliance for many homes in Canberra. But with so many different models and brands on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your home.
If you’re still not sure which air conditioner is right for your home, give us a call on 02 6140 3273 and we will give you professional advice based on the fact that we have been installing aircon in Canberra since forever. We will be able to assess your needs and recommend the perfect unit for your home.
As a side note, Bliss also does commercial aircon and refrigeration. Let us know if we can help.