Before you go out and buy the first unit you see, make sure that you take some precautions to ensure that you get the most out of your new equipment.

Stepping into a cool and comfortable home is incomparable, especially during those scorching hot days. But, the ever-fickle weather in Australia makes it quite challenging to choose the right cooling system for your home. Before you go out and buy the first unit you see, make sure that you take some precautions to ensure that you get the most out of your new equipment. Also another factor that affects the output of your cooling units comes from the air conditioning installation and services you get from your chosen provider.

What to Consider before you buy an AC system

Room and System Size –  When you pick an air conditioner, be sure it’s the right size for your room. If you don’t, you might not feel much difference in temperature and will waste energy.

Air Conditioning Types – In Australia, evaporated and refrigerated air conditioning models are two of the most commonly used types of ACs. Let us take a look at each air conditioner’s differences, pros and cons.

Evaporative Air Conditioning

Evaporative cooling units work by drawing warm air from the outside through moist filter pads. The water from the filter pads evaporates making cool air. The cool air is then dispersed throughout your home. Evaporative units are installed on roofs and are connected to a series of ceiling ducts or vents. Essentially, some windows should be opened for the system to work best. 

An evaporative cooling system uses evaporation to cool the air in your home. It consists of a fan, a thick pad, a water reservoir and some controls for fine-tuning the results. The fan draws hot dry air into the machine and across the cooler pads, which absorb water from the reservoir and have many layers to increase their surface area. As you blow this air over the pads it cools by as much as 20 degrees. You can then enjoy this chill on a hot day!

Evaporated air conditioning key benefits:

• Energy and cost-efficiency – Evaporative units cost less to install, run and maintain. Check these energy usage tips by Your Home Australia. 
• Air circulation – The air circulation is fresh as it circulates air from outside. It never re-circulates air. 
• Allergens and asthma-safe – Evaporative units can also be an efficient air filters. Its fresh air circulation traps and filters dust and allergens.

Good to Know:

• Best suited for hot and dry areas. Humid areas cause more moisture in the air which can result in a slightly warmer home. 
• Regular cleaning of an evaporator cooler unit’s wet pads, blades and other accessories is needed to maintain efficient output. 
• Your evaporated air conditioning unit must be connected to a constant water source to keep running. 

Refrigerated Air-conditioning

A refrigerated air conditioning system works by taking warm air inside your home, the warm air then cools using refrigerants, and returning cooler air into your home. Refrigerated air conditioning systems have two components. The outdoor unit, where the cooling or refrigeration effect occurs. And, the indoor unit which consists the heat exchange coil and fan. This kind of system re-circulates air so windows need to be closed to keep the air cool. 

This can be achieved with a ducted reverse cycle air conditioner – the same application, but delivered via ducts that are often installed in the roof area of the building. This allows for even or targeted distribution throughout the building – without taking up unnecessary space on the wall and allowing for a more aesthetic outcome.

Refrigerated air conditioning key benefits:

• Best for all-year-round climate change – These units don’t need outdoor air, they are capable of providing powerful cooling regardless of the weather outside. 
• Full control of temperature setting – Temperature can be adjusted according to your preferences. Essential for Australia’s extreme weather conditions.
• Reverse-cycle mode – A lot of refrigerated air conditioning unit models offer a reverse-cycle feature that offers both cooling and heating so you can maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year.

Good to Know:

• In general, a refrigerated air conditioning unit and its running costs are higher than that of evaporated units. –  Go solar now and save on your monthly electricity bills and mother earth. Click here to know more!
• To maintain crisp and fresh air, regular cleaning of filters is needed as it recirculates air.
• The outdoor condenser can produce occasional noise.  

Upfront Cost

An evaporative cooling system is significantly less expensive than a refrigerated air-conditioning unit. An ideal evaporative cooling system should replace the indoor air once every two minutes. The cost varies depending on the size of the unit you choose.

The installation costs of both units depend on factors such as the size of the room that needs cooling, whether it is a brand new installation or a changeover, and the type of ductwork required. You’ll get the most accurate estimate by consulting with a professional.

Performance

Evaporative cooling systems work best in warm and dry climates. However, when high humidity or temperature gets too extreme, this system does not cool as effectively as a refrigerated air conditioner.

A refrigerated evaporative cooler is better suited to lower temperatures and can cool your home by as much as 7 °C. If you’re looking for climate control in all weather conditions, look at a ducted reverse-cycle air conditioner, which can heat your home during winter.

Signs That Tells Your AC Needs Servicing

Warm air – If your aircon isn’t blowing out cool air like it should, check your thermostat to make sure you’re using the right settings. If that doesn’t work, there might be a problem with your compressor—which could require a professional repair or replacement.

Water leaks – If you notice water leakage from or around your air conditioner, there are two possible issues. The less significant problem would be if the drain tube on your air conditioner is broken or blocked. The more serious and costly issue would be if you have a refrigerant leak, which requires immediate attention and repair.

Unpleasant smell – If you smell something unpleasant, your air conditioner may house bacteria growth in its coil, or you may have mould growing inside your air conditioner or on the ductwork.

Unusual noise – If your air conditioner is making strange sounds, it’s likely that there’s a problem with the machine. You should call for an expert to inspect or repair it. Needs aircon repair or maintenance? Call us now!

Takeaway

Both kinds of air conditioning provide powerful outputs. In choosing the most suitable air conditioning for your home, there are a few factors to consider – how much you’re willing to spend, air quality, location, usage, and ongoing maintenance. 

Still not sure which cooling system is best for you? Reach out to one of our experts now to get reliable advice. Stag Electrical provides the best air conditioning services around NSW and ACT. We work hard to turn your interior into a tranquil retreat.