Adelaide Instant Airconditioning want to make sure the installation of your air conditioner is done right the first time. There are a few things to consider, that is why our qualified team of mechanics are more than happy to come out to your home or business and provide a free quote.
Technical Terms You Should Know
Reverse cycle:
The air conditioner internally reverses its operation to provide heating or cooling, as required.
Inverter system:
Constantly alters fan and motor speeds. This enables faster cooling of a room and the air conditioner doesn't have to switch itself on and off to maintain a constant temperature.
Energy Efficiency
Check the energy efficiency labels. Cooling-only air conditioners have one blue band of stars to display energy consumption. Reverse cycle has two bands of stars -- blue to indicate consumption during cooling and red for heating.
Manufacturers of inverter systems claim that they are 30 per cent more efficient during partial load.
|
Here are a few things to consider…
Simple Air Conditioner Choices
Room size:
Match the power of an air conditioner to the room size.
Type:
Choose from central ducted, window units, split systems and portable.
Room Size vs. Air Conditioner Capacity
Match the air conditioning unit to the size of the room it's cooling and heating. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the room, the more powerful an air conditioner will have to be to cool it:
- Under-powered air conditioners will have to work harder, wasting energy
- Over-powered air conditioners are an unnecessary expense and may cut in and out too quickly due to cooling or heating the area too fast.
How Much Capacity Will I Need?
Air conditioners are rated in kilowatts (kW). To work out the approximate sized airconditioner you'll need, apply this simple formula for standard buildings without extra ordinary heat loads:
- Bedroom: 130 watts (0.130kW) per square metre (length by width). For example, a 16m² bedroom should need around 2.08kW of air conditioning
- Living room: 130 watts (0.130kW) per square metre. For example, a 30m² living room should require around 3.9kW
- Proximity to the kitchen and appliances increases a room's required cooling
Which Type of Air Conditioner?
Ducted:
Cool multiple rooms through a large cooling fan which sits outside and pumps cool air around the building through ducts, which are housed in the ceiling cavity.
Split system:
The cooling unit is installed outside with the fans mounted inside. Split systems are suited to cooling one or more adjoining rooms.
Portable:
Small, light and can be moved from room to room. They have a low power output and are suited to small spaces such as apartments and renters. |
Evaporative coolers:
Do not use refrigerant technology; they work by drawing air past a special water-cooled filter system therefore humidifying the air. The air from the fan will then blow over the skin giving the cooling effect.
Is It Noisy?
If you're considering an outdoor air conditioning unit, check the relevant noise level regulations in your area. |
Are Filters Necessary?
Yes. Good air conditioning units will use filters to prevent bacteria and allergens being recycled through the room.
- It's important to clean the filter every few months.
- Some units have an indicator to show when the filter needs changing.
Positioning Is Important
Avoid positioning the air conditioning unit on the side of the house that gets the most sun- this will cause it to be less efficient.
For efficient cooling, mount the unit high in the room -- cool air sinks.
Installation
Do not attempt to install a split or ducted system without holding the appropriate licenses. Without the appropriate licences, it will void your warranty on a faulty air conditioner.
Split System Installation
A standard back to back installation of a split system air conditioner is described as mounting the wall unit on a perimeter wall of your house or office and the outdoor condenser unit being fixed directly outside on the other side of the wall.
This is shown in the diagram to the right. |
 |
|
