How to Choose the Right Air Conditioning System for Your Home
If you’re looking to upgrade or install a new air conditioner in your home, the many different models and types currently on the market can make it difficult to determine which one is right for you. When it comes to air conditioning installation, there are also many factors beyond the system itself to consider before making a final purchase decision. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the main types of air conditioning systems, their benefits and limitations, and some tips you can use to choose the best one for your home.
Central Air Conditioning Systems
Central air conditioning systems are the most common type of system used in homes. This type of system consists of a centralised unit that cools the air and distributes it through ducts to the rooms in your home. But when it comes to air conditioning installation, this type of system may require more work than other types of systems depending on whether the home already has previous ductwork or needs new ducts installed into the walls, floors or roof of the building. Overall, central air conditioning systems tend to provide homes with the best value for money and functionality.
Split Systems
Split systems are a popular choice for both heating and cooling in Australia. These systems consist of an outdoor unit that’s connected to an indoor unit. Split systems are typically used to heat and cool a single space, which means they’re relatively easy to install and generally require minimal maintenance.
Window Air Conditioning Units
Window air conditioning units are standalone units that are installed in windows or through the wall. They’re ideal for smaller spaces, such as apartments or small rooms, and are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of air conditioning systems. The main drawback to this type of unit is that they can be noisy and aren’t usually capable of cooling large areas effectively. The biggest benefit of this unit is the fact that air conditioning installation costs are relatively low.
So How Do You Choose?
You can streamline the process of choosing an air conditioning system for your home by being mindful of a few factors. These include:
- The size of your home – Consider the size of the areas or rooms you’re attempting to cool and choose a system accordingly. For example, a larger split system unit may be impractical for a smaller home or apartment, as it could use more energy than necessary to cool the space.
- Your budget – Your budget should be a primary consideration when choosing an air conditioning system for your home. While some systems may cost more upfront, they can end up saving you money in the long term through energy savings. Consider the cost-savings of a unit in conjunction with your budget before ruling out a more expensive air conditioner completely.
Maintenance – The typical lifecycle of a brand-new air conditioner of any type can range between 15 – 20 years. Make sure that the long-term costs associated with maintenance and repair of a particular unit don’t override your initial spend and end up costing you more money.