Choosing your air conditioning unit can be an impossible task, especially if you have never purchased one before. With so many options available on the market, all claiming to be the best, you can easily find yourself overwhelmed and unsure where to turn.
That’s where we come in, with our brief guide that walks you through the different types of air conditioning units to help you find the perfect option. To choose your air conditioning unit, you need to consider the type of unit you want, its size, and your budget, which we explore below in more detail.
Consider the type of air conditioning unit
First, you need to decide what type of unit you want. There are several different air conditioning types below, all with different benefits and intended uses, which we have outlined below:
Split air conditioning system
A split air conditioner features two components, an outdoor and an indoor component, which are connected to each other with pipes. These pipes are filled with refrigerant gas and move from the outdoor to the indoor unit, transferring cool air into your home. Split air conditioners are the most popular choice in Australia, and work well in open-plan spaces up to 60 meters squared.
Split air conditioners range from $600 to $5,500 per system, with installation costs added on top.
Multi–split air conditioning system
A multi-split system works like a split air conditioning unit, but there are two or more indoor units that are connected to your outdoor unit. This design allows you to cool two or three rooms at once, provided they are close together. This type of air conditioner is used for apartments or offices and is a good choice if separate split systems or a ducted system cannot be used.
The price point is similar to split air conditioning systems, and you can spend between $600 and $5,500 before installation costs.
Window/wall air conditioning unit
Window or wall air conditioners are installed into an external wall or window and are perfect for cooling open plan spaces or rooms smaller than 50 meters squared. Smaller window and wall units can even be plugged into normal power outlets, eliminating the need for professional installation.
These air conditioning units might not be as effective as other systems, but they are a good choice if you cannot afford a split system. Their budget-friendly price tag of $600 to $1200 makes them more accessible.
Ducted air conditioning system
Ducted air conditioners are placed on your roof and connected to every room in your house through air ducts. The air ducts connect to air outlets and sensors, allowing you to cool your entire home. You can adjust the heat in every room individually, making it even easier to achieve the perfect temperature. This does come with a high price tag, and most ducted systems start at $9,000.
Portable air conditioner
Portable air conditioners are a single unit that you can move into any room of your home, giving you complete control over which rooms you cool. Portable systems feature a flexible duct that you connect to a window, pumping the hot air out of your home. Portable air conditioners aren’t always the most powerful, but they are perfect for renters or any room where you cannot install a built-in air conditioner.
You won’t need to pay for installation with a portable air conditioner, and they typically cost between $300 and $1100.
Consider the size of the air conditioning unit
Next, you want to consider the size of your air conditioner. It needs to be powerful enough to cool your room, check the capacity of the unit, and ensure it can cool your room. We recommend the following sizes for each room:
- Up to 20 square meters: 2 – 2.5 kW
- 20 – 40 square meters: 2.5 – 5 kW
- 40 – 60 square meters: 4 – 6 kW
- 60 – 80 square meters: 5 -7 kW
- 80+ square meters: 6 – 9 kW
Choosing the right size is important to ensure that it runs efficiently, keeping your energy bills down. You don’t want a small air conditioner running at maximum capacity frequently, and it can break down more often, so it is better to opt for a larger size rather than trying to save money with a smaller model.
Consider the installation of the air conditioning unit
How your air conditioning unit will be installed is worth considering. Apart from portable or window units, a professional will be required to install your air conditioner. This will come at an added cost, which must be factored into your budget. You should also consider where your unit will be placed. If it is in a location that is difficult to access, you might be charged more.
Consider the maintenance of your air conditioning unit
Cleaning and maintaining your unit should be considered. Each air conditioner will need regular maintenance and cleaning to prevent clogged filters and ducts from impacting your performance. Regular maintenance also prevents breakdowns and minor issues from becoming more serious and expensive to repair.
When installing your air conditioner, consider where it is placed in your home. You want a unit that is easy for you to reach so that you can clean it, and for any professionals to reach when it needs to be serviced.
Consider the energy efficiency of your air conditioning unit
Energy efficiency needs to be considered, too, so you can check how much energy your unit will cost. Each air conditioner will feature a label that shows you how much energy it uses, with stars representing its efficiency. The more stars a unit has, the more efficient it will be. Where possible, choose an air conditioner with a high efficiency, as this will be cheaper to run.
Consider your budget
Finally, you need to consider your budget. Your budget will determine what type of air conditioning unit you can choose, its size, and more. When setting your budget, consider realistically what you can afford and use this to find the right air conditioning unit for your space.
Choose your air conditioning unit today
Finding the right air conditioning unit can be challenging, but by using our guide, you can easily narrow your choice and find the perfect air conditioner. When choosing your unit, consider using Sun City Air to install your air conditioner. They offer reasonably priced installations that help you keep your home cool. Contact Sun City Air Conditioning to have your new unit installed today.
With a Master in Architectural Studies from University of Pennysylvania, Marwa Haydar has pioneered living spaces since 2005. Her expertise, initially honed in a prestigious architectural firm, is evident in her approach to creating environments. Marwa became part of our team in 2019 and has since been a driving force in our home improvement section, known for her practical yet stylish solutions. She’s been spearheading our design workshops since then, infusing her passion for teaching into her work. In her leisure time, Marwa enjoys exploring historic architecture and is an enthusiastic pottery hobbyist, further enriching her understanding of form and texture.
