How to Choose the Right Air Conditioning System for Your Home
Choosing the right air conditioning system is a key decision for a property's comfort and energy efficiency. This guide breaks down the main types of residential air conditioning—split systems, ducted, and evaporative—and provides a checklist of key factors to consider, including sizing, cost, and energy efficiency.
How to Choose the Right Air Conditioning System for Your Home
An effective air conditioning system is a vital component of a comfortable and modern property, especially during Australia's hot summers. For property owners and investors, choosing the right system is not just about cooling—it's a long-term investment in energy efficiency, comfort, and property value.
This guide simplifies the decision-making process by comparing the most common types of residential air conditioning systems and outlining the key factors you need to consider.
Understanding the Main Types of Air Conditioning
1. Split System Air Conditioners
These systems consist of an indoor unit (mounted on the wall) and an outdoor unit connected by a pipe.
Best For: Cooling single rooms, open-plan living areas, or apartments.
Pros: Highly energy-efficient, relatively easy and quick to install, and more affordable upfront.
Cons: Only cools a single area and can be less aesthetically discreet than ducted systems.
2. Ducted Air Conditioners
A ducted system consists of a central unit, usually in the ceiling or under the floor, that distributes air through a series of ducts to vents throughout the entire home.
Best For: Cooling or heating multiple rooms or an entire property.
Pros: Provides discreet and seamless climate control, is very quiet, and can be configured with zones to cool only the rooms you're using.
Cons: Significantly higher initial cost for both the unit and installation.
3. Evaporative Coolers
Evaporative coolers work by pulling in fresh air, passing it over water-soaked pads to cool it, and then pushing the cooled air through ducts.
Best For: Hot, dry climates where humidity is low.
Pros: Low running costs, environmentally friendly (no refrigerants), and a constant supply of fresh, cool air.
Cons: Ineffective in humid climates, and they add moisture to the air.
Key Factors to Consider Before You Buy
Sizing (Kilowatts): Choosing the right size unit is the most critical factor. An undersized unit will struggle and use more power, while an oversized unit will cool the room too quickly and cycle on and off, leading to an inefficient and uncomfortable environment. A professional installer can help you calculate the correct kilowatt (kW) rating for your space.
Energy Efficiency: Look for the star rating on the system. The more stars, the more energy-efficient the unit is, which will save you money on your electricity bills in the long run.
Cost: Consider both the upfront cost of the system and the long-term running costs. A more expensive, energy-efficient model may save you money over its lifetime.
Ready to Install a New Air Conditioner?
Don't guess when it comes to climate control. Find a trusted air conditioning specialist on Build-Surety who can provide expert advice and a professional installation for your property.
