THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONING

Split system air conditioning is made up of three components.

An indoor unit that fixes to the internal wall, an outdoor unit containing the condenser and compressor, and an air handler which is generally part of the furnace.

Split system air conditioning is an affordable, convenient option to regulate the temperature in homes and small offices with a range of unit options available to suit most spaces and budgets.

Before you decide which split system air conditioners to choose, consider the following six points:

1. DO YOU NEED A REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM?

Split system air conditioners can be used for both heating and cooling a room. Depending on the climate, heating a room with the reverse cycle split system function may be a necessity to get you through the cooler months.
If you live in a warmer climate and you're only likely to need reverse cycle temperature sporadically, consider if it's worth paying the extra for the price of the unit.

2. HOW BIG IS THE ROOM?

Split system air conditioners vary in capacity so the size of the room should directly relate to the size of the air conditioner.

If you buy an air conditioner that's too small for a room, it will fail to cool the whole space adequately. If you buy one that's too big for the room, it will provide more cool air then is required.

In both cases, buying the wrong size will be an inefficient use of energy.

When choosing an air-con unit, don't guess. Take the measurements of the room (floor space and from floor to ceiling) with you.

3. IS THE ROOM INSULATED?

The insulation in the walls and ceiling will also impact the air conditioner required. If a room is well insulated it keeps heat out in the warmer months so less cooling - and therefore a smaller conditioner - will be required.

4. WHAT IS THE ENERGY STAR RATING?

As with all electrical appliances, split system air conditioning has an energy efficiency rating. This star grade allows you to compare approximate running cost and the impact on the environment to other appliances in a similar range. The higher the energy rating, the better the performance.

The estimated kilowatts per hour is also published and is an estimate of how much energy the unit will use to help you calculate future power bills.

5. WHERE IS THE INSTALLATION POINT?

Split system air conditioning needs sturdy internal and external walls for installation. You'll need to consider windows and whether it can be easily and safely installed both inside and outside.

Split system air conditioning units are remotely controlled so height shouldn't be an issue.

6. DOES THE BODY CORPORATE HAVE REGULATIONS ABOUT SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONERS?

If you're in a unit or a body corporate complex, we recommend you check any bylaws which may affect the installation of the outdoor unit before you purchase the air con system.

For further advice or a free quote to install split system air conditioning for Gold Coast home or business, call CRM Electrical Industries today.