It’s been a long hot summer as predicted and it’s not over yet. We still have one third of summer still to come and we all know that March can also be hot. While we are currently experiencing some milder days just now, don’t lulled into a false sense of security.
When the temperature soars some people will do anything to get cool, as the video shows.
So you are thinking about air conditioning your home here are some things to think about:
1. Decision time – There are a number of different types of air conditioning from portable systems to fully ducted reverse cycle systems.Which will be best for you? You first need to decide what your needs are and what sort of budget you have. Your home is, for most, the biggest investment you have, so if you have the budget don’t scrimp. However if you only have a few hundred to spend then a portable unit may be better than nothing. It least it will allow you to sleep at night.
Next step up is a single room High Wall Spilt System Room air conditioner or an in window unit. While these will not cool multiple rooms it will effectively cool the intended area. From here your next step up is a ducted system and here again there are choices. You can select from either an evaporative system or refrigerated reverse cycle. Now there are pros and cons for each. Reverse cycle will heat you home in winter as well as cool it in summer. Evaporative systems are cheaper to buy and run however will only cool you home. (see What is Evaporative Air Conditioning video) however evaporative can be teamed with ducted gas heating. (see Ducted Gas Heating and Evaporative Air Conditioning video)
2.Size – Yes it does matter when it comes to air conditioning. Too small a unit will struggle on the really hot days so far better to get a system that can cope than spend a less and be disappointed ( see What size air conditioning do I need video)
3 – It’s in the stars – Energy star ratings are there to guide you as to the efficiency of the unit. Remember no point in having an air conditioning system if you can’t afford to run. For argument sake you may need a 6kw system to cool your home now the price will vary between brands. As a rule of thumb the cheaper the unit the less efficient it will be. (see Energy Star Rating video)
4 – Shop around – The only way you’ll if a price is realistic is if you shop around however it is critical that you compare apples with apples.
5 – Talk to those who install systems as well as sell them. The so called box moves just want to sell you a unit, where as someone who is going to sell you the unit and install it too has a vested interest in making sure you are buying the right unit in the first place.
