Determining the right air conditioning system for your home
By HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections|August 29, 2018
Choosing the right Air Conditioning system for your home will make a huge difference to how much you pay in energy costs. The size and shape of the home is an important factor so to help you make your choice, here is some information about AC system types and how each system works.
A split system is comprised of an outdoor compressor unit connected via pipes to the indoor unit. This type of AC system is ideal for large open-plan spaces in the home. Another type of split system, known as multi-split, can connect to a number of indoor units at once. You can control the AC in two or more rooms using a multi-split system.
For larger homes, you will want a ducted system – ideally with a system that allows you to create zones throughout that property which are controlled independently. As a general rule, the more expensive the system the greater control you will have over each zone. For homes with areas which are not used frequently, sensors can control heating and cooling for energy efficiency.
Although split systems are much more common in newer builds, wall/window units are another option for focused heating and cooling.
This type of AC unit is usually wired into power supplies at the mains and is controlled locally, Inverter or non-inverter
Inverters are usually the most cost effective option for running a compressor. With this type of system the compressor speed is adjusted, as opposed to being switched on or off as needed.
You will find that the majority of split systems sold on the market are not inverter types. As you have probably already guessed, a non-inverter only has one speed and is either on or off. There is a greater potential for wear and tear with this type of compressor, as well as increased energy costs.
For larger properties, the added cost of a reverse cycle model is well worth it over the long term. They provide cool air in the summer and warm air when needed, which admittedly isn’t often in South Australia. Otherwise, a cooling only system will provide all the air conditioning that you need.
Indoor Air Conditioning Units
For obvious reasons, high wall units are the most popular type of split system indoor unit. There is much better airflow, with cold air being forced down and warm air being dispelled. If you want the option for hot airflow, floor mounted units are the obvious choice for those areas of the home.
Floor-mounted: the indoor unit is wall-mounted but at floor level — this might better suit some rooms, and could be a better option if you mainly use the unit for heating, as the hot air will come out at floor level and rise to the ceiling.
New Builds & Renovations
If you are building a home or carrying out major renovations which include installing a new AC system, hire a builder who understands passive design elements. You do not need to settle for paying over the odds in energy bills in order to ensure that you live comfortably. Passive design involves building in such a way that you benefit from efficient airflow, insulation and ventilation. The idea behind passive design is that your home works with, rather than against your AC system to keep costs down and the temperature just right.
When installing a new Air Conditioning system or building a new home, Houspect provides expert building inspection services and produce quality reports to meet your needs. Call today for a consultation with a qualified building inspector.
A split system is comprised of an outdoor compressor unit connected via pipes to the indoor unit. This type of AC system is ideal for large open-plan spaces in the home. Another type of split system, known as multi-split, can connect to a number of indoor units at once. You can control the AC in two or more rooms using a multi-split system.
For larger homes, you will want a ducted system – ideally with a system that allows you to create zones throughout that property which are controlled independently. As a general rule, the more expensive the system the greater control you will have over each zone. For homes with areas which are not used frequently, sensors can control heating and cooling for energy efficiency.
Although split systems are much more common in newer builds, wall/window units are another option for focused heating and cooling.
This type of AC unit is usually wired into power supplies at the mains and is controlled locally, Inverter or non-inverter
Inverters are usually the most cost effective option for running a compressor. With this type of system the compressor speed is adjusted, as opposed to being switched on or off as needed.
You will find that the majority of split systems sold on the market are not inverter types. As you have probably already guessed, a non-inverter only has one speed and is either on or off. There is a greater potential for wear and tear with this type of compressor, as well as increased energy costs.
For larger properties, the added cost of a reverse cycle model is well worth it over the long term. They provide cool air in the summer and warm air when needed, which admittedly isn’t often in South Australia. Otherwise, a cooling only system will provide all the air conditioning that you need.
Indoor Air Conditioning Units
For obvious reasons, high wall units are the most popular type of split system indoor unit. There is much better airflow, with cold air being forced down and warm air being dispelled. If you want the option for hot airflow, floor mounted units are the obvious choice for those areas of the home.
Floor-mounted: the indoor unit is wall-mounted but at floor level — this might better suit some rooms, and could be a better option if you mainly use the unit for heating, as the hot air will come out at floor level and rise to the ceiling.
New Builds & Renovations
If you are building a home or carrying out major renovations which include installing a new AC system, hire a builder who understands passive design elements. You do not need to settle for paying over the odds in energy bills in order to ensure that you live comfortably. Passive design involves building in such a way that you benefit from efficient airflow, insulation and ventilation. The idea behind passive design is that your home works with, rather than against your AC system to keep costs down and the temperature just right.
When installing a new Air Conditioning system or building a new home, Houspect provides expert building inspection services and produce quality reports to meet your needs. Call today for a consultation with a qualified building inspector.
