What to consider when choosing your new air conditioning unit

Upgrading or adding an air conditioning unit to your home can transform how you enjoy hot Brisbane summers, but it isn’t an easy decision to make. There are hundreds of units on the market, and many factors to consider, like the type of air conditioner, its size, and more.

To help make your decision, we have outlined everything you should consider when choosing your air conditioning unit. 

What type of air conditioning unit do you want?

First, you need to decide what type of air conditioning unit you want. Do you want one that will deal with one room, or a unit that cools your entire home, allowing you to set different temperatures in each room? This is an important consideration to make, so we have detailed the popular types of air conditioning units below: 

Split air conditioner 

Split air conditioners are made with two parts, an indoor and outdoor unit. Both parts are connected by pipes filled with refrigerant gas, which moves from the outdoor to an indoor unit, transferring cool air into your home.

These are the most common air conditioners in Australia and are a great choice for rooms up to 60 meters squared. 

They are a good choice for open-plan spaces, and can cost between $600 to $5,500 without factoring in installation costs. 

Multi-split air conditioner 

Multi-split systems work similarly to a split air conditioner, but you will have two or more indoor units, which are connected to one outdoor unit. This helps you to cool two or three rooms that are close together, like offices or an apartment. It is a good choice when a ducted system or separate split systems cannot be used. 

The cost of a multi-split air conditioner is similar to that of a split system, ranging from $600 to $5,500 per system, without the cost of installation. 

Ducted air conditioner 

Ducted air conditioners are installed on your roof and are connected by air ducts to air outlets and sensors in every room. These systems allow you to cool your entire home, offering cool air and heating for every room.

You won’t need to install separate systems and can control the temperature easily, but these units are expensive, with prices starting at $9,000. A ducted air conditioning system is considered more of an investment. 

Window/wall air conditioner 

A window or wall air conditioner is installed directly into an external wall or window. It is a good choice if you have an open plan space or rooms up to 50 meters squared that you want cooled. Smaller units can even be plugged into normal power outlets for easy installation, but you might require additional wiring for larger units. 

You typically don’t need a technician to install a window or wall air conditioner, and if no electrical work is needed, they can be installed by yourself. The downside is that these aren’t as effective or efficient as other air conditioning units. They remain a good choice if you cannot afford a split system, costing between $600 and $1200. 

Portable air conditioner

Portable air conditioners are a single unit that can be moved around your home, allowing you to choose the room you cool. These units will have a flexible duct that is attached to a window, venting hot air outside and allowing you to cool the air in your home. Portable air conditioners are ideal for renters or any room where a built-in option cannot be installed. 

Portable air conditioners usually cost between $300 and $1,100, and you don’t need to worry about additional installation costs. 

What size air conditioner do you want?

The size of your air conditioner needs to be considered, ensuring that it is powerful enough to cool your room. You will need to check the capacity of the unit you are choosing and the size of the room you want to cool, to ensure it is up to the challenge. Typically, we recommend the following sizes: 

• 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

Following these sizes allows you to select the right and most efficient unit for your room. Purchasing an air conditioning unit that is too powerful for your room can cause it to run frequent short cycles, increasing the power consumption and leaving you with hefty bills.

Alternatively,  choosing an air conditioner that isn’t powerful enough means it will need to run at maximum capacity, causing excessive wear and breakdowns. 

What energy efficiency do you want?

You should check and consider the energy efficiency label when selecting your air conditioning unit. These labels show you how much energy the unit uses compared to other makes and models. The more starts an energy rating has, the more efficient it will be. Where possible, opt for those with a  high efficiency as they tend to be cheaper to run. 

How do you clean and maintain your air conditioner?

You should also consider how you will clean and maintain the unit. Air conditioning units need regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure they run smoothly, with clogged filters and ducts reducing your airflow and causing expensive repairs.

Consider where the unit is being placed and how easy it will be to reach these ducts. If they are difficult to reach, a professional cleaner might be needed, which can increase your overall cost. 

You should also check and see how often the manufacturer recommends cleaning and maintenance, and incorporate these costs into your budget. 

How is the air conditioner installed?

Finally, consider how the air conditioning unit will be installed. Unless you are purchasing a portable or window unit, you will need a professional to install your unit. Air conditioning units that require wiring must be professionally installed, which can increase the price.

The price can also increase if the unit is installed somewhere that is difficult to reach, so consider this when reaching out to installers for quotes. 

Find your new air conditioning unit today 

Deciding which air conditioning unit to purchase can be challenging, but by using our guide, you can make your decision and get the right unit for your space. When it comes to installing your unit, we recommend finding an expert in Brisbane.

Sun City Air has been installing air conditioning units in Brisbane for years and will ensure yours is placed correctly. It can even help arrange maintenance. Reach out to them for your seamless air conditioning installation in Brisbane. 

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Our writers like to blog about interiors. We launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2015 and the luxury property and interior decor blog www.alltheprettyhomes.com in 2024 to cover all your interior design, travel and lifestyle inspiration needs. Download our free bathroom renovation guide here.