When the sweltering Australian sun pushes temperatures to their peak, the last thing you want is an air conditioning system that struggles to keep your space cool. Conversely, an excessively powerful A/C system can leave you with unnecessary energy bills and even condensation issues.
This means that finding the right-sized air conditioning system is essential for power efficiency, performance, and, most importantly, for your comfort. So, is bigger always better?
Property Type: Residential vs. Commercial
Start by thinking about where you’ll install the air conditioner, either in a home or a commercial building, as these two types of properties can have different electrical setups. That’s because most homes use the more straightforward one-phase electricity, while commercial buildings and some larger homes have a more complex three-phase system. This difference will immediately reduce your options, so you need to know at the beginning of your search.
A/C Type: Wall Units vs. Ducted
The decision between wall units and ducted systems hinges on several factors: your personal preferences, how much you’re willing to spend, and any limitations on where the system can be installed. Generally, wall units and ducted systems each have specific requirements, however, for many practical purposes, they also have similar needs. For example, you’ll need to place a condenser outside your property for either option, and both require an indoor component, commonly referred to as a fan coil unit.
For ducted systems, however, you’ll need to ensure enough room in the roof or under the floor to accommodate the unit and all the ductwork. Plus, a technician has to be able to access that space to install everything correctly.
Age of Building
If your building is old or has historical status, there might be special rules about where to place the external condenser. While there are often practical ways to work around these rules, they usually come at an extra cost. So, it’s a good idea to factor in these potential expenses when you’re budgeting for your new air conditioning system.
Calculating the Right Size
The size of the rooms you want to cool (or heat) plays a critical role in selecting the right A/C unit. Various formulas take into account the ceiling height for accurate sizing. For instance:
- For a 2.4m high ceiling, multiply the daytime living area (m²) by 150 watts.
- With a 2.7m high ceiling, multiply the area (m²) by 160 watts.
- For a 3.0m high ceiling, the multiplier is 175 watts.
After calculating the total watts needed for your living space, convert this figure into kWs by moving the decimal point three places to the left. You now know the kW size of the system you need for your spaces.
However, where you live also makes a difference. For example, whilst a 2.6kW system is suitable for a 30m2 room in Darwin, you only need a 2.2kW system if you live in Sydney.
Call Politech Today!
Selecting the right-sized air conditioning system is not a decision to be made lightly. Many factors come into play, each contributing to the system’s energy efficiency, performance, and your comfort. However, if you find all of this a little overwhelming, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Politech for expert advice. We’ll give you a free quote tailored to your specific needs and property in NSW. We’re happy to help!
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