If you’re looking for an air conditioner to replace or upgrade an existing unit or looking to install a new one, you may have realised there is a lot more to it than you might have thought. There are wall, floor, and ceiling units as well as discrete compact cassettes, not to mention the wide range of features some of the better brands have.
We’ve lifted the lid on the air conditioning market and compiled this essential guide of what you need to know:
Table of Contents
Air Conditioning – What’s It All About
The purpose of a heat pump/air conditioner is to create a comfortable indoor environment all year round. Generally, there are 3 basic parts to a system; a condenser and compressor which are usually outside and an evaporator which is indoors. Cooling is achieved by drawing warm air from a room into the evaporator where it is cooled by a refrigerant liquid. The cooled air then flows back into the room and the warmed refrigerant is passed to the external units where it cools and is re-circulated. Heating is the opposite of cooling.
Choosing the Right Brand
Whether you’re searching for residential or commercial units, there are several things you’ll want to ensure when selecting the best brand of air conditioner. These are long-term investments, so make sure you choose a reputable brand which offers a good warranty. The best brands will have won design and other awards and will have a range of models to suit all situations with a variety of features and innovations such as self-cleaning air filters. Some will even work with various asthma organisations to help provide cleaner homes.
Which Type of Unit – Choices, Choices
Heat pump/air conditioning units come in various styles and sizes and it’s important to ensure the unit you get is powerful enough for the size and layout of the area. A good brand will offer a range of models to suit single rooms, multiple rooms, and even whole home solutions as well as commercial situations. A brand-trusted specialist can help advise on the most suitable option including the type of mounting be it floor, wall or ceiling mounted or discrete cassette design.
Feature Rich Models
Once you’ve chosen the size and type of unit, you can look at the various models available and select one which has the features you need. The best brands will have remote controls and features such as auto shut louvre at power off, auto restart following a power failure, energy-efficient economy mode, timer functions, and quiet mode. Some units may even have washable panels allowing easy cleaning of dust.
Maintenance And Repair
It’s always a good idea to maintain your air conditioning units, particularly as regular servicing may be required for warranty purposes and help protect your investment. The best brands will have an online search tool to help you locate a recommended service agent. You can carry out some general housekeeping yourself, but sometimes you may need the assistance of a repair technician.
For peace of mind, choose a reputable brand with a trusted network of specialist technicians and always have servicing carried out at recommended intervals by suitably trained engineers. Make sure the unit complies with relevant regulations.