Step 1 – What Size System do I need?
When buying a heater or an air conditioner, your first consideration should be how powerful the device needs to be to adequately climatise your home. A heater or air conditioner’s capacity is rated by kilowatts. Buying the right size unit is very important as systems that are too big will use more energy, while under-sized ones will not climatise the room sufficiently.
As an approximate guide, 130 watts of power per square meter should be enough for bedrooms, while living rooms may require around 140 watts per square meter. So for a living room measuring 30 square meters a unit of approximately 4.2kW will be needed.
Step 2 – What Types of Heating And Cooling Systems
Evaporative Cooling:
Ducted evaporative cooling comprises of a central cooling unit, connected to a series of outlets, positioned strategically throughout the house, these outlets, or ducts, are installed in the ceiling while the cooling unit is installed on top of the roof. The cooling unit draws fresh air through moistened pads, cooling and filtering air before flowing through ductwork and into your room where the air can escape via an open door or window, thus decreasing temperature and process healthy fresh air—just like a cool, refreshing sea breeze
Ducted Heating:
Ducted central heating comprises a central heating unit, which is connected to a series of outlets positioned strategically throughout your home either in the floor or ceiling, dependent on whether you have a concrete slab or timber flooring. The unit is either installed in the roof, beneath the floor or outside
Split system Air Conditioner:
These air conditioners are made up of two parts, with one attached to the internal wall of your home, while the other sits on the outside to exhaust heat out. These are low cost to install and with separate units for each room they provide flexibility.
Ducted Inverted Reverse cycle heating and air conditioning:
A ducted inverter reverse system refers to units that provide a cooling and heating function ducted through the central unit. The obvious benefit is that they are also useful during the winter months and huge energy savings of up to 80% compared to conventional fixed speed systems
Inverter system:
Air conditioners with inverters are able to vary the temperature of the air they produce, rather than stopping and starting. They are often quieter, cheaper to run and achieve the desired room temperature more quickly – saving up to 50% of your energy usage compared to conventional fixed speed systems
Multi systems:
Multi-split air conditioners connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor condenser. They require no ductwork, but a single control station operates the whole system, meaning individual room temperatures are possible.
Step 3 – Efficiency: Energy Efficiency
Heaters and Air conditioners are rated on their energy efficiency, more stars meaning the unit is more cost-effective to run, reducing your energy bills and is better for the environment. For units with cooling and heating functions, separate ratings are given for each. Inverter air conditioners are more energy efficient due to their ability to regulate temperature without starting or stopping.
For further information on improving your home’s energy efficiency to reduce high energy bills, improve comfort and reduce greenhouse gas emissions visit http://www.energystar.gov
Step 4 – Installations: Choose a professional installer
Installing a Heater or Air Conditioner is very technical and involves many processes. In Australia, you will need to hire a licensed professional to install and service your new heating and air conditioning system. Installation experts have had relevant training and are licensed to install any system available.
Installers must have licenses issued by the mechanical services governing bodies. Heaters and Air conditioners all include manufacturer’s warranties, so to ensure you’re covered under the warranty if something goes wrong, professional servicing is mandatory.
Contact Mode Heating and Cooling on 03 9308 9965 regarding sales, Installation and Service support or visit our website Modeheatingandcooling.com.au
