As an owner builder (or anyone building a new home), creating a liveable and comfortable haven will be a top priority. For many, this means carefully considering your heating and cooling needs during the planning stage..
Since all electrical work in Australia must be done by a licensed professional, in this article, we'll guide you through the essentials of planning your installation to ensure you achieve the perfect air conditioner for your home.
Let's dive in to our 7 expert tips for planning your air conditioning!
1. Understand your cooling and heating needs
Before even thinking about air conditioner installation, you need to determine exactly what your needs are. For example, if you have a busy household, you might need a system powerful enough to cool and heat the entire home. A single person or a couple living in a smaller space may only need to heat or cool a couple of rooms.
In addition, consider how you typically use heating and cooling systems. The reality is, that some people experience temperatures differently. If you’re the type of person who wants absolute comfort at all times, you need a system that can handle the workload.
2. Consider your local climate
Your local climate is another important factor in determining the type of air conditioner you purchase. Australia has a unique and varied climate, depending on where you live. Southern states like Tasmania and Victoria may rely more on the heating function of their air conditioners, while Queenslanders are lucky enough to experience warmer temperatures all year round, so the cooling function is used more often.
If you’ve got a pretty comfortable climate throughout the year, you probably don’t need a super-powerful unit, which allows you to look for even more energy efficiency when buying an air conditioner.
3. Choosing the right type of air conditioner
There are basically three popular types of air conditioners in Australia, and they’re all suited to different conditions.
Split systems: A split system air conditioner features an outdoor and indoor unit. The indoor unit should be placed in the main living area, however, certain homes may have different placement requirements. You can also consider multi-split systems, which feature more than one indoor unit and are suited to larger homes.
Ducted air conditioning: As the name suggests, a ducted air conditioning system sends cool (or warm) air throughout the home. With vents positioned in key areas, ducted air conditioning provides comfort no matter how many rooms you have. Gotta say, ducted is our fave – while up there in price, it definitely has it's benefits!
Portable air conditioning: While they usually cost more to run, portable air conditioning units are still popular. You can move them from room to room, depending on where you spend your time. It’s more of a budget option, but portable systems can get the job done if you don’t require too much air conditioner use.
Every home is different, so if you’re still not certain which type of air conditioner suits is right for you, contact your local electrician. They should be able to give expert advice on choosing the perfect type of air conditioner.
4. Prioritise energy efficiency
Modern air conditioners are far more energy-efficient than their predecessors, but not all are created equal. Most household appliances in Australia have an Energy Star rating to indicate how efficient they are. In very simple terms, a good energy rating means your unit costs less to run in the long term. Less efficient systems use more power and therefore cost you more money.
So, while energy-efficient air conditioners may cost a little more upfront, the investment is worth it. Especially if you live in a climate where frequent heating or cooling is needed, you’ll definitely appreciate the savings on your power bill throughout the years.
5. Budget accordingly, including installation
As we touched on, licensed electricians are the only people who should be installing air conditioners. All home builds have a budget, and you’ve likely already enlisted the help of an electrician for other work. So, when pricing your air conditioner, don’t forget to include the cost of installation.
Installing air conditioners during a home build is a lot easier than doing it once the home is finished, especially if you want ducted heating. By investing in getting the job done right, you can enjoy maximum comfort in your home for years to come.
6. Carefully plan the placement of air conditioning units
Once you’ve chosen the type of system you want, it’s time to consider where you want the units. Smaller homes using a single split-system air conditioner usually have the indoor unit in the living room, with the outdoor unit not far away. If you want a multi-split system, you can have several indoor units throughout the house. Your electrician should be able to advise on the best placement, but essentially the idea is to ensure even cooling and heating throughout the home.
In the case of ducted air conditioning, you’ll need to plan which rooms you want vents in. All homes and families are different, but during a home build, you’ve got complete control over how and where you install air conditioning units.
7. Work with a licensed electrician
Regardless of how skilled you might be with DIY work, you should always work with a licensed electrician for air conditioning installation. Australia’s laws require this type of electrical work to be completed by a professional. If you choose to go it alone, you could be risking your air conditioner’s product warranty being voided.
In the worst-case scenario, faulty DIY wiring could lead to a fire, putting your family and home at risk, with potential insurance issues if the fire was caused by unlicensed electrical work.
Ultimately, you can do all of the planning yourself, but to have your air conditioner installed safely, contact your trusted local electrician today. An expert A/C installer can also help with lots of advice along the way, such as assisting with the placement of units and even selecting the right system for your home.
