About Me

Air Conditioning Options

As you probably know, the Australian summertime can be extremely hot. When I moved to Australia from England, I knew it would be warm, but I wasn't ready for the intense heat. I had bought a home on the outskirts of Sydney. It was a great place but unfortunately, it didn't have an HVAC system. I moved in during the winter time, so this wasn't a problem. However, when the weather began to warm up, the interior of my home became very uncomfortable. I called in an HVAC contractor who explained my options before installing a modern HVAC system which keeps my house nice and cool.

Search

Latest Posts

Air Conditioning Options

AC Replacement: What Will Determine the Efficiency of Your New System?

by Herminia Lopez

If you are thinking about replacing your old air conditioner, there are multiple factors that you should consider before installing a new appliance. One of these crucial aspects is the energy efficiency. Often, homeowners assume that they will enjoy lower electrical bills and promote sustainability by choosing an energy efficient AC unit. While the energy star rating is an important element, it does not necessarily mean that you will attain optimal efficiency. Consider this short discussion on the other factors which will determine the 'greenness' of your new air conditioning system.

Unit Sizing

The size of the air conditioner does matter if you want to achieve exceptional energy efficiency. Therefore, you should have a professional HVAC contractor assess your home and recommend the right unit size for the size of your space. Some homeowners assume that large appliances with high energy star rating are better for climate control. Typically, these products will cool the interior space faster, but they demand more electricity than is necessary. Also, big AC units will continuously cycle on and off, increasing energy consumption and the rate of internal wear. On the other hand, if you choose a small appliance, it will be forced to work continuously, raising internal strain and accelerating degradation.

Ductwork

If you are installing a replacement air conditioner, you will probably choose to use the old ducting network in your home. Air duct products can be expensive, so this choice can reduce your total project expenses. However, these features might not be in great condition after years of use. In simple terms, the ductwork might have perforations which will allow cool air to escape, increasing energy consumption. Also, the insulation used to shield the sheet metal duct channels might be worn-out. Consequently, there will be heat exchange across the walls, promoting inefficiencies. Therefore, you should hire an AC technician to check the condition of your ductwork and perform repairs before installing the new appliance.

Air Vents

The efficiency of an air conditioner can be affected by the air vent delivery system. If the vents are not in a good state, they will not complement the operation of the new appliance. For optimal performance, you should ensure that the vents are clean and free of blockages by furniture and interior décor. If possible, the vents should be placed at the ceiling to minimise obstruction and promote optimal air circulation. After all, cool air tends to sink. Finally, make sure that these openings are approriately sized for individual rooms.

Share