With sweltering summer days, cooling systems are essential in Australia. But choosing the wrong air conditioning system can create an expensive problem in the long run. With so many market options this guide will help you determine where to start and what to consider when choosing your air conditioning system.
To learn more about the efficiency of your cooling system check our article from last month here.
Is Your House Existing Or A New Build?
The first question that’s asked when you’re considering a new air conditioning system is whether your house is existing or a new build? The earlier air conditioning is considered, the better as there can be some complications when installing air conditioning systems in existing dwellings. If you’re building a new home in 2023, make sure to add on air conditioning when going through planning approval.
Ducted vs Split System: Which is Best For My House?
The biggest dilemma when considering a new air system is whether to get a ducted system or a split system. A ducted system is more expensive to install but has zoning capabilities to cool sections of your home. A split system is cheaper to install however will only be able to cool one or two rooms. Let’s look at this home by home.
Townhouses
Townhouses or duplexes are becoming increasingly common in Geelong. Generally, these builds are turn-key designs and require the homeowners to think about air systems during the planning stage. Both ducted and split systems work efficiently in these homes because typically the spaces are quite small. The true cost of the air conditioning system comes down to when you choose to install it: prebuild or post-build. Split systems are the ideal choice, post-build but if you are looking to add on air conditioning to your house plan both ducted and split systems, have their benefits.
Apartments
Apartments are small spaces that don’t require a lot of energy to cool down during the summer. With newer apartments, architects and builders prefabricate them to regulate the temperature of the building. So if you’re considering air conditioning in your apartment, your most affordable option will be a self-contained split system to cool the space down. Split systems are typically cheaper to install and have high efficiency in smaller spaces making them a cost-effective solution.
Single Storey
Single-storey homes can vary in size, however the design is pretty generic. Bedrooms are at the back or side of the house, the master at the front and open kitchen/dining and separate living spaces in the middle. If you’re building your home in 2023, the most environmentally friendly choice is ducted evaporative cooling. Evaporative cooling draws in hot air from the outside and filters it through ducts called ‘wet pads’ to create the cooling air that is distributed throughout your home.
If you live in an existing dwelling, multiple split systems may be the better choice. Split systems can be placed in high-traffic areas such as the living and the master bedroom. Split systems instantly cool your home on hot days.
Multi Storey
As we all know heat rises so multi-storey homes naturally get hotter. As the day goes on top storeys can become stifling. This is why ducted cooling is the best solution for multi-storey homes and should be a prime consideration during the building process.
Ducted cooling is great for bigger houses because it can instantly cool down the whole house. Ducted cooling also has zoning properties allowing you to select which rooms you want to cool and provides you with the option for reverse heating.
Heritage Homes
Geelong is filled with heritage-listed homes and dwellings. They can be challenging to install modern air conditioning systems into. There are solutions so you don’t have to endure the sweltering heat.
The first thing you need to do with a heritage home is establish what permissions you have when installing a cooling unit.
Often one of the challenges is that air conditioning cannot take away from the aesthetic of the property. This is why we recommend split systems in rooms where it’s needed the most and a hidden outdoor unit. Your split systems will also need to have a quiet mode according to Daikin, so they don’t disturb the neighbours.
Install this summer
If you’re considering installing an air conditioning system this summer, get in touch with our expert team at North West Geelong. Our experienced team will be able to recommend what type of cooling system will work best with your space and within your budget.