Perth’s summers are notoriously hot and dry, so it is no surprise that over 90% of Perth homes rely on air conditioning to stay comfortable.
If you are looking to upgrade your current air conditioner or choose the best air conditioner for your Perth home, this guide is for you.
Here, we’ll cover factors that affect the right air-con system for you, our recommendations for air conditioners for Perth’s unique climate, and the pros and cons of popular air-con systems.
What is Perth’s Weather& Your Air Con
Known for its scorching heat in summer and mild temps in winter, Perth’s Mediterranean climate is particularly suited to ducted, evaporative, and reverse cycle air conditioning.
Keep in mind that Perth’s climate can vary based on your location. For instance, homes in the Perth hills versus the coast and inner suburbs will all have different temps. We can help you decide on the best air con system based on your specific Perth locatiom.
Considerations to Help You Choose the Right Air Con System
Here is a closer look at the factors that can help you determine which air con system is right for your Perth home.
- Size of the Home and Rooms – First, decide how big the area is that you wish to cool. It may be only a few rooms in your house, such as the living rooms or bedrooms. Or, you may want to cool your entire house. Make sure you choose an appropriately sized model based on the square footage you plan to cool. An oversized unit will be unnecessarily expensive. Alternatively, an undersized air con system will lose efficiency and struggle to maintain your desired temperature. If you need help calculating the right air con size for your Perth home, our team would be glad to assist you.
- Your Home’s Layout – Along with the size of your home, consider your home’s layout. For example, open floor plans pair well with ducted systems while smaller homes or apartments are well suited to split systems.
- Lifestyle and Temperature Preferences – The size and layout of your home are the most important factors when deciding which air conditioning system is right for you. However, your lifestyle can also affect which air con system makes the most sense for your household. For instance, if you work from home, a noisy air conditioner may hinder your focus. Or maybe you prefer a more quiet atmosphere for sleeping and do not want the noise of a loud unit running all night.
- Allergies in the family – Households with allergy sufferers may prefer an air conditioner with filtration systems that can help improve indoor air quality. These systems work by removing dust, odours, bacteria, and allergens from the air.
- Extra Features To Consider – Modern air conditioners come equipped with a range of extra features to choose from. These features vary from model to model but often include:
- Option to remotely control the temperature settings with a smartphone app
- Self-cleaning functions
- Humidity control options
- Air purification settings
- Quiet mode or fan-only settings
- Smart temperature adjustments
- Efficiency and Sustainability – With a strong shift toward sustainability, eco-conscious Perth residents are searching for eco-friendly air conditioning options. Fortunately, leading air con manufacturers are focusing on designing units with increased energy efficiency, reduced carbon footprints, and sustainability in mind.
Best Types of Air Cons for Perth
Reverse cycle split systems, ducted air conditioners, and evaporative air conditioners are common cooling options in Perth.
Here is a look at why these systems are so popular and the pros and cons of each system.
Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners
Also known as split system aircon, use refrigerated gases to cool the air inside your home. These air-con systems consist of an indoor unit and outdoor compressor that is straightforward to install and energy-efficient.
They are ideal for cooling specific rooms, smaller homes, and apartments. Reverse cycle systems also offer the advantage of heating your home in the cooler months. If you are looking for a cooling option in the summer and also need a way to heat your home in winter, a reverse cycle system is worth considering.
Pros Split System Aircons
- Can be used for both cooling and heating needs — perfect for Perth’s climate of hot summers and mild, wet winters
- Offers precise control over the indoor temperature
- Allow for individual temperature control in different rooms
- Cost-effective
Cons Split System Aircons
- Work best with doors and windows closed
- Not as well suited to double-story homes, homes with large open spaces, or larger homes
Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners
Also known as split system aircon, use refrigerated gases to cool the air inside your home. These air-con systems consist of an indoor unit and outdoor compressor that is straightforward to install and energy-efficient.
They are ideal for cooling specific rooms, smaller homes, and apartments. Reverse cycle systems also offer the advantage of heating your home in the cooler months. If you are looking for a cooling option in the summer and also need a way to heat your home in winter, a reverse cycle system is worth considering.
Pros Split System Aircons
- Can be used for both cooling and heating needs — perfect for Perth’s climate of hot summers and mild, wet winters
- Offers precise control over the indoor temperature
- Allow for individual temperature control in different rooms
- Cost-effective
Cons Split System Aircons
- Work best with doors and windows closed
- Not as well suited to double-story homes, homes with large open spaces, or larger homes
Ducted Air Cons
Ducted air conditioning systems are powerful, efficient, and excellent for large or multi-story homes.
Ducted systems use a network of ducts to distribute cooled air throughout the home. They cost more initially but this investment can result in savings in the long-run due to high energy efficiency.
Pros Ducted Systems
- Well suited to larger homes, multiple-story homes, and large spaces
- Can cool multiple rooms at once
- Even air distribution eliminates hot or cold spots
- Quieter operation
- Higher efficiency
- Low profile and takes up less space in the home
- Excellent temperature regulation abilities
- Zonal control capabilities for enhanced comfort and efficiency
Cons Ducted Systems
- More expensive to install
- More complicated installation due to the required ductwork
Evaporative Air Cons
Evaporative coolers run hot, dry air through damp pads and distribute the cooled air in the home through ducts in the roof. This eco-friendly cooling solution is ideal for Perth’s hot, dry climate. While not as powerful as traditional air con systems, evaporative air conditioning is ideal for eco-conscious homeowners who want a way to circulate cooled, fresh air in their home.
If you already have a heating system for the cooler months, an evaporative air conditioner may be a great solution for you.
Pros Evaporative
- Lower running costs
- Use less energy than other air conditioner types
- Do not emit any harmful CO2 gasses during cooling
- Add moisture content to indoor air to help combat Perth’s dry heat
- Great cooling option for multi-story homes or larger spaces
- Generally cheaper than refrigerated air conditioning systems
- Eco-friendly and efficient way to cool air through a natural evaporation process
- Option to avoid air leakage and heat loss in winter on cold Perth days by covering the unit
- Circulate fresh air into your home
Cons Evaporative
- Less precise temperature control
- Can pose humidity issues in certain households
Choosing the Best Air Conditioner for Your Perth Home
Investing in a high-quality air conditioning system can be cost-effective in the long run, especially considering Perth’s climate. Choosing the right air conditioning system for you depends on the size and layout of your household, number of occupants, desired efficiency, budget, and your temperature preferences.
Whether you need help choosing between an evaporative system or reverse cycle split system or have an air conditioning system that isn’t meeting your needs, our licensed electrical contractors can help. At Air Conditioning Perth, we offer competitive rates and friendly service to ensure you find the air-con system that meets your needs. We are proudly family-owned and operated and would be honoured to have the chance to assist you with your cooling needs.
Browse online to view our range of quality split system, ducted, and evaporative air conditioning options or contact us to get your free quote.