You know you want to stay cool during Perth’s hot and sunny summers, but how do you decide between ductless, ducted, wall-mounted, and all the other air conditioner types?
Our complete guide to choosing the right air conditioning system will educate you on the options so you can choose the right system for your home size, budget, and energy needs.
What Types of Air Conditioners Are There?
Ducted Split System Air Conditioners
Ducted split system air conditioners feature a condenser or compressor outside the house that is connected to an interior unit via ductwork.
Pros of Ducted Split System:
- Cost-effective and efficient
- Effective cooling
- Even air distribution – no hot or cold spots
- Quiet operation
- Appealing visual design
- Helps remove humidity from the air
- Can cool a larger household without the need for multiple cooling units
- Zone capabilities allow users to set individual rooms at different temperatures
- Can opt for a reverse cycle split system that heats and cools
- May increase your home’s resale value
Cons of Ducted Split System:
- Requires extensive installation due to ductwork
- More expensive to install
Typically used in:
- Larger homes
- Multi-level homes
- Commercial settings
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ductless mini-split systems consist of one outdoor unit connected by pipes to one or more indoor AC units. The indoor units are mounted on walls in rooms you desire to cool and do not require ductwork.
Pros of Ductless Mini-Split Systems:
- Energy efficient
- Easier installation due to no ductwork needed
- Can include inverter technology
- Zoning capabilities to control separate temperatures in individual rooms
- No risk of leaks in the ducts since no ductwork is used
- Can opt for a reverse cycle split system that offers heating and cooling capabilities
- Easy maintenance
Cons of Ductless Mini-Split Systems:
- Higher initial cost compared to window AC units
- Units are visible within indoor living spaces
Evaporative Coolers
Evaporative coolers draw in hot, dry air through water-soaked pads, creating cooler interior air. Evaporative air conditioners are ducted cooling systems that are mounted on top of the roof and connected through ducts to interior rooms. This system actually performs best when the windows are open.
Pros of Evaporative Coolers:
- Highly effective in dry climates
- Energy efficient
- Circulates fresh air from outside
- Environmentally friendly (does not emit harmful CO2 gasses)
- Generally cheaper to install and operate
Cons of Evaporative Coolers:
- Not suitable for humid climates
- Require regular maintenance
Window AC Units
Window AC units are constructed to be mounted directly into a window opening.
Pros of Window AC Units:
- Cooling components are housed in one compact unit
- Easy installation and removal
- Portable
- Popular budget option
Cons of Window AC Units:
- Limited cooling capacity
- Insufficient for larger square footage
- Requires multiple units if multiple rooms need to be cooled
- Less cost-effective over time
- Not aesthetically pleasing
- Can be noisy
- Less efficient than other AC types
Typically used in:
- Smaller homes
- Apartments
- Cooling individual rooms or specific areas (bedroom, home office, etc.)
- Rental Properties
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Conditioner
Here are some key considerations to make sure you choose the best air conditioner for your home, budget, climate, and cooling preferences.
Size of Living Space
The most important factor to consider when choosing an air conditioner is the size of the living space you want to cool. This will determine the cooling capacity your air conditioning system will need to be in order to effectively cool your space.
An undersized unit will struggle to effectively cool your home while an oversized unit may waste energy and increase operating costs.
For small apartments or to cool a single room, I usually recommend a ductless mini-split system. For larger homes, multi-level homes, or to cool multiple rooms, I recommend a ducted split system air conditioner.
Noise Level
An air conditioner’s noise level is an important consideration if you plan to use it in a home office, bedroom, or other quiet space.
Look for models that offer “quiet mode”, “sleep mode”, or with lower decibel ratings if noise level is a concern.
Energy Efficiency Rating
Air conditioner units in Australia are rated with energy star ratings. The higher the stars, the more efficient the model is considered.
Higher efficiency equates to less power used and lower power bills. It also reduces the environmental impact of the unit.
I recommend looking for an air conditioner with a rating of 5 stars or above to ensure you are getting a model that will offer long-term cost savings and reduced environmental impact.
Local Weather Conditions
When choosing an air conditioner, local weather conditions play an important role. I recommend considering your area’s temperature ranges and humidity levels to help choose the best air conditioner.
With Perth’s hot and dry summers, moisture removal isn’t as important as somewhere like North Queensland.
Installation Requirements
Installation requirements vary among air conditioner types and are a key factor to consider when choosing a unit.
A ducted air conditioning system requires complicated ductwork, structural alterations, and high labour costs.
Split system installation may be as simple as a hole drilled in the wall. Wall mounted air conditioner units offer the easiest installation, but it comes at the cost of efficiency and effectiveness.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance needs differ among air conditioner types. All units should be regularly inspected, cleaned with a damp cloth to remove dust, and have the filters cleaned or changed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Ductwork requires extra maintenance as the ducts need to be checked for damage or leaks. We recommend scheduling an annual professional inspection for your air conditioning unit to make sure it is operating efficiently and to catch any issues early.
Operating Costs
Along with the initial cost of the air conditioning system, I also recommend considering the ongoing operating costs. While cheaper units may be nice initially, they can be inefficient and cost more to run in the long term.
Energy-efficient units are generally associated with lower operating costs, resulting in a cooler home that is more cost-effective in the long run.
Warranty
When choosing an air conditioner model, pay attention to the manufacturer’s warranty. Opt for reliable brands with a proven history, good after-sales support, and high customer reviews.
At Total Air Conditioning Perth, we only carry the top brands in the industry, ensuring you can count on reliable, durable performance from the air conditioners in our range.
Determining Air Conditioner Capacity
An oversized air conditioning system can lead to unnecessary energy consumption and inefficiency. An undersized unit may struggle to adequately cool your home and will lead to higher energy bills.
To determine the appropriate size of your AC system, you need to consider several factors.
- The square footage of the area(s) you want to cool
- Ceiling height
- Insulation
- Sun exposure
- Number of windows
- Number of levels in the home (i.e. single level vs. double level)
- Number of occupants in the home
The best way to determine the size of air conditioner you need is to schedule a consultation with a professional air conditioning service technician. We can evaluate your home and cooling preferences to calculate the exact cooling capacity required to match your needs.
Key Features to Consider in an Air Conditioner
Along with determining the appropriate cooling capacity and energy rating, certain features can add convenience and comfort to your air conditioning system.
Here are some key features to look out for:
- Programmable Timers – These timers offer the convenience of setting your air conditioning system to turn on and off at set times. Along with keeping your home at your desired temperature, this feature can help you save money on energy bills. For instance, if you are gone at work all day, you can set the temperature a few degrees higher when you know you will be gone.
- Thermostat Control – I consider a thermostat control a must-have air conditioner feature. Thermostat controls provide an accurate way to control your indoor climate.
- Smart Technology and Features – Smart features offer added convenience to modern air conditioners with features such as:
- Ability to control the unit remotely with a smartphone
- Integration with automated systems
- Ability to easily monitor and track energy usage
- Voice integration
- The ability to set customised cooling schedules
- Maintenance alerts and reminders
- Energy conservation settings
- Dehumidification Mode – If you live in a humid area, a dehumidification mode is a handy additional feature to consider.
- Air Filtration – Air filtration can help remove airbourne particles, allergens, pet dander, and dust from the air. If you have asthma or allergy sufferers in your home, air filtration may be worth considering.
Stay Cool and Comfortable Year-Round With Total Air Conditioning Perth
It is important to find an air conditioning system that has the capacity to cool your living space, matches your budget, and meets your cooling preferences. Our local qualified technicians are here to help you make an informed decision to find the best AC system for your needs.
Whether you want a ducted system or a ductless mini-split, shop our range of reliable air conditioning brands to find the type that fits your home and needs.