Thinking about getting an air conditioner? Being closer to the equator, Brisbane generally experiences more of a subtropical climate, which means it can be hot most days of the year. While the temperatures skyrocket in summer, Brisbane still stays fairly warm throughout the year, averaging between 20 and 30°C. If only there were something to help regulate the temperature. Well, that’s what an air conditioner is for, right?
Having an aircon offers you comfort, allowing you to stay productive throughout the day, and if you’re in Brisbane, this is definitely one purchase you really want to consider making. In this article, we’ll look at what you should consider before buying an aircon in Brisbane.
What to consider before buying an air conditioner
Buying an aircon in Brisbane is a great idea, but before you purchase one, consider these factors:
Type of air conditioner
Consider what type of AC you want to install in your house. Aircons come in a few different shapes and sizes, some of which are designed to effectively cool large areas while others are better suited to smaller areas. For that reason, consider which AC type would best suit your needs. Here’s what you have to choose from:
- Split aircons: These ACs are better suited for smaller areas. Split ACs are usually installed above a window, near the ceiling and involve two parts. They usually incorporate an indoor unit that sucks out the warm air, transferring it through a pipe in the wall to the unit on the outside that draws out the heat and then pushes the cool air back into the room
- Ducted aircon: These systems are designed to cool much larger areas. A ducted AC unit would involve one central air conditioner and a series of vents and air ducts installed throughout the building, which go to each room. The AC unit then pushes air to each room independently, depending on its settings or adjustability. The aircon unit would normally be installed outside or in the ceiling of the building
Zoning of air conditioner
If you choose the ducted AC system, then consider zoning. Ducted AC systems allow you to install a device that’ll let you control the temperature and airflow for different zones independently of one another. This means that you can run the AC in one room while not in another. This is quite a handy feature to have, especially if your building or home is rather large.
Size of air conditioner
Speaking of size, how big does the AC have to be to effectively cool the room you want to use it in. Choosing the right size AC involves considering the size of the room and it’s heat load. Heat load refers to how hot the room gets. Ideally, you’ll want to find an aircon that’ll suit the room perfectly.
Maintenance
Like most things, aircon also degrade over time. Their filters could get dirtier or develop mould on them, and their pipes can corrode and develop holes in them. Or, the motor could pack up completely. Either way, consider the cost of maintenance before you purchase an AC and also factor in how available parts are for the AC brand you purchase.
Here are some things you’ll need to do to ensure your air conditioner is well-maintained:
- Ensure the filters are cleaned regularly
- Change the filters every few months
- Make sure the air conditioner is properly insulated
- Ensure you keep the outside of the condenser clean
By sticking to these tips your AC is sure to stay in working order for a long time. However not all problems can be prevented, so if it needs repairs, you can find an air conditioning repair technician in Brisbane here.
Price
Price is always something to consider. Many people opt for smaller split aircons because they’re the more cost-effective option, especially if you’re only buying one. However, if you’re wanting to kit out a large area with an air conditioning unit, buying many smaller individual AC units might actually work out more expensive than one ducted AC system. So, consider your needs, weigh up the costs of each type of AC and purchase one appropriately.
Features
Finally, what features do you want your AC to have? These days, many ACs come with a warming option, too, giving the aircon multiple functions. As an aircon can draw a lot of power, you might want to look for one with a better energy efficiency rating, too. That way, you can save on electricity. Here are some aircon functions that you might want to consider:
- Multiple modes
- A dehumidify
- A fan-only made which circulates the air without cooling or heating it
- Sleep mode, which adapts the temperature to provide optimal sleeping conditions
- Turbo mode, which rapidly cools or heats the room
- A timer to set when the AC turns on and off
- An air purification system that filters out allergens, dust and other pollutants
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re able to handle the heat in Brisbane or not, the fact is undeniable that having an air conditioner will make life far more comfortable and enjoyable. So, from our side, yes, we’d say you do need an AC in Brisbane, but, the choice is yours.
