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What size of air conditioner do i need?
No Australian home should be without adequate air conditioning units, but if you want to keep your home cooler for longer, you need to ensure you buy the right air conditioner. The type of air conditioner you need depends on the size of your home or the room you're looking to cool.
If you're worried about the installation process, you can find aircon services that will handle the installation.
What size air conditioner do I need? Important Factors
The right sized air conditioner depends on several different factors, here's what you need to think about.
Room Size
Room size is key. The only way to ensure maximum efficiency is to measure the room width and use an air conditioner size calculator. Does the air conditioning system have the horsepower necessary to cool your room or home?
How much will air con cost? Generally speaking, costs vary between $600 and $6,000 and the total cost will depend on the size of the air conditioner and the installation process. See our guide in the table below on an approximate price guide.
Room Height
The greater the room height, the tougher it is to keep cool and you will need a much more powerful air conditioner unit to keep a high-ceiling room or home cool. So, if you do have high ceilings, a wall-mounted split system air conditioner is a great option. It's more efficient than a window-mounted unit.
Humidity Level
The more humid your home is, the more powerful your air con unit must be. An AC unit acts as a dehumidifier by blowing cool air and removing excess moisture to provide comfort. So, if you're located in a particularly humid climate, you need more cooling capacity.
Location
There's more to the local climate than humidity and it can have a major impact on your heating and cooling needs. If you live in a low-altitude suburb, you need a bigger air conditioner size as compared to a mid-level altitude that requires less cooling capacity.
Air Con Running Costs by Square Metres
Heating and cooling costs vary, but we have a table with the most accurate estimate based on room size.
Size | Example Room | Approximate Capacity | Approximate Price Guide |
---|---|---|---|
Small (up to 20 sq m) |
Small kitchen, study, or bedroom | 2 – 2.5 kW | $600 - $2,800 |
Medium (20 – 40 sq m) |
Small lounge or bedroom with ensuite | 2.5 – 5 kW | $700 - $3,000 |
Large (40 – 60 sq m) |
Large bedrooms, large kitchens, mid-sized lounge | 5 – 7 kW | $1,000 - $4,000 |
Extra Large (60 sq m or larger) |
Large lounge areas or open-plan homes | 7 – 9 kW | $2,000 - $5,000 or more |
The importance of air condition capacity
Air conditioner capacity is key to cool multiple rooms and the key to an efficient cooling solution to maintain your desired temperature without using more energy than necessary. Here's what to look for in a new air conditioner.
Cost efficiency for energy consumption
When you invest in the right sized air conditioner for your home, you will get the cooling load you want without paying huge energy bills. More importantly, your AC unit will operate more efficiently and it's less likely to need repairs from overworking.
By investing in the right air conditioner size, you will save money on energy costs, repairs costs, and maintenance fees. So, measure your room properly, factoring in the cooling load along with the ceiling height and width to ensure efficient heating and cooling. The positioning of your unit is also important, so speak to your installer about strategic positioning in a single room or multiple rooms. If you only want air con in a particular room, you may want to consider the benefits of portable air conditioners.
Whether you're planning to invest in a smaller air conditioner, reverse cycle air conditioner, or a quiet operation Mitsubishi electric unit to regulate temperatures, always use a professional air conditioning service to handle the installation.
Energy Efficiency
Energy rating is an important part of the conversation because even when the unit is the right size, you want to ensure it will deal with hot air quickly and efficiently to ensure cool air flow. If you have the right size of air conditioner, it will take much less time to cool a room down quickly making it the most efficient way to cool your floor space. However, if you buy an air conditioner too large, it will only lead to huge energy bills and you're more likely to turn it off before your room is sufficiently cool because all you can think about is the bill.
If the AC unit is too small it won't sufficiently cool your home and you'll have to run it for longer, and pay more, all for less payout.
You can find a local and get free installation quotes to ensure you get the best deal. Of course, you can reach out to them before you decide on your indoor unit and let the professional guide your decision on a unit that will efficiently cool your bedroom, daytime living area, lounge room, or entire home.