Adelaide is known for its soaring summer temperatures, which can easily reach 35 C or higher. Your air conditioner should be powerful enough to meet the challenge, yet cost-effective to install and operate. In addition, your lifestyle and decorating aesthetics play a huge role in determining which air conditioner is best for you. No system is perfect, and all have their own unique pros and cons.
Evaporative Air Conditioning
Traditional air conditioners use chemical refrigerants to cool the air, either inside a closed system or through exchange pipes that connect the indoor and outdoor portions of the system. Evaporative air conditioning is an entirely different choice based on simple scientific principles. When dry air passes over water, it absorbs a portion of the water, forcing a phase change from liquid to gas that consumes heat. The temperature of the water goes down while the temperature of the air goes up.
Outside air enters the evaporative air conditioner through your home’s roof, and passes through an array of water-soaked pads before a fan forces it out through the air conditioning vent. Open doors and windows allow hot air to escape. This replaces the air in your home every two minutes, quickly drawing out allergens, odours, and stale air. An evaporative air conditioner is eco-friendly and can save you an estimated 75% on your monthly power bills.
Despite their benefits, however, evaporative air conditioners are not perfect. When humidity is low, the water-soaked pads require constant monitoring to be sure they do not dry out. When humidity is high, evaporation happens much more slowly, and the system’s cooling power is limited. These systems also have trouble getting your home truly cold, as opposed to cool, making them insufficient for those who desire a very low ambient temperature.
Room Air Conditioners
If you need to cool only one or two rooms, room air conditioners are an inexpensive option. Packing all the needed components into a single small box, room air conditioners are also relatively easy to install. A window unit air conditioner is installed in the room’s window or a hole cut into an exterior wall. Cold air blows into the room, while hot air blows outside. A portable unit works the same way, but sits on the floor rather than inside a window. Portable air conditioners discharge hot air through an exhaust hose vent on a nearby exterior wall.
The major drawbacks to room air conditioners are the noise level and the ongoing maintenance requirements. You must frequently vacuum the coils and straighten bent fins for optimal performance. In addition, room air conditioners should be carefully sized to the room. An overpowered unit will bounce cold air onto the thermostat, causing it to shut off before cooling is completed. An underpowered unit will strain, using an excessive amount of power, and will not adequately cool the room.
Split System Air Conditioning
Although it is pricier than a room air conditioner, a split system is a much better choice overall. In this type of system, the heat exchange and compressor components are placed outdoors in a weatherproof box, while the cooling elements and thermostat are mounted on a wall indoors. Pipes move refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor parts of the system.
A split system is significantly more powerful and energy-efficient than a room air conditioner. These systems also tend to produce less noise, since the compressor is not inside the room. In larger rooms, split systems typically do a better job of maintaining a regulated cold temperature. Some split systems offer a reverse cycle option that combines cooling and heating in a single system.
To cool more than one room in small spaces, a multi split system can be the ideal option. This type of system uses a single outdoor box to power wall-mounted cooling units in multiple rooms.
The major drawback to a split or multi split system is its cost. While not typically as expensive as a ducted system, these air conditioners are significantly pricier than room air conditioners. Like room air conditioners, they must be correctly sized to the room. In addition, some people do not care for the aesthetic look of a split system.
Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners
Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning systems are sometimes referred to as the premium option. Combining heating and cooling into a single convenient package, ducted systems move cooled or heated air around your home through a collection of ducts. You can set the desired temperature on a thermostat, and the system will automatically turn off and on as needed to maintain that temperature.
High-end ducted systems provide zoned cooling. This allows you to individually control the temperatures of different areas of your home. When paired with a programmable thermostat, you can even set different temperatures for different zones for different times of day.
Despite their many benefits, however, these systems are not right for everyone. Upfront costs are usually high, and connecting to an existing ducted system can be cost-prohibitive. In addition, ducted systems are not always energy efficient. Unless you intentionally choose a high-efficiency model, you might see your power bills rise.
Jim’s Heating & Cooling is a trusted provider of air conditioning and heating in the greater Adelaide region. We offer a wide range of heating and cooling solutions, along with special discounts and financing offers. Call locally on 131 546 now or request a quote to get started!
