Sizing your air con system: why bigger isn’t always better
When it comes to air conditioners, there’s no such thing as ‘one-size-fits-all’. While many people believe that a bigger unit will be more effective, this isn’t always the case – and it’s a misconception that can lead to pretty scary electricity bills! The trick is finding a unit that’s just right for your individual situation, factoring in the size of your space, and your lifestyle.
It’s best to enlist the help of an expert, so they can steer you in the right direction and give you the best recommendation. But if you’d like to do some homework before bringing in the big guns, we’ve put together some info on the key things that should be considered when looking for the perfect unit for you.
The size of your space.
This might surprise you, but the ‘size’ of an air conditioner has nothing to do with the unit’s physical dimensions. Size actually refers a unit’s ability to produce cool and/or warm air and is usually measured in kilowatts (kW).
However, while there are a few complexities involved in choosing the right size unit. So, before you make any final decisions, we suggest you speak to a Daikin Specialist Dealer.
How you live in the different spaces of your home.
When working out your aircon needs, your local Daikin Specialist Dealer will consider how your home functions (not just how big it is). Things like your insulation (or lack of), the orientation of your home (where does the midday sun hit?), and the number of windows you have can all make a big difference. And of course, the geographical location of your home will have a major impact on your heating and cooling needs too – for example, people in North Queensland will have very different requirements from those living in Tasmania.
Your personal preferences.
While every home is different in terms of size and shape, it’s also important to remember that every household is different too. People like different degrees of warmth and cooling depending on their lifestyles – for example, some people like to sleep in a really warm cosy space, while others like a breezy, cooler environment to drift off in. Have a think about your ideal temperature, where you’ll spend most of your time, and what you’ll be doing in different parts of your home. This will give you a good indication of the areas you’ll want to be warmest (or coolest), and where you might need a more powerful unit.
Bigger isn’t always better.
As well as potentially costing more to run (not to mention the upfront expense) it’s important to note that a too-large unit has other downsides too. Without going too deeply into the technical detail, an oversized unit is likely to start up and shut down more often throughout the day, because it reaches its thermostat set point more quickly. All this switching on and off can take its toll over time, meaning more wear and tear on the unit, and more frequent repairs.
Even your comfort can be reduced, as an oversized unit may not run for long enough to effectively dehumidify the air in your home (especially important if you live in the steamy tropics).
Now that you’ve had a good think about what really matters to you and your household, your best bet is to run your thoughts past an expert. Our Daikin Specialist Dealers not only come and assess your home; they can help explain the benefits of each unit, enabling you to make an informed choice. You can book an obligation free assessment and quote here. Good luck!
