Is now the time to get that air conditioner installed?

Since the arrival of the Coronavirus, Australians are suddenly spending an awful lot more time at home. With most of us working from home (not to mention home schooling and entertaining kids), our houses and apartments are suddenly working a whole lot harder than they usually do!

When you’re stuck within four walls, pretty much 24/7, you obviously want to be comfortable. Air quality and temperature are huge factors that can either contribute to this comfort – or compromise it! And if you’re struggling to get by in a chilly of stuffy home, now might be the time to look at getting air conditioning installed.

How does air conditioning keep us happy and healthy?

The main function of an air conditioner is to regulate the air quality and temperature in your home. It’s really important for our health (especially our respiratory health) to strike the right balance, as air that’s too dry can irritate our airways and eyes – and air that’s too moist can exacerbate asthma and cause sleeping problems. It’s also really hard to work or study effectively when you’re too hot or cold.

How can an air conditioner help? As well as keeping temperatures and humidity levels consistent, the right unit can improve the quality of the air we breathe. Daikin split systems are the only air conditioners to be approved by the National Asthma Council’s Sensitive Choice program – largely thanks to their clever air-purifying features.

The upshot? A good air conditioner can make us feel better in many different ways.

What does the installation process usually involve?

The first step is to contact a reputable air conditioning technician to come over and assess your space and needs. Technicians are knowledgeable about how units work within a range of spaces – and they will usually have very helpful recommendations about what unit to choose, and where to place it. Technicians will consider many different factors: including the ventilation within your home, the location of windows, and how to ensure efficient air flow.

Once you’ve agreed on a unit and location, the technician will return to do the actual installation. Every installation is different – the time it takes will depend on many factors, including the type of system, the materials your place is constructed from, and the ease of access. Split systems definitely take less time to install than multi-split and ducted systems, but your technician will be able to provide an estimate once they have completed an inspection.

Is it still safe to have technicians in your home?

The implications of the Coronavirus are serious, and still largely unknown. While the directives from the Australian government are being updated weekly, tradespeople are currently permitted into residential and commercial premises, given the fact their work is often essential. That said, stay updated with the latest government advice and check with your local Daikin Specialist Dealer as to what impacts there may be on your impending installation.

How do I prepare (and what precautions do I need to take)?

To begin with, have a thorough conversation with your technician to gain a clear understanding of what the work will involve, and how long it will take. As much as possible, communicate on the phone to minimise the time they’ll spend in your home.

Before your installation, ensure your technician is showing no symptoms of the virus, and has been practicing social distancing and good hygiene.

On the day, set a clear pathway for your installation, and stay out of their way (adhere to social distancing rules throughout the process). It’s a good idea to properly prepare the area where the technician will be working, moving furniture out of the way and so on. The more your installer has to do on the day, the longer they’ll take.

If possible, it would be a great idea to place hand sanitizer at your front door and within the home for technicians to use. Even though a vast majority of technicians have adopted good hygiene practices, once your installation is complete, ensure the unit (and any surfaces your technician has touched) are thoroughly disinfected. Don’t forget the remote control!

If you have any follow-up questions about your unit, just give your technician a call. For the most part, they’ll be able to talk through your queries on the phone.

Living in an apartment? It’s worth double checking with your strata about any requirements for visitors and letting your neighbours know the installation will be happening. Not only is it good manners, it gives them the opportunity to stay out of the technician’s way while they’re on site.

Keen to get the ball rolling on your own installation? Get in touch with your local Daikin Specialist Dealer here.

Our team is continuing to support customers throughout this challenging time, so just give us a call.