The Tiny house Blog

4 Things to Consider Before Buying an Air Conditioner

By
Jason Francis
Designed and built over 100 custom tiny homes, lived on a sailboat for 9 months, and loves to live life to the fullest with his wife and their 4 kids.
Updated on:
February 24, 2025
Things to Consider Before Buying an Air Conditioner

Not only can the Australian heat be downright uncomfortable, but it can also impair your ability to focus and be productive, so it’s necessary to maintain an environment conducive to work. For many people, installing an air conditioning unit is the best way to solve their problems.

Before rushing out and installing an AC, do you know which one would best suit your needs? We would encourage you to think about a few key factors first. Here's what you must consider to ensure you make the right purchase. 

The type of AC unit

There are different types of air conditioners, and to be the most effective, the one you choose should be based on your specific needs. There are several types of ACs to choose from, which include: 

Split system air conditioners

These consist of two units (the source of cooling or heat and the outdoor unit) which are connected by pipes. This type of AC is suitable for homes and buildings where you would only need air conditioning in certain areas.

Multi-head air conditioners 

Similar to the split system air conditioners, it features one outdoor unit that connects to multiple indoor units. This makes this particular AC great for large homes or small businesses that require multiple rooms with air conditioning. 

Ducted system air conditioners

The ducted system air conditioners were designed to be used in large buildings where the entire building requires air conditioning. It, too, consists of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. However, the indoor unit is in the form of ducts hidden above a false ceiling. The ducted air conditioner will be fixed, so you need to think carefully about placement before installing it. 

Window wall air conditioners

The window wall air conditioner is a much simpler HVAC system as it only requires a single piece of equipment that integrates both the indoor and outdoor unit. The window wall AC will be installed in a hole in the window or wall. This is generally best used in smaller homes where you only want to use the AC in one room. 

Portable air conditioners 

Looking for an AC that you can take virtually anywhere? The portable air conditioner system works in a similar way to the fixed HVAC systems and features an integrated compression system, but it does not need to be installed. Therefore, you can just buy one and use it in whichever room you need, but it is better suited to smaller rooms. 

The AC size

As you consider the type of AC you need, you will also need to factor in size. Now, when we are talking about size, we aren’t referring to its physical dimensions (which do need to be factored in) but rather the cooling capacity of the AC in kW (kilowatts). A few factors influence the size of the AC you need to purchase. For example, the size of the room, where the AC will sit, whether the room is insulated or not, and whether or not windows will be open. 

When it comes to choosing an AC size, we usually recommend that people get professional help. Choosing an AC that’s too small could result in it not working at an optimum level when cooling the room. Rather, purchase a stronger AC to ensure it can adequately cool or warm the room it’s in. 

Energy usage

In addition to size, you may also want to consider how much electricity it uses. Larger ACs will usually use more power, leading to higher electrical bills if you’re going to use it for long periods of time. Thankfully, many new generators have inverter technology and more energy-efficient power components that ensure that they are more economical and cost less to run. 

The most suitable place for an AC

To help you decide which type of HVAC system would be best for you, consider where the best placement would be for it to maximise its efficiency. This would also depend on the type of AC you’re installing. A split AC system would usually sit on a wall near the ceiling. Ideally, you would want to put it in an area where it can circulate the air the best. For ducted AC systems, you must factor in where vents/ducts can run and where the AC unit would sit in the ceiling. However, the goal is always to place an AC in a more impactful and convenient place.

Want to install the right air conditioner? 

If you're ready to upgrade your home now by adding an AC but need more guidance on what to buy, contact Sun City Air. As professionals in the industry, they’ll be able to help you with installing an air conditioner that is perfect for your needs. Get in touch with Sun City Air and start the process of installing an AC in your house!

Final thoughts

Aircons have several benefits. For one, they make your home more comfortable, managing the temperature to ensure that it suits your preferences. Furthermore, it also keeps your air cleaner and free of allergens or pollutants. Whether you experience cold winters or blistering hot summers, an AC can make your home comfortable to live in through it all. 

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