Brisbane is a beautiful capital city located in the south-eastern corner of Queensland, Australia.  It enjoys a subtropical climate, with warm humid summers and dry winters. The average temperature ranges between 18-31°C (64-88°F) in the summer months, and 8-23°C (46-73°F) in the winter months.
Rainfall is light throughout the year, but can be heavy in the summer months due to thunderstorms. It has the Brisbane River running through the city centre and out to Moreton Bay. It is the longest river in South-East QLD.
Queensland is often referred to as The Sunshine State, and it continues to deliver all year round. Brisbane is known for its warm and temperate climate, which makes it the ideal destination for all kinds of outdoor activities. However, this same warm climate can make life inside your home or office unbearably hot. That’s why air conditioning in Brisbane is an absolute must.
From wall-split aircon to ducted air conditioning systems, from box RAC units to ceiling cassettes, there are multiple cooling solutions available to keep you comfortable, no matter the temperature outside. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which AC system is best for your needs. Before making an aircon purchase, there are many factors you should consider.
To find the best air conditioning in Brisbane , it’s important to consult a local HVAC contractor to guide you through the array of options. They will be able to advise on the pros and cons of different aircon types and help find the most suitable unit for your specific home or business.  Professional advice can help ensure that you get the most out of your air conditioning system while helping you save money in the long run.
Don’t let the heat keep you from enjoying Brisbane. Continue reading, reach out, and be confident to install and maintain an air conditioning system today.
What to consider when choosing an air conditioning unit in Brisbane
During the hot Brisbane summer, air conditioning is essential for ensuring comfort and productivity. It would rarely be considered a luxury in QLD; nowadays it’s a necessity in most buildings.
With so many types of cooling available, it can be difficult to choose the right air conditioner for your home or commercial property. Here are some points to consider:
Size Required
First, consider the size of your space and how it will be used.  Size required depends not only on area of the room/s, but also heat load. Area and heat load are 2 of the most important factors that will determine the best fit for your Brisbane business or residential property.
Air conditioners come in different capacities and sizes. If you buy an AC unit that is too large or too small, it could result in sub-optimal performance, reduced efficiency, and energy wasted. Like Goldilocks, you want to find the one that is just right. In air conditioning, this refers to a kilowatt (KW) capacity.
Capacity Comparison
When review KW rating, it’s important to look at the cooling capacity. Air conditioners have a heating KW rating also, but AC units in Brisbane should only be compared on their cooling rating.
Some units can ramp up above their stated KW rating, but usually only for a short period of time (e.g. 30 minutes). It’s not recommended to strain an air conditioner by continually demanding it work over its rated capacity. Like anything pushed to its max, it will wear out faster and shorten expected lifespan, costing you more money in the long term. This is especially true in the harsh Brisbane climate.
Climate Control
Smaller homes or offices may benefit from wall-mounted split-system air conditioners as they can provide direct cooling to specific areas. They also provide area-specific climate control.
For example, an office server room might require 24/7 cool conditions to keep critical electronic equipment cool. Meanwhile, a paper file storage room may require relatively mild conditions to accommodate the occasional visitor.
Larger spaces require larger solutions, such as ducted air conditioning. Ducted air con works by circulating cool air throughout the entire property.  These are suitable for homes or workplaces where the indoor climate requirements are fairly similar throughout the area to be served by the ducted system.
Zoning
The addition of ducted AC zoning should also be considered. Zoning allows certain rooms or areas to be closed off, air flow to be adjusted, and/or temperature to be adjusted. The level of control depends on the type of ducted zoning installed.
Brisbane air conditioning installers are everywhere, and residents are spoilt for choice when it comes zoning additions. There are many finer details to consider when assessing zoning, such as standard constant zone vs bypass electronic constant zone. It’s recommended to consult a ducted zoning expert for more advice on the differences.
Frequency
You should also consider how often you will use the air conditioning. If it’s only needed occasionally in one area, then a stand-alone budget wall split air conditioner may be suitable.
On the other hand, if you require constant cooling or use aircon majority of the time, then investing in a higher quality air conditioning system is worth it. When reviewing higher quality brands, the decision often comes down to Mitsubishi Electric or Daikin in Brisbane.
Timing
As you can imagine, air conditioning in Brisbane is in peak demand in the warmer, summer months. As a result, demand for new air conditioning goes up as the temperature heats up. The lead up to Christmas sees demand reach an all-time high as everyone wants to be cool and comfortable for the holiday period.
Lead times for install become longer in response to demand. Air conditioning suppliers also start to run short on certain sizes and/or models. Stock shortages have been worse in recent years following COVID lock-downs, shipping containers delayed, and global economic factors forcing AC manufacturers to reassess how much stock they carry.
The cooler months are recommended when considering a Brisbane air conditioner. This will give you a greater selection of AC units, shorter lead times, and better deals. The temperature will also be milder, taking the pressure and urgency off the whole process.
When it comes to air conditioning in Brisbane, there are many options available to you. It’s important that you consult with a professional to ensure you get the most out of your system and don’t end up wasting money in the short or long run. Don’t let the heat or humidity hold you back from enjoying all that Brisbane has to offer.
Types of air conditioning units to install in Brisbane
Installing air conditioning into Brisbane property is an important decision that can have a big impact on comfort and quality of life. For residents looking to stay cool throughout the hot summer months, it is important to understand the various types of air conditioning systems available.
From wall splits to ducted splits, package units to evaporative cooling units, it’s important to know what works and what doesn’t work. Here is a brief overview of the most popular Brisbane air conditioning units that customers ask about:
Split Air Conditioners
Split air conditioners are a great option for smaller spaces requiring specific climate conditions. These systems can be mounted on the wall, hung under ceiling, or stood on the floor.
Split systems usually consist of an indoor unit that absorbs heat from the warm air and transfers it to an outdoor unit via refrigerant gas. An indoor fan blows the resulting air out into the room, providing cooling.
With a standard split aircon, the outdoor condenser unit rejects heat into the atmosphere and condenses the refrigerant gas into a liquid. It then pumps the liquid refrigerant back to the indoor evaporator unit to absorb more heat. This process forms a loop, known as the refrigeration cycle.
Ducted Air Conditioning
Ducted aircon systems work by supplying cool air throughout an entire property, rather than just in one room or location. This makes them ideal for larger Brisbane commercial offices, warehouses, schools and such facilities. The upfront cost of ducted air conditioning plus cost of ongoing maintenance should be weighed up against other options available.
Ducted systems are typically installed with the indoor concealed in the ceiling and the outdoor on the ground, wall bracket, or roof. They utilise a series of ducts in the ceiling space to distribute cooled air throughout the building. These days, the indoor components are sometimes left unconcealed to create an industrial look.
Brisbane ducted systems are popular because of the larger houses, in comparison with Melbourne and Sydney.  Population density is lower, so houses can be larger and there are more options available in terms of outdoor unit location. Furthermore, because the houses are not as close together as many other major cities, standard noise from a ducted condenser is less of a concern.
Package Units
Package units are another popular option in Brisbane, as they also utilise ductwork. These units consist of 1 large unit, rather than 2 in the case of the ducted system.
A package unit is 1 complete unit that contains both the evaporator and condenser coils. The unit typically sits up on the roof (i.e. rooftop package unit), in a plant room, or down on the ground.
If a Brisbane HVAC technician could choose any air conditioner to work on, a Package Unit would often be their number 1 choice. Why? Well, just think about the other popular option; ducted. Ducted indoor units are in the ceiling, and ceiling spaces get VERY hot, very quickly under the Brisbane sun. Throw in tight spaces and humidity… Not where you’d want to be for an air conditioner service, let alone repair or install.
In comparison to ducted AC, package units are usually out in the open or in a nice airy plant room. All components are easily accessible. No wonder package units are gold to commercial HVAC tech’s!
Evaporative Coolers
Evaporative coolers are an efficient and cost-effective way to provide air conditioning in dry climates. However, they don’t work well in humid climates such as Brisbane!
The reason for this is simple: evaporative cooling relies on the evaporation of water to create a cooling effect. If the air is already saturated with moisture and no water can evaporate, no cooling will take place.
This means that in a humid climates like Brisbane, evaporative coolers will not be able to perform efficiently. Additionally, too much humidity can lead to mould growth inside the unit. This can lead to a whole range of health problems.
For these reasons, evaporative coolers are not suitable for Brisbane. They should be avoided in favour of other types of air conditioners that do not rely on evaporative cooling.
When it comes to Brisbane air conditioning, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to consult with a professional who can assess your needs and recommend the best system for your home or business.
Maintenance of air conditioning units in Brisbane
Maintaining air conditioning units in Brisbane is essential for ensuring optimal performance and comfort. Â Air conditioner servicing is just as important, if not more so, than the initial installation.
While there are many types of aircon available, the general principles are the same to ensure they keep running efficiently all year round. Here is a summary guide to Brisbane air conditioning maintenance:
Filters
While Brisbane air quality is better than many other capital cities, air conditioning filters are still essential for keeping your indoor air clean and healthy. Not only do they trap dust, pet dander, and other allergens in the air, but they also help reduce odours and keep your AC system running at peak efficiency.
When a filter gets clogged with dirt and debris, it can restrict air flow to the air conditioner and cause it to work harder than necessary. This can result in poor performance, higher energy bills, and even permanent damage to the system.  To keep your air conditioning system running smoothly, make sure that you pay attention to filter maintenance at a minimum.
It is recommended to check the filter/s every month or two at least. If it is visibly dirty, remove, clean, dry, and reinstall.  If the filter is clean, it does not need cleaning. Excessive washing of an air conditioner filter when not required will wear the filter media out quicker, shortening the lifespan of your filters.
If the filter is becoming see-through when you hold it up to the light, or damaged in any way, it is time to replace. For wall split systems, these can be ordered from the manufacturer or via a Brisbane air conditioning company.
For ducted air conditioning filters, filters are usually made to measure due to the wide range of sizes used in Brisbane. Even if they look similar, filters just 5-10mm out may either not fit in the return air grille at all or not fit as designed.
If AC filters are not cleaned frequently enough, are worn, or are too small, the air conditioning system cannot work properly. Matter may bypass the filter and enter the indoor unit. On the evaporator coil, bacteria, mould, and other such matter thrives in the moist conditions. This can spread throughout the air conditioning system and indoor air. This is certainly not healthy for the aircon or your health.
Other AC Components
Aside from the filter/s, inspecting an air conditioner on a regular basis for any visible signs of damage or wear and tear is essential. Brisbane weather conditions can be relentless in Summer, and this puts a strain all AC components.
A quick inspection can start the process, using ears and eyes only, to check all components. This hands-OFF check helps assess if there are any major issues with fans, blades, compressors, condenser coils, insulation, pipework, isolator, etc.
While there are some other easy air conditioner maintenance checks you can do yourself, it’s important to stay safe and know your technical limits. If you notice any problems, it is best to contact a Brisbane HVAC contractor for further servicing or repairs.
Area around the AC Unit
If accessible, it is important to keep the area around each aircon unit clean and airy. This involves keeping it clear from storage items, obstructions, debris, vegetation, and animal habitat.
Anything that obstructs AC unit airflow can decreased performance and efficiency. This it can cause components to overheat and/or burn out. Worst-case result is complete system failure.
With vegetation and habitat, it can provide a home to all sorts of animals. In Brisbane, geckos are of particular concern. Sneaky geckos frequently find their way onto printed circuit (PC) boards, causing death to the board and gecko. Due to the electrical nature of modern day air conditioners, this often has a flow on effect and can take out multiple PC boards, sensors, fan motors, and capacitors.
You can invest in gecko deterrents and treatments offered by Brisbane air conditioning repairers. However, there is no guaranteed way to prevent geckos from damaging your PC boards.  The applications also wear down overtime, particularly in response to gecko urine.
By following these simple steps, you can help to ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently and effectively all year round. Â With the right care and maintenance, you can enjoy a comfortable home or office in Brisbane without having to worry about the heat.
How to save money on your energy bills with an air conditioner in Brisbane
When it comes to keeping your commercial building or domestic property cool in the Brisbane heat, air conditioning is essential. Â However, running an air conditioner can be expensive and take a toll on your already rising energy bills.
Fortunately, there are several ways to help you save money on your energy costs while still enjoying comfortable temperatures inside. Here are just some of the ways to save money when running your Brisbane air conditioner:
Energy Efficient Air Conditioner
The first step in reducing air conditioning running costs is to be sure to choose an energy-efficient air conditioner to begin with. Look for a suitably sized system with a high energy star rating and/or EER rating. This AC equipment will use less power and can help reduce your electricity bills.
It’s important to remember to install the correctly-size air conditioner upfront. While a 2.5KW air conditioner will have a higher star rating than a 5.0KW, it’s going to draw excessive energy by never cycling off if installed in a room requiring a 5.0W. Furthermore, it will wear out faster and cost more overall. So, while saving on energy bills is important, we must be careful not to cause greater expense in other areas.
Temperature Settings
Making adjustment to the temperature settings on your air conditioner controller can help you save energy and reduce your power bills.  Even small adjustments can make a big difference. For example, 1 degree can make a 5-10% difference to your energy usage.
In Brisbane during the summer months, it is best to set your thermostat between 24-26°C.  During the colder winter months, it’s recommended to be set between 18-20°C.
Keeping your home at these temperatures will provide comfortable temperatures inside while still keeping costs down. Â Additionally, using fans or ceiling fans can help circulate cool air throughout the space and make it feel even cooler without having to lower the actual air conditioning temperature.
Routine Maintenance
Once an air conditioner is installed, maintenance become critical to keep it working as designed.  Scheduling regular maintenance services for your AC system can take the hassle out of remembering to book. This can also help avoid the air conditioner becoming neglected until it’s too late.
Routine maintenance helps to ensure optimal operating conditions and improves energy efficiency. This allows an aircon to use the least amount of power to generate the maximum cooling effect.
Given that more than 50% of running costs for Brisbane commercial buildings is attributed to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, a small improvement in efficiency can result in a huge money saving. Â Preventative maintenance is a cost-effective option for Brisbane air conditioning systems.
Scheduled HVAC maintenance can catch minor issues before they become major. This can save you significant time, money, and energy. Maintenance also helps prevent downtime and lift the morale of your family (home or work). This can contribute to financial savings all around.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your Brisbane air conditioning requirements under control all year round.  Most importantly, you can stay cool during the scorching summer months while still saving money on energy bills.
Investing in an efficient air conditioning system and taking proper care of it can go a long way to helping you to stay comfortable and save money in so many ways. For any assistance finding the best air conditioner for your needs in Brisbane, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
