Air conditioners are an essential part of keeping a comfortable home, especially during the hot summer months. Â With so many different types of air conditioners available today, it can be difficult to know what to look for when shopping for one.
One of the main considerations when buying an air conditioner is whether you are looking for a single unit, or if you want something with potential for more than one area to be cooled. Split systems or multi-split air conditioning systems can cool multiple rooms at once, while ducted air conditioning can keep your entire home cool no matter how large it is.
The latest advances in technology have also led to the development of highly energy efficient units that can both save you money on energy bills and help protect the environment. Inverter air conditioners offer cost effective temperature control and adjustable fan speeds which not only save money but also provide a quieter operation compared to other traditional models.
Additionally, there are a range of features to consider such as digital controls, adjustable louvers which direct airflow in all directions, and settings for different temperatures throughout the day. With all these features to consider it’s important to take your time when selecting the right air conditioner for your home or business.
In this article we’ll explore some common mistakes you should avoid when looking to purchase an air conditioner. We’ll also provide recommends on how to make the best air conditioning choices. This will
ensuring that the air conditioner you buy is best suited to your space, budget, and needs.
1.     Not considering air conditioning.
If you are shopping for an air conditioner, don’t make the common mistake of not considering the many health, lifestyle, and economic benefits beyond the basic financial sense. If you are looking to install air conditioning for the first time, you may be surprise as to the many benefits of air conditioning.
If looking to change over an existing air conditioner, replacing your AC system may seem expensive at first. However, it could be the most financially viable option as repairs become more frequent and costly over time.  Also, at some point parts will no longer be available for your AC model. You may not want to wait until it fails completely, only to have to wait weeks without air conditioning until a new system can be installed.
New air conditioning systems are also built to be more energy efficient compared to older models, which will help keep your power bills low in the long run. Â If your home air conditioner is over 10-12 years old and requires frequent repairs, or is using too much energy, it may be worth investing in a new air conditioning system.
2.     Choosing the wrong air conditioner type.
Choosing the wrong air conditioner type for your home or business is a common mistake. The right AC unit is essential for a comfortable and cost-effective heating and cooling solution. When selecting the best type of air conditioning, it’s important to consider both current and future needs.
If you are looking to cool a single room, installing a wall split system or ceiling cassette system may suffice. However, if more rooms need to be cooled in the future, this can quickly become very expensive as each unit must be installed separately. It may then be more cost-effective to invest in a ducted system from the get-go. This will reduce installation costs and save money in the long run.
Renovations may also alter your individual AC units’ performance, making them unsuitable for their new areas to be served. Before investing in any aircon, think of all potential scenarios now and into the future so you don’t have to spend extra on fixing any issues later down the line.
3.     Automatically replacing with like-for-like AC.
Replacing an existing air conditioning system might seem like an easy option, but it is important to consider other options. Replacing the existing unit with a like-for-like version without review is a common mistake.
Too many people fail to take the time to speak with a reputable AC installer who can offer insight on like-for-like or other options that may be appropriate for your property.  For example, a wall mounted split system may be more suitable than a floor mounted split or wall/window box unit.
When replacing an existing system, it is also important to ask 3 key questions:
- Did my original system adequately heat or cool the room?
- Has the function of the room changed since installation?
- Will the function of the room change in the future?
Answering these questions will help you determine if you need a different air conditioner type or different capacity (kW rating) when selecting a new system.
4.     Installing the wrong size air conditioner (kW).
Selecting the incorrect sized air conditioner a common mistake to be avoided. This can lead to serious implications and significantly reduce the lifespan of your AC unit. If your current unit appears undersized, it will continually run without rest and fail to bring indoor temperature up or down to desired levels. On the flip side, an oversized air conditioner will cycle on and off constantly, resulting in premature damage and inconsistent air flow.
Before selecting aircon for a room or building, it’s important to remember the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Too small, too large – you need to get one that is just right!
Still in doubt? Look up and consult a local HVAC contractor (e.g. searching air conditioning Brisbane), who can factor in multiple variables such as room size, ceiling height, building orientation, insulation, and window size/number to determine what kW rating you need. A local installer will also have the insight into the best options for your city and climate.
5.     Selecting the wrong AC brand.
Selecting an air conditioner can be tricky, as there is no one AC brand that fits all. Each brand has their own merits and drawbacks, and it’s important not to make the mistake of selecting just any brand without a second thought.
Rather than selecting an AC brand based on popularity or price alone, it’s important to consider all factors when deciding which air conditioner to buy. Going for the cheapest option may cost you more in the long run if parts are expensive or unavailable. Furthermore, some popular home air conditioners may have frequent issues such as long delays in spare parts or lack of parts before the system even reaches its reasonable lifespan.
The best thing to do is talk to a reputable air conditioning company about what brands they recommend and why. Alternatively, you can research online for balanced and unbiased sources that can help inform your decision.
6.     Not considering type of aircon refrigerant.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking refrigerant type doesn’t matter.  Choosing the right gas in a new air conditioner is essential for several reasons. First, certain refrigerants can be poisonous and cause long or even short-term exposure like R410A. Second, the government is phasing out and heavily taxing certain refrigerants such as R22.
It is also important to make sure only the correct type of refrigerant is used in a new air conditioning system. The wrong refrigerant can cause premature failure of internal components, resulting in costly repairs or even complete system failure.
Most importantly, incorrect refrigerant can reduce power efficiency. Non-condensables can form in the pipework and build up inside the condensing coil. This causes the AC to run at higher pressures, ramp up compressor electrical draw, and decrease heat transfer. Ultimately, this leads to reduced efficiency or premature system failure. This is why it’s important to consider refrigerant type at all stages.
7.     Not considering room design and AC style.
Many air conditioner selections occur without consideration for the style of the unit and how it will look in a room. Air conditioners have become more attractive in recent years, making them better suited to modern and landscape designs.
AC units come in a variety of colours and finishes, including black, blue, red, metallic, and wood. In some homes and businesses, bulkhead units are installed flush into the ceiling with only suction and discharge grilles visible indoors. This helps reduce noise levels and preserves the aesthetics of a room design.
When comparing different air conditioning units, it’s worthwhile taking some time to compare AC models online and inspect them visually. This will ensure you are not only happy with the function, but also the form that the AC unit will take in your home or workplace.
8.     Failing to review air conditioner models.
Another common mistake to avoid when in the market for air conditioning is selecting a new air conditioner based on price or presentation only. It’s important to take the time to analyse different AC models available before committing to a purchase.
While it may be tempting to go with whatever model is on sale or readily available, it’s worth considering all relevant models including options from the same manufacturer. This will allow you to determine which one is most suitable for you and your specific needs.
As a prime example, those looking for a Daikin air conditioner should thoroughly assess the differences between Daikin’s best wall split systems.  Doing so will ensure that you make the best decision based on price, needs, and budget. This leads to the best value for money air conditioning system being selected.
9.     Buying air conditioning from the wrong supplier.
When it comes to purchasing an air conditioner, you want to be sure that you are getting the best possible deal and not going to the wrong source. A good place to start is through an air conditioning company, as they usually offer package deals which can be cheaper than buying directly from a general retailer or even wholesaler.
The reason for this is because AC companies often buy their units in bulk and have trade accounts with wholesalers, allowing them access to greater discounts on air conditioners. This should then be passed onto customers, helping them save money in the process.
If you do find a better price elsewhere, the cost of installation may not be included. In this scenario, the cost of installation often ends up being significantly more expensive to offset the cheaper cost of the aircon. This means that you may end up paying more overall when sourcing the new air conditioner separately from the installation portion.
10. Not considering how the AC unit will be installed.
It’s important not to forget the bigger picture when buying a new air conditioner. Many people make the mistake of not considering post-purchase factors: transporting, carrying, storing, protecting, and eventually installing the AC units. Not to mention all the materials and qualified labour that will also be required for the aircon installation.
All the steps that follow buying air conditioning units involve time, energy, planning, etc. If purchasing AC units through a dedicated air conditioning company, much of this is eliminated for you.
It’s also worth remembering that you get what you pay for when it comes to air conditioning installation. Choosing a cheaper installer can result in greater expense, frustration, and pain in the long run. Professional installers use the correct materials and take the time to make sure it’s done right the first time.
If you look at things from an overall perspective, investing with a quality air conditioner installer may help you save instead. A decent supply and install package can save you precious time, help prevent costly mistakes, and provide greater peace of mind knowing that your new air conditioning system is in safe hands from start to finish.
In summary, there are many factors to consider when finding the best new air conditioner for you or your business. We have touched on the top ten things to look out for when buying air conditioning. However, please be aware that there are dozens of other common air conditioning mistakes that can be made.
A true HVAC professional can help you avoid many, if not all the common pitfalls when it comes to air conditioning. For assistance in finding a suitable air conditioning system, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
