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Air conditioner

When is the best time to install an air conditioner?

By | Air Conditioning

Choosing the right time to buy an air conditioner can be very tricky, but if you time it right, it will end up saving you both time and money. Different people have different needs – maybe your old unit just broke down in spring, or perhaps you’re doing a renovation over the summer holidays?

There are a few factors to consider to make sure your air conditioning installation is the most seamless experience possible.

Air conditionerRenovations and major works are always a bit of a pain, but if you do your research and plan for the best time to complete your air conditioning installation, you’ll be laughing when the summer heat rolls around.

Installing An Air Conditioner Before a Home is Built

This won’t work for everyone, but the best time to install an air conditioner is before the house is constructed. Many high-set or two-story homes don’t have the space to install fully ducted air after building. Even if they have space, reaching up into the ceiling and down into the floors can be very difficult and costly.

Implementing an air conditioner earlier will mean less plaster has to be cut later down the track. A good air conditioning installer or HVAC professional should also advise you on the best location for the unit so that you can maximise cooling in summer and heating in winter. If the unit is built into your house’s design, you will save money in the long term. Unfortunately, you may not be able to install air conditioning when you are building or renovating, so picking the best time will be a matter of choosing the right time of year.

Installing An Air Conditioner In Summer

If you’ve left buying your air conditioner until summer, you’ve probably left it until the last minute. Choosing summer for your air conditioner installation is usually not ideal. It’s the busiest time for installations, so it will likely be more difficult to book an HVAC professional to come to your home. Meanwhile, you’ll be waiting in the sweltering heat with no cooling options.

Rushing into a purchase in summer also means you may not have had time to research to find the best unit for your home. It’s important to get a system that suits the size and shape of your house, so any rushed appointments may mean you’re left disappointed with the outcome.

air conditioner

Installing In Spring or Winter

Picking a month in the off-season is a much better time to install an air conditioning unit, but be sure to choose the right time.

• Although spring may seem like a good time to install a system, it is actually a very busy time for air-con installers, with many people thinking they are getting ahead for the summer season.

• Winter is a common option that many choose, but, despite some people owning fireplaces, many people still use their air conditioning unit in the colder months, so new installations or replacements may still be crowding the market.

Installing In Autumn

The best time to install an air conditioning unit is autumn, as the demand is at its lowest. After the summer, retailers often are overstocked with units, so it’s a good time to look for sales and discounts. You might grab a bargain picking up last year’s model.

• Fewer buyers mean that it will be easier to book an installer or HVAC professional. Less demand might also mean that you can secure a lower price.

• Thinking about your purchase in the off-season also means that you have more time to research exactly what kind of system will work for your property. It can even be a good idea to get multiple evaluations and quotes for your house so you can shop around and get the best deal possible.

• By having your air conditioner unit set up in autumn, you have adequate time to prepare and maintain the unit before the weather starts getting warm again.

Choosing the right time to buy an air conditioner unit will save you time and money and make the process less of a rush to make the best decisions for your home.

About Us

We are based in Sydney’s Inner West. However, our operations span the greater metro area, including the Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore and South West. We always respond quickly and always aim to be on-site as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about your AC system or would like to know more about installation, maintenance, or replacing filters, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing aircon services of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today.

Learn some more about the world of air-con below:

The Hot and Cold History of Air Con – Told In 6 Steps

Reduce Your Emissions At Home With These 11 Steps

How To Optimize Your New Air Conditioner

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The Hot and Cold History Of Air Con – Told In 6 Steps

By | Air Conditioning

Aircon keeps us cool in the summer and warm in winter, but we didn’t always have such a handy bit of technology. Air conditioning in the past was expensive and cumbersome, and before that, people just made do!

To celebrate the incredible transition from handheld fans to air-con, these are 6 cool facts about the inventions’ history.

Image: United Technologies/Carrier

From the humble inventor to the first fitted out car, here are 6 cool facts about air conditioning history.

Cool Paper

Willis Carrier is credited with designing the first air conditioner; however, not for the reason, you may expect. The pioneering engineer came up with the idea to control the humidity in a New York publishing house.

The company had issues with their paper soaking up excess moisture, and as a result, it would expand and contract, leading to ink that would dry unevenly and sometimes smudge. Thanks to Carrier’s invention, the company’s paper could dry uniformly, resulting in an even print.

Costly Cooling

Early air conditioning units were big and expensive, so as you would expect, only those with large homes and lots of money could afford them. How much money? The first air conditioning units cost between $10,000 and $50,000 – and that was in the early 1900s. These days that roughly translates to $120,000 to $600,000!

6 Cool Facts You Might Not Know About the History of Air Conditioning

Summer Blockbuster

‘Summer blockbuster’ wasn’t always a term people thought of in the warmer months. In fact, films were released at other times of the year, because before air-con, no one wanted to spend time in a hot, crowded cinema during summer. But this all changed in the 1930s.

Cinemas were one of the first businesses to begin fitting their venues with air conditioning. It was also a big financial risk as the technology wasn’t cheap, and it was during the great depression, after all. But it sure paid off. Soon summer movie sessions became very popular. The combination of fresh cool air and entertainment was all too enticing, and ticket sales went through the roof. Film studios caught onto the trend and began timing their releases for the summertime and before long, the biggest releases of the year became known as the ‘Summer blockbuster.’

Dr Air Con

Air conditioning isn’t just great because it keeps the sweat off your back. It’s also good for your health! As it results in steady, controlled temperature environments, air conditioning has allowed medical scientists to perform new procedures and experiments that have led to many innovations in the field. Many medications also need to be held at a certain temperature to keep, and in fact, the average life expectancy has increased as a result!

American researchers have also found that air conditioning has decreased the chance of the sick and elderly dying on hot days, a statistic that has fallen more than 80 per cent in the last 50 years.

First Air Con in a Car

The Packard Super Eight, released in 1939, was the first car fitted with air conditioning. Honestly, it wasn’t exactly a hit: the car was costly, and the whole system took up half of the cars boot space. There was also no built-in thermostat, so the only option to regulate temperature was to shut down the blower unit. The technology eventually became more practical and commonplace in the post-war period.

Before Air Con

We might take it for granted now, but people had to get pretty creative to keep cool in the warmer months before air conditioning.

• In ancient times, people would live in underground houses or even caves to cool off in the summer months.

• In more recent times, buildings were constructed with higher ceilings, breezeways and shady eves to create a cooling effect. Architects no longer worry about such features since the advent of air conditioning.

• Stone was also a much more common building material before air conditioning. Although heavy and costly, it provided great insulation.

• It was a common practice to store ice blocks in a cool dark place during the winter. When the warmer months arrived, the ice blocks would be used in homes for cooling and refrigeration. In fact, when air conditioning was first introduced, cooling power was measured as ‘ice power’, or the number of ice blocks needed to perform the same cooling.

• Before air conditioning, some workplaces such as warehouses, elevated offices and industrial manufacturing facilities were simply unbearable during summer, so many industries had months of holidays at a time. So, many people have air conditioning to thank for the lack of holidays!

About Us

We are based in Sydney’s Inner West. However, our operations span the greater metro area, including the Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore and South West. We always respond quickly and always aim to be on-site as soon as possible.

With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing fast and efficient electrical and air conditioning services of the highest quality. If you’re looking for an aircon installation quote or electrical advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

Learn some more about the world of air-con below:

Reduce Your Emissions At Home With These 11 Steps

How To Optimize Your New Air Conditioner

Ideal Indoor Temperature – What it is and how to get it

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Emissions

Reduce Your Emissions At Home With These 11 Steps

By | Air Conditioning, Electrical

It is vital that, as a global community, we all take steps to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. There are several ways you can do this in your everyday life. Many are to do with lifestyle choices that we won’t look at here.

Instead, we want to bring to light what you can do in your home to reduce emissions. Most of these tricks are very easy and can make a huge difference in the long run. Let’s take a look.

EmissionsYou can do many things to reduce your emissions at home to do your part for the environment. Most are very easy.

Check Your Insulation to Reduce Emissions

Poorly insulated homes will require far more energy to heat. If you live in an older home, it’s a good idea to check what kind of insulation you have and consider how this can be updated if necessary. This doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg – there are DIY insulation options that are very effective and affordable. For example, if you can access underneath your floors, you may pack insulation (such as foam) between the joists.

Change Your Lightbulbs

Energy-efficient light bulbs are a slightly larger investment when you buy them, but they use far less energy in the long run. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and LEDs are better options than incandescent bulbs. And if everyone makes the switch, it can eliminate a huge amount of greenhouse gas.

Upgrade Your Water Heating

Older gas and oil boilers are extremely inefficient and can be hugely wasteful when it comes to energy consumption. Consider upgrading your boiler – this will require an upfront investment, but you will save money in the long run and significantly reduce your emissions.

Buy Energy Efficient Appliances To Reduce Emmisions

Those star ratings on your appliances aren’t just a marketing tool – they actually mean something. While all modern appliances need to meet a certain standard to make their way into the market, the more stars, the more energy-efficient your appliance will be. Although those with more stars are more expensive, they will save you money in the long run and are much more environmentally friendly.

Consider Ways You Can Use You Appliances Less

Sure, we buy appliances because they make life more convenient. But do you sometimes use yours unnecessarily? Do you use your dryer when you could just as easily sundry? Do you put a load of dishes on when the dishwasher is basically empty, or when you could have washed them by hand? Do you use your heater or fan when the temperature is actually quite nice? Think about all the ways you can use your appliances less and get into better habits. You’ll be surprised at how much of an impact this can make.

emissionsLights off = less emissions

If you’re in the habit of leaving lights on unnecessarily, make a conscious effort to switch them off when they aren’t being used. The same goes for electronics like computers, TVs and stereos – switch them off when not in use. Even when on standby, these things consume quite a lot of energy.

Seal Your Doors and Windows

Seal your windows – a lot of heat is lost through windows, often through small cracks and gaps. Sealing these is a cheap and effective way to save energy. The same goes for doors. Snakes are cheap and a really great way to stop air from passing between rooms and indoors/outside. Grab yourself a few and use them where possible.

Consider Investing In Renewable Energy

If it’s within your means, consider investing in renewable sources of energy like solar power. Solar panels can be expensive, but they are extremely sustainable.

Take Short Showers, Not Baths To Reduce Emissions

A large portion of the energy used by households is for heating water used for bathing and showering. Showering uses significantly less water than bathing and is a far more energy-efficient option. When you do take a shower, keep it short. On a similar note, try and limit all running hot water, such as brushing your teeth, cleaning your face or wet shaving.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Get into good habits by recycling everything you can and reducing your overall waste. Buy products with minimal packaging to reduce waste. Compost what you can. Recycle your clothes. Think sustainably!

Keep Your Air Conditioning Unit In Top Condition 

Regularly cleaning and maintaining your AC system will help ensure it runs at maximum efficiency and doesn’t waste any energy unnecessarily.

About Us

We are based in Sydney’s Inner West. However, our operations span the greater metro area, including the Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore and South West. We always respond quickly and always aim to be on-site as soon as possible.

With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing fast and efficient electrical and air conditioning services of the highest quality. If you’re looking for an aircon installation quote or electrical advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

While you’re here, check out these other handy tricks:

Choosing The Best Commercial Air Conditioning Service

Ideal Indoor Temperature: What it is and how to get it

How To Optimize Your Air Conditioner

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New Air Conditioner

How To Optimize Your New Air Conditioner

By | Air Conditioning

Whether you’re approaching summer or creeping into the depths of winter, making the decision to install a new air conditioner in your home can be very exciting.

Once installed, though, what can you do next to ensure you’re getting the most out of your unit? There are a few things to do to ensure your AC is kept running efficiently and effectively. Let’s take a look.

New Air ConditionerGetting a new air conditioner is an exciting process, but how do you make sure you’re getting the most of it once it has been installed? Let’s take a look.

Talk To Your New Air Conditioner Installer About Implementing a Preventative Maintenance Plan

One of the best ways to ensure your AC system is kept in tip-top shape (and do not have to worry about it yourself!) is to talk to your installer or technician about implementing a preventative maintenance plan with routine checkups. Regular maintenance will ensure that your unit is kept in optimal condition all year round, ultimately leading to a reduction in repair costs, lower electricity bills, and an increase in the life expectancy of your system.

Cleaning and Changing Your Filters

Even with little use, your new air conditioner will collect dust, pollen, and fur. Cleaning and replacing your air filters is an important part of the general maintenance process to remove this debris. Filters are an important component of your AC system. They are usually made of fine material like pleated paper or cloth stretched across a sturdy frame.

Clogged filters are one of the common causes of major malfunctions in air-con systems. A dirty filter will also allow less air to pass through, causing fans to work harder, increasing energy consumption and slowly damaging your system. Clogged filters can also lead to a buildup of contaminants in your ducts.

It would be best if you inspected your filters every other month. If they are dirty, clean them gently outside. If they are damaged somehow, they may need replacing (read more about this here).

Cleaning The Condenser

Although they are sturdier than the indoor unit, outdoors units need attention too. This involves inspecting the condenser to check for any dirt, leaves, twigs or other debris. After that, give the unit a good gentle hose down.

Keep The New Air Conditioner Running

Although it may seem counterintuitive, keeping the unit running will boost its efficiency and help save money in the long run. Constantly turning your unit off and on will mean your unit has to work harder to get up to speed. If you feel too hot or cooled, simply adjust the temperature rather than turning your unit off.

Be Aware of Exhaust Fans In Your Home

Exhaust fans, such as those in kitchens and bathrooms, can suck in the air that your unit is producing and vent it outside. This is a waste of energy, so be sure to use them only when needed, and if possible, close any doors between rooms where this could happen.

Be Wary of Any Open Doors In Your House

If your new air conditioner is being used to heat/cool a centralised space, be sure to close off any unused rooms, closets or parts of the house where conditioned air is not required. The greater the area your unit has to heat, the harder it will have to work.

About Us

We are based in Sydney’s Inner West. However, our operations span the greater metro area, including the Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore and South West. We always respond quickly and always aim to be on-site as soon as possible.

With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing commercial air conditioning services of the highest quality. If you’re looking for a quote or having issues with your AC system, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

Want to keep maintaining your AC? Check out these helpful posts below:

Choosing The Best Commercial Air Conditioning Service

Electrical Emergencies: Everything You Need To Know

Ideal Indoor Temperature: What it is and how to get it

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Best commercial air conditioning Sydney

Choosing The Best Commercial Air Conditioning Service

By | Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is essential in many commercial environments, from retail stores to office blocks, to shopping centres. There is a range of AC systems to choose from for spaces like these to suit different sizes, layouts or specific requirements.

Choosing the best commercial air conditioning service to help you make your decision and provide ongoing maintenance and support is very important. Here are a few key things to consider to help you make the right choice about what service provider to go with.

Best commercial air conditioning SydneyIf you’re looking for the best commercial air conditioning service in Sydney, get in touch with HunterCON for a quote today.

The Best Commercial Air Conditioning Service Will Be Licensed

As with any trade, it’s important to work with a certified AC maintenance provider to ensure peace of mind throughout the entire job. Licensed AC specialists carry an ARCtick number, meaning they can handle the dangerous materials involved with air conditioning units. This also means they are fully qualified to advise on how the system works, general upkeep, formulate preventative maintenance plans and service your system when it needs it.

We are fully licensed by the Australian Refrigeration Council and have years of experience working in the industry, so you know you can count on us.

Are They Full-Service Commercial Air Conditioning Specialists?

When choosing the best commercial AC specialist, it’s important to look at their skill set and service offerings. The best provider will have a wide range of skills and not be limited to a single service. This way, they can manage every aspect of your AC system: installation, ongoing maintenance, emergency servicing.

The latter is essential for commercial systems where a fault or breakdown can have a huge impact on the comfort of staff and your business’s productivity. You’ll want to solve the problem efficiently, and who knows your system better than the person who installed it?

Here at HunterCON, we offer a wide range of AC services and have a wealth of experience with systems of all kinds, so we can help no matter the job’s size. We are also fully qualified electricians, meaning we can solve any issue affecting your system. From installation to maintenance, we’re your guys.

best commercial air conditioning service

Are They Familiar With Your Unit?

Although many AC systems are quite similar, you’ll want to ensure you engage a maintenance provider who knows your unit inside and out, particularly with commercial systems where there may be nuances with its configuration.

We are commercial air conditioning experts with a thorough understanding of all kinds of units. Even if we didn’t install your system, we work with all major brands and know every model like the back of our hand, so we are confident we’ll find a solution to any issues you’re having fast. Some of the brands we work with regularly include:

• Daikin
• LG
• Actron Air
• Fujitsu
• Samsung
• Temperzone

How Well Do They Communicate?

The best commercial air conditioning service is the one that communicates clearly and efficiently throughout the entire job, right from the first phone call. Experience and expertise are evident in how well a service provider can answer your questions, the way they quote, and how they interact with you over the course of a job.

We pride ourselves on putting relationships with our customers first, no matter the size of the job. Having a nimble team means we can offer ongoing support to all of our clients and see that you always know who you are talking to. We always quote clearly, so you know what you’re getting and how much it will cost you.

Are They Local?

Commercial air conditioning service is all about speed and efficiency, so working with a local specialist is very important. For example, some AC breakdowns are considered emergencies and will require attention right away – you don’t want to be left in the lurch by a provider based on the other side of the city.

About Us

We are based in Sydney’s Inner West. However, our operations span the greater metro area, including the Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore and South West. We always respond quickly and always aim to be on-site as soon as possible.

With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing commercial air conditioning services of the highest quality. If you’re looking for a quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

Want to keep maintaining your AC? Check out these helpful posts below:

Improve Your Air Quality With These 6 Easy Steps

Ideal Indoor Temperature: What Is It And How To Get It

Electrical Emergencies: Everything You Need To Know

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Ideal Indoor Temperature

Ideal Indoor Temperature: What is it and how to get it

By | Air Conditioning

An air conditioner’s role is to ensure the temperature in your home is perfect all year round. But what exactly is the ideal temperature? And what should you be setting your thermostat to ensure maximum comfort without breaking the bank?

Of course, the ideal temperature is entirely subjective. Everyone has their preferences; all homes are different, and certain circumstances may influence how warm or cool you need a room, so what you set your thermostat to will depend entirely on you.

Ideal Indoor TemperatureWhat is the ideal indoor temperature? That’s a tricky one. There are a few factors that will influence this, but there is an answer. Let’s take a look.

In medical terms, the ideal indoor temperature is somewhere between 15 and 25 degrees celsius. This is a fairly big range – 10 degrees. Where you choose to set your thermostat in this range will depend on a few factors:

Factors To Consider

Size Of Home

From its layout to orientation, the size of your home may affect how you set your temperature. For example, your house may be particularly drafty when there is a breeze or the room you are heating/cool may get a lot of sunlight in the morning, but not in the afternoon. Depending on the type of system you have, you may want to set different temperatures in different rooms to mitigate these discrepancies, or you may want to change your thermostat at different points during the day.

Personal Circumstances

Personal circumstances may affect how warm or cool you need your home. For example, you may have a newborn and need to keep your house warmer than you would find comfortable. Or you may be looking after an elderly parent or relative and need to keep the house quite cool in summer.

Humidity

Humidity can significantly affect how you feel the heat or cold. In winter, the air is typically much drier, which makes your skin feel colder. Whereas in summer, the humidity can make you feel sweaty and uncomfortable, encouraging you to crank up the AC.

Weight

Your weight (and the weight) of your family may also impact how you feel indoors. Those with a higher BMI will feel warm easier, while those with a lower BMI usually get cold easier.

Age

Your age will also have an impact. As we get older, we tend to feel the cold more so than younger people. Anyone over the age of 55 may feel more inclined to turn up the air con in winter.

So, What Should I Set My Thermostat To?

Well, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that you keep your thermostat between 21 and 18 degrees at home if you’re healthy, don’t have any young children, or are not elderly and are appropriately dressed. This means wearing a jumper, pants and socks indoors. Anything below 16 degrees or above 24 degrees is not considered ideal.

We should also note that turning your air conditioning down (colder) in summer and up (hotter) in winter doesn’t cool or heat the space any quicker; the conditioned air temperature is always constant. This means that the system will only run for longer, costing you more in electricity.

About Us

If you are thinking of installing an air conditioner in your home or requiring maintenance or servicing for an existing unit, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

We are based in Sydney’s Inner West. However, our operations span the greater metro area, including the Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore and South West. With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing commercial air conditioning services of the highest quality.

Want to know some more about air conditioners? Check out these posts below:

Everything you need to know about reverse cycle air conditioning

The best type of air conditioner for apartments, single-story or multi-story

Improve the air quality in your home with these 6 easy steps

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Air Conditioning

Everything You Need To Know About Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning

By | Air Conditioning

Here in Sydney, we experience a wide-ranging climate. Although not as extreme as other parts of the world, we still endure sweltering summers and chilly winters. On top of this, many houses here (particularly older ones) are poorly insulated, making air conditioning a staple.

Because of this, you will likely need an air conditioner that both heats and cools to stay comfortable all year round. The solution? Reverse cycle air conditioning.
Air Conditioning

Reverse cycle air conditioning is ideal because of its heating and cooling capabilities, making it the most energy-efficient option.

A reverse cycle air conditioner is a unit that has both heating and cooling capabilities. This is the most energy-efficient way to control your home’s climate in both winter and summer, as you will only need to install a single system rather than separate ones for different seasons.

How Do They Work?

The way that reverse cycle air conditioners (also known as heat pumps) work is quite simple. They function in a similar way to a refrigerator in that they have an internal coil and external coil, which are connected by piping that is filled with refrigerant. When the unit is being used to warm a room, the refrigerant is pumped from the compressor to the internal coil at high pressure. The refrigerant is then passed through the external coil, expelling any cold air picked up at the internal coil. When the unit is in cooling mode, the two coils’ role is reversed by reversing the refrigerant’s flow.

What Are The Benefits of Using Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning?

There are several benefits of using a reverse cycle air conditioner:

• They are one of the most energy-efficient ways to control the climate in your home

• They provide both heating and cooling, so you only have to buy a single system

• They remain cool to touch at all times because they have no exposed elements or flames

• They also filter and dehumidify the air

• They are flexible, with a range of configurations and features to suit the needs of any home

• They run very quietly

• They are better for the environment

• They are extremely sturdy and will last for many years

What Kinds of Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning is there?

They are different types of reverse cycle air conditioners to choose from, and deciding which is best for your home will depend on a few things, like how big your home is and how many rooms you wish to heat/cool.

Split Systems

This is the kind of system where the condenser is fixed externally outside the home, and the head unit is fixed inside the home. These are connected by piping, which carries the refrigerant. The indoor unit is usually fitted to a wall. Split systems are area-specific, meaning they are limited to cooling/heating a single room, so they are best suited to small properties or apartments. If the ability to heat or cool multiple rooms is needed, a multi-split system may be the better option for you.

Multi-Split Systems

Multi-split systems are systems with more than one indoor unit connected to a single outdoor unit. These systems can have up to seven internal units, and each one can be controlled independently. This means that specific rooms can be set at different temperatures, all from a remote. They are great for larger homes or homes that wish to control the temperature in several rooms.

Ducted Systems

Ducted systems consist of a heat pump located outside or in a roof space, ducting that distributes the warm or cool air throughout a house, and vents that blow the conditioned air into a room. This type of air conditioning will require a certain amount of cavity space for installation, so it may not be suited to every home. They are best suited to larger homes or commercial spaces looking to control the entire building’s temperature. Some ducted air conditioning systems even allow for separate zones, meaning you have temperature control of individual rooms.

About Us 

We are fully-licensed air conditioning installers (and electrical specialists) with a wealth of industry experience. We’re located in Sydney’s Inner West, and we service the greater metropolitan area, including the Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore and South West.

From AC installations to repairs and maintenance, we always make sure our customers receive the best possible experience. We pride ourselves on providing fast and efficient service of the highest quality. If you’re thinking about installing reverse cycle air conditioning in your home or business. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

Want some more information before picking up an air conditioner? Check out these posts:

The Best Type of Air Conditioner for Apartments, Single-Story or Multi-Story

The 5 Step Checklist Before Buying An Air Conditioner

Understanding the Energy Star Rating when buying an air conditioner

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Best type of air conditioner

The Best Type of Air Conditioner for Apartments, Single Story or Multi-Story

By | Air Conditioning

Choosing an air conditioner can be a confusing affair. There are several different brands, models and configurations to choose from, and figuring out which of these is best suited to your house will require you to think about many things: how big is your home? How many floors do you have? How many rooms do you want your air conditioner to heat or cool?

Every air conditioner serves different needs, so let’s work out what type is best for you.

Best type of air conditionerThe best type of air conditioner depends on your living circumstances; whether that be an apartment, single-story, or multi-story house.

To help you make the right choice, let’s look at the best type of air conditioner for each type of house.

Apartments

If you want to get an air conditioner for your apartment, there are a few things you’ll want to consider that will affect what kind of system you get. First of all, whether you rent or own your apartment will greatly impact the choice you make. If you rent, you may be limited to what kind of system you can have, and in this case, a window, wall or portable unit might be the most suitable. These are self-contained, meaning they contain the compressor and the evaporator in a single unit.

If you do own your apartment, you will have more freedom when choosing what kind of system you go for. However, you will still have to consider the regulations set by your apartment’s body corporate committee before you jump in and buy one. Otherwise, a low-profile wall mounted or floor standing split system is probably the most appropriate option, seeing as apartments tend to be smaller and more open-plan than houses. If you want to control the temperature in multiple rooms, a multi-split system would be suitable.

Single Story Houses

When it comes to houses, let’s assume you own yours. If you do not, then again you will have to discuss with your landlord what’s possible. In some circumstances, your landlord will be fine with installing an AC unit in your home, as this will increase the value of the house. They may even consider paying for some of the installation themselves. If you own your home, then it’s entirely up to you what kind of system you choose. What kind of house it is will have the most significant impact on what kind of unit you choose.

For single-story homes, single split systems are an excellent choice. These are area-specific, meaning they are limited to cooling/heating a single room (depending on the layout of your home this may not be an issue for you, for example, if you have an open plan home and the unit is in a central area). They are a very cost-effective way to control the temperature in a home.

If you have a larger home or want to control the climate in multiple rooms, but do not have space for multiple outdoor units, a multi-split system is a great choice. These systems air configured so that several indoor units (which can differ in size, capacity and type) are connected to just one outdoor unit.

Multi-Story Houses

Standard multi-split systems can provide heating and cooling for up to 5 rooms and allow you to control room temperatures individually, making them ideal for multi-story homes. They are also quite efficient, making them the most economical option for larger places. There are deluxe multi-split systems for larger luxury homes that can heat/cool up to 15 rooms. Despite their powerful output, the outdoor units are compact, making it a great solution for modern homes with limited space.

For larger multi-story homes, ducted systems are another great option. These are the top-of-the-line air conditioners and, like multi-split systems, they also heat/cool multiple rooms. But rather than being specific to particular spaces, they treat the air in the whole house. You might have heard these being called central heating or central cooling.

This type of system is concealed and less obtrusive than the other systems we’ve mentioned. Generally, they are more expensive to run but with the main advantage of cooling a larger area.

Some ducted air conditioning systems allow for separate zones, meaning you have temperature control of individual rooms. However, it is important to note this feature will incur more costs. All in all, ducted AC units are a quiet and effective way to ensure climate control in a large multi-story home.

From AC installations to repairs and maintenance, we always make sure you receive the best possible service. If you’re looking for an aircon installation quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today. Our operations span the greater metro area, including the Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore and South West. With over 10 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality of fast and efficient service.

Want some more information before choosing an AC unit? Check out these posts below:

The 5 Step Checklist Before Buying an Air Conditioner

Understanding the Energy Star Rating when buying an air conditioner

Benefits of installing an AC system in your property

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Air Quality

Improve The Air Quality In Your Home With These 6 Easy Steps

By | Air Conditioning

Indoor air quality can have a huge impact on health and wellbeing. Exposure to contaminants and allergens such as dust, mould and pollution may not seem like a big deal – these surround us outside every day. However, over time, these can pose a threat to you and your family.

In the interest of keeping your home clean and safe, we’ve located some of the best tricks to keep your air quality in check.

Air QualityThe air quality in your immediate environment can have a huge impact on your health. Here are 6 ways to improve the air quality in your home.

Symptoms of health problems caused by poor indoor air quality are often subtle, ranging from the sniffles and itchy eyes to a cough you cannot shake or irritated skin. Some people are more sensitive than others, but everybody should be concerned about their home’s air quality. Here are easy 6 ways you can make some improvements.

1. Keep Your Air Conditioner Clean

If you have an air conditioner, it is important to keep it spotless to ensure you’re not circulating contaminants throughout your home. The easiest (and most efficient) way to this is to clean your air filters every other month. Their purpose is to filter the air that passes in and out of your HVAC system, and they collect small particles of contaminants that may affect the health and wellbeing of you, your family or your employees, including dust, dirt, pollen, mould, lint and other fibres, bacteria, hair or animal fur, and particles of wood, metal or plastics. Simply remove the filter and vacuum or brush it thoroughly (outside). Keep an eye out for any holes, wrinkles or tears – these mean that your filter needs replacing. Check out our guide to cleaning and replacing AC filters here.

2. Consider Buying Some Indoor Plants

Indoor plants don’t merely give off the presence of a healthy home, they actually assist in creating one. Some indoor plant varieties can help improve air quality by absorbing harmful toxins from the air. In fact, NASA recommends two or three plants in 8 to 10-inch pots for every 100 square feet. Different plants are suitable for different environments. So do some research into what the right kind is for you. Some plants you may want to look in to include:

• Spider plants

• Dracaenas

• Golden pothos

• Bamboo palms

• Rubber plants

• Peace lilies

• Boston ferns

• Aloe vera

3. Clean Your Home Regularly To Remove Dust Mites

Dust mites are one of the most common contributors to poor indoor air quality. These are microscopic creatures that are particularly common in humid and coastal parts of Australia. They often live in bedding, carpets, upholstered furniture, and clothing and are among the most common allergen triggers for asthma. Be sure to clean these items regularly to help remove dust mites from your home. A few tips:

• Open your curtains and windows and air out your home regularly

• Wash sheets and pillowcases with low allergenic washing soap in a hot wash (above 55 degrees)

• Vacuum carpets and soft furniture weekly

• Dust regularly using a damp or electrostatic cloth

4. Consider an Air Purifier

If you live in a particularly polluted area or your family is sensitive to poor air quality, you may want to consider investing in an electric air purifier. These devices remove contaminants from the air in a room such as dust, pollen, pet hair, mould spores, dust mite feces, smoke particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

5. Ditch The Aerosols

Cleaning and personal products that come in an aerosol can contain VOCs like butane and propane, which are bad for air quality. Try ditching these for non-aerosol alternatives like roll-on deodorant and spray bottle cleaning products.

6. Watch The Level of Humidity In Your Home

Dust mites and mould love humid environments. Keeping humidity around 30%-50% is ideal so consider purchasing a dehumidifier or an air conditioner during summer months to help control these levels. Other ways to reduce your home’s humidity include airing out areas that are particularly moist like bathrooms, laundry and kitchen, using exhaust fans where possible, fixing any leaky plumbing, and avoiding overwatering houseplants.

If you are curious about how an air conditioner or appliance will help improve your home’s air quality, get in touch with HunterCON today. We pride ourselves on being the best air conditioning specialist in Sydney. Our operations span the greater metro area, including the Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore and South West. With over 10 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality of fast and efficient service.

Want some more ideas to improve the air quality of your home? Check out these posts below:

14 Tips That Will Make Your Home Energy Efficient And Cut Costs

5 Telltale Signs That Your Air Conditioner Needs Replacing

Air Conditioning Installation: A guide from start to finish

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Buying an air conditioner

The 5 Step Checklist Before Buying an Air Conditioner

By | Air Conditioning

Buying an air conditioner is exciting. Australia’s climate can be harsh – summers are swelteringly hot, and winters can get quite chilly. An AC is an ideal utility to solve both those problems.

It’s no surprise then that roughly 2 in 3 Australians have an AC unit in their home. If you’ve been thinking about getting one for some time and are ready to take the plunge, that’s great! Now you’re faced with the task of deciding what kind of system to get. There’s a multitude of choice out there, so we hope this 5 step checklist assists in buying an air conditioner that’s right for your needs.

Buying an air conditionerFrom budget to energy efficiency, we’ve created a checklist of five key things to consider before buying an air conditioner.

1. What Kind of System Is More Suitable For Your Home?

There are three main types of AC systems to consider: split systems, multi-split system, and ducted systems.

Split systems are a great choice for homeowners looking to heat a single room or large area. This system has a condenser that is fixed externally outside the home and a head unit inside. Bear in mind that if there are several walls in an interior zone, a split system may be limited in its capacity to control the temperature beyond the zone. If the ability to heat or cool multiple rooms is needed, a multi-split system may be the better option for you.

Multi-split systems comprise of one outdoor unit that is connected to multiple indoor units.
There are numerous benefits to a multi-split air conditioning unit. They are extremely efficient and capable of powering up to six interior rooms at once. With this system, each indoor unit can be controlled individually. This means that specific rooms can be set at different temperatures, all from a single remote.

Ducted air conditioning systems feature some key differences to split and multi-split systems. A ducted air conditioner is installed internally, often within the roof. From the central unit, a series of ducts cools or heats individual rooms. This type of air conditioning will require a certain amount of cavity space for installation, so may not be suited to every home.

2. So, What Is Your Home Like?

So then – what kind of house do you have? Consider these features before buying an air conditioner, as they may affect what kind of system is best suited.

• Is it insulated?

• How big are the rooms that you want to cool/heat?

• How many rooms do you wish to cool/heat?

• What’s the layout of these rooms?

• Does your home get lots of natural sunlight?

• Does your home have many windows?

• Where do you live? Is it cold, hot, humid?

3. How Energy Efficient Is The System?

All new AC units will have an energy efficiency rating. They usually have two stickers – one for heating and one for cooling (if the unit is a cooling-only device, and then it will only have a blue sticker, if it a heating-only device, it will only have a red sticker). This will influence the choice you make.

As you may have guessed, the more stars, the more energy-efficient the unit is. The maximum possible rating for each side is 10 stars. If the product is rated above 6 stars for heating or cooling, it will show a ‘super efficiency rating’, which goes up to 4 stars (6 + 4 = 10). They also have capacity output and power input readings – basically how much heating and cooling the unit can produce and how much power it needs to run respectively. When comparing the star rating, you’ll want to compare systems with similar capacity output and power input readings.

It’s important to remember that units with lower ratings aren’t poor quality units. For a product to be rated at all, it needs to pass rigorous efficiency tests, so the base rating of 1 star is actually quite efficient. It only gets better from there, and the choice you make will depend on your budget.

4. What’s Your Budget Like?

Obviously, one of the biggest factors that will influence buying an air conditioner is how much money you have to spend. Air conditioning is an investment. It may require a substantial initial outlay, but you will save money in the long run.

Air conditioners range from anywhere between $500 and $5000+, so how much you can afford will affect what kind of system you get (for example, multi-split systems are more expensive than split systems), what features it has, and how energy efficient it is.

5. What Features and Functions Do You Need?

Different air conditioners have different features and functions, and this affects how expensive they are. Some might be extremely important to you and your lifestyle. Some not so much. Here are a few features you may want to consider:

• Fan speed

• Human presence sensor

• Sleep mode

• Wi-fi connectivity

• Remote control type

• Noise reduction

• Adjustable or oscillating louvres

• Restart delay

• Operation options (cooling, heating, fan, auto modes, dry air, economy modes)

If you are thinking about buying an AC system, give us a call today. Our operations span the greater metro area, including the Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore and South West. With over 10 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality of fast and efficient service.

Want some more advice before buying an AC unit? Check out these posts below:

Understanding the Energy Star Rating when buying an air conditioner

Discover what type of air conditioner is best for your home

Air Conditioning Glossary: Key terminology explained