Refrigerated air conditioners remove heat from the air inside the home and transfer this heat outside.
Keep in mind that buying a bigger room air-conditioning unit won't necessarily make you feel more comfortable during the hot summer months. In fact, a room air conditioner that's too big for the area it is supposed to cool will perform less efficiently and less effectively than a smaller, properly sized unit.
This is because room units work better if they run for relatively long periods of time than if they are continually, switching off and on. Longer run times allow air conditioners to maintain a more constant room temperature.
Features:
Highest running costs
Highest purchase cost
Cool, dehumidify and recirculate room air
Reverse cycle models also provide heating
Closed system " windows and doors must be shut
Types of Refrigerated Air Conditioners
Portable Units
Suitable for small rooms up to 20m2
Separate indoor and outdoor unit connected by a flexible hose through an open window or external door
Plug into standard power outlet
Window/wall
Suitable for single room up to 50m2
Requires external window or wall
Small units can use existing power outlets
Larger fascia units may require additional wiring
Outside coil should be shaded if possible
Split System Units
Suitable for one or more rooms up to 60m2 " for larger areas, three phase powered units will be required
Separate indoor and outdoor section
Ideal where no suitable window or external wall exists
Very quiet indoor operation
The indoor unit can be located up to 15 metres away from the outdoor unit. The indoor unit can be wall or floor mounted
Can have multi split systems " up to five indoor units running off one outdoor unit
Ducted Split Systems
Suitable for whole home cooling
Roof or ground mounted, connected to ductwork
Generally less efficient than split or window/wall units due to ducting losses
Systems should be zoned to cool living and sleeping areas at different times
Ductwork should be well insulated and sealed to prevent condensation
Works best if ceiling mounted
Suits pitched roof homes
Considerations
Rooms in which the air conditioner is being used should be closed off so the room air is recirculated e.g. windows and doors should remain shut
If possible locate window/wall units on the south side of the house. If the unit is exposed to dull sun during the day, shade with an awning or canopy of shade trees. However, do not restrict air flow over it.
Set thermostats at 26-27 degrees Celsius for summer cooling. Each degree you lower the thermostat may increase running costs by up to 15%
Look for economy settings
Multi-speed fans allow you to select high speeds for fast circulation and quick cooling
Adjustable and rotating louvres also help to direct air movement more evenly around the room
Directional louvres set either horizontally or upwards towards the ceiling assist in cooling
Programmable timers allow the system to be switched on or off as required
Homes
