Choosing to install an air conditioning system in your home can greatly improve the comfort and quality of living. You should do your research before making a decision. There is more to consider than just costs involved and potential disruption to your daily routine during installation.
Ducted systems
Air conditioning systems utilize ducts to provide air to an entire household. Ducted air conditioning systems will consist of a central unit. (Usually installed either in the ceiling or under the floor) and an outdoor unit. From the central unit, ducts run to outlets and sensors in each room to provide air.
Ducted air conditions can sometimes prove to be expensive. However, they offer an effective solution to maintaining desired temperatures throughout your house.
Reverse cycle air conditioning
Reverse cycle air conditioners have the ability to both cool and heat your house through the same central unit. The mechanics of reverse cycle air conditioning are impressive and somewhat complex.
The procedure for the cooling function involves warm air being drawn from the house via ductwork. Then processed through a cold refrigerant liquid in the central indoor unit. Finally, sent back through the ducts into your home.
This process leaves the refrigerant liquid warm rather than cold. This liquid is processed through a compressor in the outdoor unit, creating a high-temperature gas. This gas is processed through a heat exchanger, allowing the refrigerant to cool and heat to escape.
The right ducted system for your home
If you are aiming to install an air conditioning system into an existing home (rather than integrating the system into a newly built house). Read on, there are a range of factors to consider before you take the next step. This can include architectural factors, such as floor plan, positioning of windows and doors. Consider materials used in the house’s construction, and amount of insulation in the house.
It’s also important to consider living factors. The number of residents in the house and what different rooms or areas are used for (kitchens, bedrooms, lounge rooms).
Additional to this is the space and features of your house. You will need amply outdoor space to accommodate the outdoor unit. Larger systems will need a three-phase power supply. This may need to be installed if not already a feature of your house.
Notable features in air conditioning systems
Air conditioning units offer several options and design features that you may want to incorporate, depending on how you want to use the system in your home. Some of these include:
- Vents: Vents, usually installed in the walls or ceiling of a home. These come in a range of designs, both insulated and uninsulated.
- Controls: Controls are often wall-mounted and wired into the system. As opposed to remote control operation that is common with single-split air conditioning. Depending on the house and system, there may be one or multiple controllers built into the system.
- Sensors: Sensors, used to maintain the desired temperature, are present in any room that the air conditioning system provides air to. Certain larger areas may benefit from multiple sensors.
- Zones: Nowadays, a lot of air conditioning systems will provide the ability for homes to be divided into zones. Zoning in a house means areas can be heated or cooled independently. This allows you to only provide air conditioning to necessary areas of the house throughout the day. Zoning clearly benefits modern households in its flexibility and customization. It also can help significantly improve the energy efficiency of a system.
Cost reduction
The cost of installing and operating an air condition system will always be an important factor to consider. However there are a few ways to reduce cost where possible:
- Whilst the system is operating, it’s important to keep any doors or windows closed. This prevents any air escaping, causing the system to work harder.
- It can be worthwhile to keep blinds or curtains closed during hot days and cold nights. This will help maintain the temperature in the house.
- Starting the air conditioning system early on especially on hot or cold days will allow the system to reach intended temperatures when needed.
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