Complete Guide on Cooling Your Home

There are many different options for air conditioning your home and it can take time to find the right system. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the right air conditioning system for your needs. Equip yourself with the information you need to make the best choice.

What are the different air conditioning systems available?

In this guide we’ll go through the most popular air conditioning systems available. We’ll explain how each system works and go over the differences in safety and costs.

Air conditioning systems don’t have to be expensive to run. If you choose an efficient and cost-effective option that suits your space and lifestyle, you’ll find that the running costs will be much more manageable than you think.

No matter your lifestyle and the size of your home, Glow HCE can help you find an air conditioning option to keep you comfortable in summer without the expense. If you have any questions about the systems listed here or want to discuss how we can help you further, feel free to contact us at Glow HCE to chat to one of our friendly team! You can give us a call on (08) 8397 6100 or visit our website.

Small Duct Air Conditioning

If you have limited space in your home, a small duct air conditioning system might just be the perfect air conditioning solution for you!

Small duct air conditioning systems are perfect for tight spaces and can fit where other systems can’t. They’re small and discreet, so you won’t be left with any unattractive wall components. Small duct systems suit houses with flat roofs and limited ceiling space that can make installation of other systems difficult and expensive. There’s no need for disruptive installations, changes of building plans or compromises on the architectural integrity of your home.

How it works

Small duct systems can fit almost anywhere — in ceilings, under staircases, in closets and on stud walls.

Small duct systems will give you complete zone control, so you’ll be able to control one or all of your zones from the one thermostat to maximise the efficiency and operation of your small duct system.

Small duct systems are energy efficient, with the compact duct size resulting in less fluctuations in temperature and a more constant heating temperature. They’re whisper quiet, great for those of you who dislike the noise of a more traditional heating system.

Small duct systems are great for families and asthmatics, as they produce a superior air quality. You can easily introduce outside filtered air or add on hospital grade electronic, electrostatic and hepa filters to create a cleaner and healthier environment in your home.

Safety

Installation should be done by professionals only. Small duct systems are safe and easy to use, and operation can be controlled from a single thermostat!

Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning

If you’re looking for a reliable air conditioning solution to cover your entire home, a ducted reverse cycle air conditioner could be the solution for you!

An added advantage of choosing a ducted reverse cycle system is that you’ll get a cooling function with your unit too, so you’ll be covered for both winter and summer! This makes a reverse cycle air conditioner a great long-term investment for your home.

How it works

A ducted reverse cycle air conditioner relies on the more common “refrigerant” system of heating and cooling used in most air conditioning systems.

Any ducted system should be chosen and installed by professionals, not bought “off the shelf” or self-installed — doing so would come with significant risks and hazards to the safety of your home and your family. A professional will work with you to determine the right system and size to best suit your home heating needs. If you’d like help with selecting a ducted reverse cycle system to heat your home, please feel free to contact us at Glow HCE for advice!

Installing a ducted reverse cycle air conditioner system can be pricey and expensive, but a worthwhile investment in the long run as you’ll have a reliable unit that will work for many years to come. Installation will require professionals to work in the ceiling of your house throughout the length of the house, so you may find it disruptive and want to plan ahead to minimise the impact on your household.

Safety

Ducted reverse cycle air conditioner units are extremely safe and simple to use and run. There’s none of the risks associated with radiators or standalone units, the controls are at a safe height on the wall away from children, and the system disperses heat from a safe distance through ceiling vents. The only things you’ll need to worry about are ensuring your unit gets regular maintenance so no problems occur with the unit in the long run!

Evaporative Cooling Air Conditioning

Evaporative cooling is becoming increasingly popular in Adelaide as energy prices escalate and our summers keep getting hotter. An Evaporative air conditioner is an excellent option if you’re looking for energy efficiency and cost-effective high performance.

How it works

Evaporative air conditioning is based on the simple principles of evaporation. Fresh outside air is pumped through water-soaked pads, and as this happens the water is evaporated and the heat in the air is absorbed, which lowers the air temperature. A fan then pushes the cool air through the ducting system.

The evaporative process relies on airflow, air entering through ducts and then exiting via open doors or windows. Cooled air inside the building is not recirculated, so a door or window must be left open for this air to escape, providing the whole building with a complete change in air at least every two minutes.

Evaporative air conditioning is great option if you have someone with allergies in your family. Only fresh air is circulated through evaporative systems, rather than stale and recycled air. The dry air from refrigerated air conditioners can aggravate allergies and asthma. Evaporative air conditioner systems use moisture to cool the air and won’t dry out your skin, nose or eyes.

Safety

Evaporative cooling is extremely safe and simple to use and run. The controls are at a safe height on the wall away from children, and the system disperses air through vents. The only things you’ll need to worry about are ensuring your unit gets regular service and maintenance so no problems occur with the unit in the long run!

Wall Mounted Split System Air Conditioners

Wall mount split systems are Australia’s most popular form of air conditioning. They are a simple, affordable way to air condition single rooms or open spaces. Split system air conditioners are slim-lined and easy on the eye, making them a complementary addition to any interior space.

How it works

Split system air conditioners can be quickly and easily installed in most indoor spaces, and are a cheap and cost-effective way to cool your home. They are a flexible option, giving you the choice of adding additional units to other rooms or spaces in your home in the future. Most wall mounted split systems have a multi-directional airflow option for you to change the direction of the airflow between up and down and left or right.

Split system air conditioners contain air filters to keep the cool air coming into your home clean, minus the germs, dust and bacteria. Easy-to-read LED displays provide easy to read temperature settings which you can change at the touch of a button—either through a remote control or wall setting, depending on your preferences.

Ongoing maintenance and care is easy, with a regular service and clean of the air filter all that is required of you. The unit is easily disassembled for cleaning. We’ve included some helpful cleaning tips later in this guide.

Safety

Wall mounted units are extremely safe and simple to use and run. The controls are at a safe height on the wall away from children, and the system disperses air from a safe distance on the wall. The only things you’ll need to worry about are ensuring your unit gets regular maintenance so no problems occur with the unit in the long run!

Air Conditioner Servicing and Safety

Air conditioners are a valuable investment for your home that will keep you comfortable and cool on a daily basis. They’re easy to install and care for, but it’s important for you to have them serviced and cleaned regularly to avoid any issues cropping up. It’s easy to overlook and forget about — until it’s too late!

We’ve included some information about getting your air conditioning system service below so you will know what to expect once you have your system installed!

Why get your air conditioner serviced?

Keeping your air conditioner clean and well-serviced is vital to maintaining air quality in your home, ensuring your running costs won’t get out of control, and extending the life of your unit. Neglecting to do so could mean a hefty repair bill or replacement further down the road, so a little investment now will save you time and money in the long run, and identify small problems before they become bigger breakdowns!

Air conditioner filters are designed to catch dirt, dust and debris. If not cleaned regularly, filters can become clogged and start collecting moisture and mould, which is not good for you and your family or the air conditioning unit.

Air conditioners work best when regularly cleaned and cared for over the life of the unit. If one part of the unit starts to fail or break down, it can stress the entire air conditioning system and result in complete breakdown. Having regular checks done and ensuring all parts are kept in good condition will mean the unit functions much better over the long term and will last much longer than a unit that has not been sufficiently maintained.

Here are some examples of problems that can be fixed with a simple service :

• A dirty air filter can affect the unit’s function, meaning it won’t be as effective in circulating air through the house and maintaining a steady temperature, leading to discomfort.
• A dirty condenser coil can affect the refrigerant compressor and draw increased amps from your electricity service, resulting in higher electricity bills.
  Regular maintenance adds up to a healthier home, lower energy bills and your air conditioner having a longer life!

When should you get your air conditioner serviced?

Ultimately, it’s up to you, but here are some helpful tips you can keep in mind when scheduling your next service :

• Keep all records of your previous servicing schedules along with documentation of previous work done — just put it together in a folder somewhere safe. This way you can keep track of the time between services in the past, and identify any recurring issues with your unit. It will also help the people who work on your unity. If you’ve identified a part that has needed regular replacing, your air conditioner repair company will be able to take a closer look for you and see if there’s any deeper issues at play.
• Waiting until Spring or Autumn to get your air conditioner check will generally mean shorter waiting times. During the height of summer of winter, most air conditioning companies will be extremely busy and will likely make you wait for a general check or service in order to prioritise work on complete unit breakdowns.
• If you evaporative unit has not been checked or cleaned in the last 6 months, or if your refrigerated unit hasn’t been serviced in the last 12 months, you should book in for a service.

Between services there are simple checks you can do without a certificate in refrigeration and air conditioning to ensure your unit is kept in good condition and lengthen the time you can leave between services.

For refrigerated systems, you can:

• Keep your air filter clean (more information below!)
• Keep the outdoor unit clear of dust, dirt and debris
• Check your room switches are working
• Check if water is draining from your unit (indoor unit for cooling and outdoor unit for heating)

For evaporative systems, you can:

• Check pads are not deteriorating
• Clean the basin within the unit
• Check the fan and pump operate
• Cover the unit in winter to prevent damage

If you don’t have time to do these basic checks yourself, it’s a good idea to book in for regular servicing.

How to service your air conditioner

Information on cleaning the air filter in your air conditioning unit can be found in the operation manual that came with the unit. For most units, you can simply vacuum away any dust on the filter or wash the air filter with natural detergent mixed lukewarm water. Ensure you place the filter outside to dry in a shaded area.

Most commonly, the filter is located in walls, ceilings, furnaces, or in the air conditioner itself. Room air conditioners have a filter mounted in the grill that faces into the room and central air conditioners generally have a filter located somewhere along the return duct length. Some filters are reusable and others must be replaced. It’s a good idea to clean or replace your air conditioning system filter every month or two during summer,

There are basic guides available on the internet to help you conduct other basic checks of your unit. It’s best to look up your specific air conditioning unit and brand to ensure you are working with specific advice suited to your unit and endorsed by the air conditioning company. Daikin provide a lot of helpful advice for their units.

A common question about air conditioning maintenance is whether it’s a good idea to do it yourself. While the simple checks mentioned in this article can be done without expertise, you’ll need to be careful not to do any lasting damage to your unit by attempting more complex servicing alone — you don’t want to attempt a dodgy repair job and end up having to pay for an entirely new unit. It’s tempting to do it yourself to save money, but it might end up costing you more than you expect along with potentially harming your health and safety. If in doubt, it’s best to call a professional!

Why clean air filters regularly?

The importance of cleaning the air filters in your air conditioner can’t be overstated! If your filters are dirty, the air you breathe will be unclean and over time this can lead to problems for your health and increase the likelihood of you having to replace your air conditioning unit.

Air conditioner filters are designed to catch dirt, dust and debris, and they’re meant to keep other components of the air conditioner clean. Over a lifetime of regular use, there can be a large buildup of dirt and the filters can become clogged. If the filters are not cleaned regularly, moisture and mould can start to collect, which will filter into the air being pushed around your home, which obviously isn’t good for you and your family or the air conditioning unit.

As we’ve said before, you air conditioner will work best when cleaned regularly and cared for over the life of the unit. If one part of the unit starts to fail or break down — including the filters — it can stress the entire air conditioning system and result in a complete breakdown. Having regular checks done and ensuring all parts are kept in good condition will mean the unit functions much better over the long term and will last much longer than a unit that has not been sufficiently maintained. A little check done right now will save you so much time and energy in the long run!

How often should I clean?

We recommend cleaning filters at least twice a month. The best clean is one that involved vacuuming and soaking the filters in vinegar to sanitise them, rather than just running them under the tap and returning them to the unit.

Filter Alarms

Some air conditioning units have ‘reset filter’ alarms that will cause a red LED to turn on when the unit has accumulated a certain number of hours of use, e.g. 250 hours, which gives you a nudge to remember to clean to the filter. If your unit has this function it is a useful way to keep track of how often you have cleaned the filter!

To reset the reminder system, there is usually a button you can press with “Reset Filter” or similar to turn off the LED and restart the run time.

If you’re unsure of how to clean your filter or have any further questions about your air conditioning unit, it’s best to give a professional air conditioning company a call or book in a service!

We hope this guide has assisted you in deciding on the right air conditioning option for you and your family. We encourage you to chat with our friendly staff about any questions you have or to take the next steps towards installation! You can give us a call on (08) 8397 6100 or visit our website.