How to choose an air conditioner
Installing an air conditioner is a big decision: make the right one
You want to get the most out of your air conditioner (also known as an air-to-air heat pump) so it heats and cools your home effectively and efficiently. It's important to choose the right type of air conditioner for your needs. Performance, capacity, style, practicality, energy efficiency, environmental impact, and cost all matter. Let’s look at the different elements that you need to consider when choosing the best air conditioner for your home.
- Decide what the air conditioner needs to do. Does it primarily need to heat, cool, or do both? Do you need special options like ventilation or de-humidification? Do you need it to provide hot water too? If so, you may be able to connect the system to a hot water tank. And do you need it to work in a very cold or hot climate?
- Consider your space. How big is your home? The larger the space, the more powerful the system will need to be. However, it's important to get the capacity just right. Install a unit that's too big and it will create an uncomfortable draught, too small and you'll be disappointed with the results. Ideally, your home should also be well-insulated to help maintain the correct temperature. So, these systems are especially well-suited to new builds or renovated homes.
- Match your interior style. You don’t want your indoor air conditioner units to stand out for all the wrong reasons. Thankfully, Daikin offers a range of stylish wall-mounted models. You can position floor-standing units discreetly under windowsills. Or you can even hide concealed ceiling units in false ceilings.
- Don’t forget the outside. Air conditioner outdoor units must be positioned with care so there is enough surrounding airflow for them to work. They can be mounted to exterior walls, fixed on the roof, or placed on the ground. As well as ensuring there are no obstructions around the unit, you need to keep them free of leaves, dirt, and snow.
- Focus on energy efficiency. This is key to helping keep your costs down. Look at the energy efficiency ratings for the different air conditioner models, which range from A+++ (the highest) to D (the lowest). Daikin offers units that are rated up to A+++ for heating and cooling. Also, check the seasonal efficiency ratings for heating and cooling products (known as the SEER and SCOP values) that measure year-round energy usage based on a typical day-to-day environment.
- Think about the environmental impact. Air conditioners are low-carbon systems, with a lower environmental impact than gas boilers, oil-based heating systems, or even electric systems. They have a long service life and take just 20% of the energy they need from electricity, with the rest coming from the air. Daikin models also use R-32 refrigerant, which has low global warming potential.
- Plan your installation. Speak to a professional installer who can talk you through the process, assess whether your home is suitable for an air conditioner, advise you on the best type of units, and discuss the unit and installation costs. It’s best not to wait until you need it: take the time to make the right choice now.
Get all these considerations right before you start, and you're on track for a long-lasting, high-performing heating and cooling system that will give you ultimate comfort all year round.
