With the continuing crisis of global warming, air-conditioning is fast becoming a luxury but by following the energy rating guidelines you can attain a unit that is energy efficient. Buying an air conditioner needs research and thought. It is one of those purchases that can have long lasting effects so you will want to make sure you choose the right one for your needs.
1. Energy Star Rating
With so much media coverage it would be easy to assume everyone now knows about the importance of checking for the energy star rating system in Australia. But unless you have had to purchase a large electrical item the details may not be clear.
2. Timers
Further energy savings can be made with the use of timers. Rather than have the power run all day for instance, set the timer to start the motor ten minutes before you get home. The timers can also be used to turn the units off, ideal for the middle of the night when the outside temperature drops.
3. Automatic Sensors
Air conditioners with automatic sensors mean the unit will switch itself off if there is no-one in the room and monitor the temperature of the floor and walls so the unit itself is continually pulling back to the desired comfort level.
4. Environmentally Friendly
Manufacturers are being encouraged to produce environmentally products but not all do this as well as they could. Some of the older models such as the window air conditioner were far from being environmentally friendly but with new technology air conditioners are now designed with energy conservation sensors giving us the option to show our concern in our homes with the amount of energy we consume.
5. Heating and Cooling Options
Reverse cycle or split-system air conditioners are ideal if you have no other form of heating. The units themselves are not that much more expensive so well worth considering especially if you are planning your heating and cooling options for a new home. For those areas that get particularly colder in winter the addition of a reverse cycle unit may be the answer.
6. Right Size for the Area to be Heated or Cooled
There is no point installing an air conditioner that is just too small or too large for the area. If it is too small there will be a need to provide additional heating or cooling systems such as fans in summer or floor heaters in winter. But if the unit is too big this can be a distinct waste in terms of energy and costs. It will also be difficult to reach the desired comfort level in the room.
Air conditioning has come a long way in recent years with the push to the manufacturers to produce models that are environmentally friendly and energy efficient. If this trend continues it may be that keeping our homes cool in summer and warm in winter need not be such a luxury and affordable for everyone from the initial purchase to the ongoing power being used.
1. Energy Star Rating
With so much media coverage it would be easy to assume everyone now knows about the importance of checking for the energy star rating system in Australia. But unless you have had to purchase a large electrical item the details may not be clear.
2. Timers
Further energy savings can be made with the use of timers. Rather than have the power run all day for instance, set the timer to start the motor ten minutes before you get home. The timers can also be used to turn the units off, ideal for the middle of the night when the outside temperature drops.
3. Automatic Sensors
Air conditioners with automatic sensors mean the unit will switch itself off if there is no-one in the room and monitor the temperature of the floor and walls so the unit itself is continually pulling back to the desired comfort level.
4. Environmentally Friendly
Manufacturers are being encouraged to produce environmentally products but not all do this as well as they could. Some of the older models such as the window air conditioner were far from being environmentally friendly but with new technology air conditioners are now designed with energy conservation sensors giving us the option to show our concern in our homes with the amount of energy we consume.
5. Heating and Cooling Options
Reverse cycle or split-system air conditioners are ideal if you have no other form of heating. The units themselves are not that much more expensive so well worth considering especially if you are planning your heating and cooling options for a new home. For those areas that get particularly colder in winter the addition of a reverse cycle unit may be the answer.
6. Right Size for the Area to be Heated or Cooled
There is no point installing an air conditioner that is just too small or too large for the area. If it is too small there will be a need to provide additional heating or cooling systems such as fans in summer or floor heaters in winter. But if the unit is too big this can be a distinct waste in terms of energy and costs. It will also be difficult to reach the desired comfort level in the room.
Air conditioning has come a long way in recent years with the push to the manufacturers to produce models that are environmentally friendly and energy efficient. If this trend continues it may be that keeping our homes cool in summer and warm in winter need not be such a luxury and affordable for everyone from the initial purchase to the ongoing power being used.
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