Heating and Cooling for 2 Storey Townhouse Suggestion

Lechineon on 29/05/2020 - 12:01
Last edited 02/06/2020 - 16:12 by 1 other user

Hi Ozbargainers,

I'm scratching my head with this question a little bit as first home owner. We have 2 bedrooms that need air con, was quoted $3100 for 2 units + installation (which included switchboard upgrade) I think this is fair considering the units are Fujitsu 3.5kW which typically goes for $1k each and labour for 2 installs + switchboard is $1k seems okay. Please let me know if the labour/installation cost is off to you.

My 2nd question is natural gas heater in lounge room is enough or should I consider another air-con? Which one would be more efficient? For lounge-dining-kitchen area (open plan) it is fairly large but mainly we only need the heat around dining table and lounge.

Lastly, I'm in NSW, anyone aware of any rebate, claim comes tax time or similar? I think for your investment property you can claim tax back but not sure about owner-occupier situation. Cursory check with ATO hasn't said anything.

Thanks for reading and stay comfortable. :)

Home & Garden Air Conditioner

Comments

  • Slippery Fish on 29/05/2020 - 12:05

    I believe Fujitsu just started a cash back by redemption.

    Also keeping the heater you own is cheaper then a new a.c.

    • echineon on 29/05/2020 - 12:13

      Thanks for the reply, yes it looks like quote and after cashback it would be $2800 all up for having 2 aircon units.

      I haven't got a gas heater yet, already got a portable AC for lounge room which we survived during summer. I looked up on gumtree for gas heater and it's around $150 $200 mark but I wonder if we bite the bullet for AC would it be better in the long run.

  • spiff on 29/05/2020 - 12:18

    Seems like a bargain considering it's Fujitsu units and especially if one or both of the units being installed is upstairs.

    • echineon on 29/05/2020 - 14:22

      They both are upstairs mate and I heard good thing about these mobs and I think I got mate-rate. Time to convince the wife likewise. :)

  • Lexus101 on 29/05/2020 - 12:26

    My thoughts.

    The price is fair ($2800-3200) but I would not haggle if the service and workmanship is good. I would happily pay more for excellent workmanship because the trouble you would receive for poor work is not worth it.

    I would consider gas if the unit is reliable and cheap to install. However, I use a Noirot electric heater now (yes it's a bit expensive) and found it excellent in heat generation and also heat regulation (which is equally important).

    If you can afford it and Summers are hot in your living/dining area, I would put in A/C.

    Hope that helps. Cheers.

    • echineon on 29/05/2020 - 14:21

      It definitely helped mate. Was recommended this mob by a few people I know locally so I think workmanship should not be an issue. Last summer was a bit hot downstairs in the common area but it's not that unbearable as we got a few block taking the West side arvo sun. I hope with the spare portable AC and ceiling fan we will be right. I don't want to splurge cash while we still have some workable solution (ozbargain motto).

      • sagrules on 29/05/2020 - 17:56

        Curious what is the call out fee/ charge out rate you are getting?

        • echineon on 30/05/2020 - 00:11

          What do you mean? The quote was free, bloke came took a look, provided a quote pending strata approval then left. If I'm happy then it's 10% deposit til job delivered.

  • brad1-8tsi on 29/05/2020 - 12:56

    I paid $1636 in Aug 2018 for a 3.5kw Daiken B2B install.

    I'm not sure why the Fujitsu needs a DB upgrade as the Daikin is soft start and the power is tapped off the existing GPO power circuit.

    Have you considered a twin head unit where there is one outside unit and two heads indoors?

    My Townhouse is 3 stories. 2Bdrm + Bathroom Top floor; 2 Bdrm + Bath middle; lounge, kitchen & laundry on ground.

    I manage with the reverse cycle AC on the ground funneling up the stair well. The middle floor has overhead fans. Top floor has overhead fans and AC as it's flat roof and heats up in the afternoon.

    • echineon on 29/05/2020 - 14:16

      My townhouse was built in 1999 so switchboard is old and does not have separate CB for AC so I/salesman both think it's best to be safe to add in additional CB.

      I'm not sure with the twin head but this company only have 1 unit/1 output system. I'm considering adding a ceiling fan for lounge area too but right now is not yet priority.

      $1.6k for 3.5kW is good though. Was it installed on the middle floor?

      • brad1-8tsi on 29/05/2020 - 17:43

        ground floor.

        my place is ~2003

        Make sure there is a reachable isolation switch as well as the breaker.

        Daikin do a twin head unit

  • GG57 on 29/05/2020 - 13:30
    +1

    Tax claims/rebates would not apply to owner-occupied.

    • echineon on 29/05/2020 - 14:17

      Thanks, I thought so.

  • 777 on 29/05/2020 - 14:06

    If you got solar, go for Aircons, Gas ones are probably at par these days with the cost of running and more maintenance due to risk of Carbon monoxide.
    Have you considered zoned multipoint A/C, might be a more expensive but better option IMO

    If $$ is not an issue go for combi Hydronics, they can do multiple things and are the safest form of heating

    • echineon on 29/05/2020 - 14:18

      Solar is later down the track, hopefully there will be rebate, we don't have the fund yet. So does money for combi hydroponic, let's see if we can grow something in our spare room and I think the heat from those lamps are quite good. :D

    • netjock on 29/05/2020 - 15:09
      +2

      Have you considered zoned multipoint A/C

      It sounds good until you realise you need to have the whole zone on rather than specific units on. You got the solar point dead right. If you are going to spend $3-4k on reverse cycle you might as well fork out $4k after rebates on solar too.

      • echineon on 30/05/2020 - 00:09

        I thought the rebate for solar in NSW long sailed. Can you please post link? Thanks. Not sure what to look for in solar installation though.

  • ItsMeAgro on 29/05/2020 - 16:10
    -2

    I strongly recommend ducted AC (zoned) as it's better in every way (quieter, more efficient, vents are less obtrusive, less air blowing around for the same amount of cooling, better resale value on your home, etc). You'll never regret it.

    But it is more expensive, around $5000 for the house inc installation.

  • Pumpkin_rrr on 31/05/2020 - 09:20

    Looks like you've got the answer.
    Id just like to share my thoughts: if any of the AC upstairs are to have the outdoor unit in the balcony, pay attention to how the Technician is going to wire and position it. It is going to be permanent and you might regret it, and it's costly to re-wire.
    Balconies are not big so try not to have it on the floor, or obstructing the flow. We have ours near the ceiling after we saw most houses in Japan are done this way.
    Enjoy!

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