Hi, planning on getting an AC for my living room. Size: 5.8 x 5.5 m.
I don't care much for it being Wi-Fi compatible.
What capacity should I look for?
Any suggestions on an AC?
Thanks
Looking for Suggestions for Buying an Air Conditioner
morediscount on 01/11/2022 - 12:47
Last edited 01/11/2022 - 15:38 by 1 other user
Last edited 01/11/2022 - 15:38 by 1 other user
Comments
Not all brands are on the same field actually. Some brands do not have as much support once you buy the unit, in case things break and you need parts or a technitian.
Personally I have heard good things about Fujitsu and Mitsubishi electric, have had good experience with my Fujitsu unit now for about 8 years.
Highly suggest to find a reputable installer (preferably two), get a quote and they'll specify the right AC capacity. I say two, since I've had an average experience with a 4.8 google rated company (quite well known) vs a 4.8 google rated smaller business which provided an exceptional service.
Size/capacity will depend on your room build e.g bricks/concrete all round, are you in the top floor, do you have a colourbond roof, orientation to sun etc. From my experience, with double brick walls and non-insulated ceiling you're looking at a 3-4kw system.
In terms of brand, I have the entry level Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Daikin. Both have pros and very minor cons (personal preferences). I would choose either if I needed to install another AC unit.
are you sure about the 3-4 ? one electrician told me I would need 7kw
It really depends on the floor plan and room layout. I read your comment below that the hall way is open and west facing windows, 7kw would not be out of the question. As mentioned, get a few quotes from reputable installers/dealers.
I just had a reverse cycle air conditioner installed in Melbourne. We went for a Daikon.
My suggestion is get a few quotes and find out what the installers think. Look at what unit they recommend, where the external unit will be installed, how the tubing will be run and how it will be concealed.
They tend to recommend the one they are most familiar with and make the most money on.
Interesting. My other half did quite a bit of background research on what were the most efficient air conditioning units, what had the best reputations for longevity, etc and the guys who quoted for air con agreed pretty much with his list. My other half has a degree in electrical engineering.
Be prepared to pay for the install more than what you paid for the actual AC
yaa I've seen that..it sucks
7kw will be overkill but it is definitely recommended to have the next size up (recommended size 5kw). Mitsubishi or Daiken are generally better-quality units.
I spoke to one Electrician ..he suggested to go for a 7kw and Mitsubishi industries
Yep, excellent aircon. Don't go smaller. I literally made that mistake when I installed my first aircon at my place. Generally, you won't run it all the time only when it's hot or cold and you need that performance to work quickly otherwise it takes hours to get a result. Not ideal.
The trouble with the bigger units is they can't ramp down as far and may cycle on and off which will kill the efficiency.
What do you suggest then ?
5kw should be plenty unless you have poor insulation or lots of windows (especially west facing). If you can open the room to other areas of the house then the bigger one would be ok.
@JIMB0: its for the living room, so yes there is a big glass door facing the backyard and I think it's west.
Also there is the kitchen window. and the hallway is open.
for that room size 4-5kw
Used to install split A/C's for a living.Without seeing your room, as a rough guide, If your room is well insulated, doesn't get too much sun, isnt open everywhere to other areas I would suggest a 5kw.
I am not going to get into a brand arguement, but our preference was Fujitsu and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries with Panasonic a distant 3rd.
You don't need 7kw, I have 7kw for open plan living area much bigger than yours and it is plenty of cooling. With bigger one efficiency gonna drop.
it makes the room cool.
i.e if your room has a door so that air won't escape, no heat source in the room, preferably keep a fan on so that it cools the room faster. curtains to prevent direct sun heat from entering the room.
I am not an expert to guide you on BTU capacity, so use the standard guidelines available online, better to go on a higher side so that your compressor is not overloaded for a longer period of time and cools faster.
Prefer to have AC with a timer so that once you go to bed and sleep it should be switched off on its own.
Also, look out for inverter technology with a heating function to warm up your room in winter.
all brands are good but prefer to go for the standard big brand since the installation cost will be almost the cost of new AC so buying an unknown brand is a chance of ifs and buts.