Ultimate Heating and Cooling Guide
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Whether you know little or nothing about reverse cycle air conditioning, or you know quite a lot, you'll find this guide helpful. It provides easy-to-understand explanations of everything you need to help ensure you get the reverse cycle air conditioning system that's right for you.
A reverse cycle air conditioning system can be up to 65% cheaper to run than conventional electric heaters*, saving you money and delivering the ultimate in comfort for you and your family.
* Comparison based on air conditioner operated under Australian Energy Label TestConditions, Actual performance will vary depending on particular model. operating and ambient conditions.
Introducing the air conditioning specialist
Jaicrest is a leader in reverse cycle air conditioning design. Our advanced engineering is focused on bringing climate controlled comfort to places where people live, work, meet and relax.
Reverse cycle air conditioning should not be treated as 'just another appliance'. Its purpose is to deliver superior comfort by controlling the temperature, airflow and air quality in a broad range of environments.
Installing reverse cycle air conditioning also requires specialist knowledge to ensure you get the right advice, and the system that's right for you.
We will ensure you get the right reverse cycle air conditioning system to suit your needs.
The basic principle of reverse cycle air conditioning
Air conditioners can cool or warm your home. In summer, the heat is absorbed from inside your home and exhausted outside leaving your home cooler. In winter, heat is absorbed from the outside air and used to heat your home.
Air conditioners use a refrigeration cycle to transfer heat in or out of the home. Reverse cycle air conditioning is one of the most efficient forms of heating your home using electricity. To make this happen there's an indoor and outdoor unit both of which need to be professionally installed.
The 'ins and outs' of noise levels
It's very important to consider the noise level of a reverse cycle air conditioning unit whether it is inside or outside your home.
The noise level of the outdoor unit should also be considered in urban areas where neighbours live in close proximity, or where the unit is located near an outdoor entertaining area. Also in certain areas, due to local government regulations, outside units must conform to allowable noise levels.
Not all air conditioners are the same. Different split system air conditioners have different noise levels.The indoor unit noise levels of a modern split systemare quiet when operating at low speeds. However,at higher speeds, some are noticeably quieter than others.
Make sure the reverse cycle air conditioning system you choose provides an ultimate comfort level for you and your neighbours.
For your own comfort and peace of mind, it's important that you compare the noise levels of different reverse cycle air conditioning systemsand find out what distance the noise level readings are taken from. However, remember that there are different noise levels at different airflow levels.
The value of professional installation
When buying an air conditioner, it is very important to seek expert advice. We devote the time and effort to ensure you choose the right air conditioner for your individual needs.
We ensure that whatever you select is correctly positioned and professionally installed, so it works efficiently. They'll also show you how to operate the unit so that you enjoy comfort and efficiency from your investment.
Without expert advice and professional installation, your air conditioner may be too small for the job. This means you'll be short on comfort. On the other hand, choosing a model that's too large for your space will increase power bills unnecessarily.
The importance of energy efficiency
Some forms of heating are more efficient than others. The more efficient they are, the lessenergy they use during operation.
Air conditioners are one of the most efficient forms of heating using electricity.
Inverter Technology
Conventional air conditioners operate at a fixed speed delivering a fixed amount of cooling and heating. They try to maintain a set temperature using a 'stop/start' principle. Inverter air conditioners have more advanced technology and operate quite differently. An inverter works like the accelerator of a car, gently increasing or decreasing power. They reach the desired temperature faster, and steadily maintain it without fluctuations. That means uninterrupted comfort and significant savings on running costs.
Split Systems are available in Cooling Only and reverse cycle, plus you can choose from inverter and hybrid split system models.
Hybrid Split System combines technologies from both the inverter and traditional non-inverter systems. Like a non-inverter, the Hybrid Split System operates at its rated capacity and as the room temperature reaches the desired level, the system usesthe intelligence of inverter technology to steadily maintain it without wild fluctuations.
We offer a full range of MEPS compliant split and ducted reverse cycle air conditioning systems. This means they comply with the Minimum Energy Performance Standards stipulated by the government.
Not all air conditioners have the same energy rating. Energy ratings, like the star system, are calculated by taking the amount of energy put out by the air conditioner and dividing it by the amount of energy it takes in. Simply put. this rates the energy efficiency of the reverse cycle air conditioning system.
Make sure you compare the energy levels of different reverse cycle air conditioning systems,but remember there are different energy levels at different heating and cooling outputs. So make sure you speak to us to get a fair comparison.
Efficient operation in extreme conditions
When climatic conditions are extreme is when you need your air conditioner the most. So when it's really cold, you're warm and when it's unbearably hot, you're comfortably cool.
Inverter models are very reliable when temperatures are extreme, An inverter air conditioner should be guaranteed to operate when temperatures soar as high as 46°C (cooling) or fall as low as minus 1aoc (heating). Most inverter air conditioners are guaranteed to operate in these extreme conditions.
Star energy rating
Always look for the star energy rating label on a split system air conditioner. The more stars awarded, the more energy efficient the air conditioner. The higher the air conditioner's rating, the more efficient the unit isduring operation. The efficiency of any unit isfurther improved by ensuring you have the most suitable reverse cycle air conditioning unit for the size of your room or home.
New Star Rating Calculation
As of April 1st 2010,there have been changes to the way energy star ratings are calculated. While the appearance and dimensions of the energy labels are similar, the revised calculation will reduce the number of stars on the label for the same energy consumption. For more information refer to www.energyrating.gov.au.
Purifying the air
Reverse cycle air conditioning not only cools or warms your home, it can also purify the air inside it.
A quality air conditioner would normally have a built in air-purifying filter that traps fine airborne particles (eg. smoke particles). Some air conditioners have air-purifying filters that trap microscopic particles, decompose odours and even absorb and deactivate bacteria and viruses.
Australia has one of the highest rates of asthma in the world, and high levels of seasonal hay fever and other allergies. This makes an air-purifying capability an important consideration when purchasing an air conditioner.
Daikin is the only split system air conditioner authorised by the National Asthma Council Australia to display the Sensitive Choice butterfly symbol.
The Only Split System Air Conditioners
When the National Asthma Council Australia introduced its new Sensitive Choice program to help identify products that are better suited for people who suffer from asthma and allergies, they chose Daikin as the only split system air conditioner authorised to display the Sensitive Choice butterfly symbol.
Advanced Filters
Split System air conditioners have advanced air-purifying filters that may help to reduce some of the triggers that affect asthma and allergy sufferers and help to provide a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.
Double Action
Some Split Systems have been fitted with an air-purifying filter. Most of these split systems are fitted with a more advanced Titanium Apatite Photocatalytic Air-Purifying filter. These filters not only trap microscopic airborne particles, but also decompose odours and adsorb and deactivate bacteria and viruses.There are also mould-proof filters and a mould-proof operation that helps prevent the generation of mould and mould odours inside the unit.
Doubly Sure
To be sure you get the right advice and the split system that's right for your home, talk to Jaicrest Air. This ensures professional installation, all backed up by our 5-year warranty.
Choosing the right system for your home
The type of reverse cycle air conditioning your home requires will depend upon different factors such as the size of the room or your home, its location and your specific needs to name just a few.
Here is a brief outline of the different systems available and where they might be ideally suited.
Split
Split system air conditioners have an outdoor condenser connected to an indoor fan coil unit by small copper pipes and wiring. The indoor unit iseither wall mounted, under ceiling mounted or is a floor standing model. Each has electronic controls and a fan that circulates either warm or cool air. Split systems are ideal for those wanting to air condition one room or area of their home.
Multi-Split
A multi-split system can air condition multiple rooms with the outdoor condenser connecting to multiple fan coil units. Multi-split systems are ideal where there is limited space for a number of outdoor units or insufficient space for ducting. They also allow individual temperature control in each room.
Ducted
With a ducted system, a condenser is installed outside the home. The indoor fan coil is usually located in the ceiling or under the floor with flexible ductwork distributing warm or cool air through vents located in each room of the house. Ducted systems can be designed to operate in two or more zones, so they can be heated or cooled at different times depending on the season.
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Where to position the unit
This can also be an important factor in a reverse cycle air conditioning system operating at optimum efficiency. Here is where to best position each type of unit.
Wall Mounted Unit
Wall mounted reverse cycle air conditioning systems are the most common in Australian homes. They are mounted on the wall and circulate air to heat or cool a room evenly. They should be located so the airflow can reach as much of the room as possible.
Floor-Standing Units
These are positioned on the floor against a wall. To operate efficiently, they need clear space in front of them. So they should not be positioned behind lounge suites or couches that obstruct the airflow. Some units can also be semi-recessed into the wall to make them lessobtrusive.
Flexi Units
These units can be positioned on the wall at floor level or attached to the ceiling. The major benefit of these units is that they are highly practical in homes where wall and floor space is limited.
A comprehensive warranty
When you're looking for an air conditioner, it is advisable to look for a brand that has a comprehensive warranty on parts and labour. Most brands have a 5 year Parts and Labour Warranty on all air conditioners and reverse cycle air conditioning systems purchased and installed in Australia.
In the unlikely event of unit malfunction. Jaicrest has an established service department, including an in house spare parts division and technical support for all technical support for all technical enquiries. ensuring prompt after sales support for all our customers. Jaicrest offers 5 Year Warranty on all installations.
Your checklist
Now that you've read this guide, you should have a basic understanding of all the 'ins and outs' of reverse cycle air conditioning. Everything from the basic principles of reverse cycle air conditioning to the different types of units and systems available, how they work as well as how to gauge their energy efficiency. To help you assess what reverse cycle air conditioning system best meets your needs, there is a checklist included below.
Make Your Own Comparison, Use The Checklist Below:
- Energy Efficiency/MEPS/Star Rating/Low cost to run
- Low interior and external noise levels
- Inverter Technology
- Air Purification
- Reverse cycle air conditioning - heating and cooling
- Operation in extreme conditions
- Professional installation by a qualified technician
- 5 year Warranty on Parts, Labour and Installation
For More Information
If you have any questions or would like more information on any aspect of reverse cycle air conditioning, we are a great place to start.