Frequently Asked Questions About Air Conditioning

What is the difference between a split system and a multi-split system?

A multi-split system is used when a home air conditioning unit is required in more than one room – a bedroom, a study and a family room, for instance – but not the whole house. Multi-split air conditioning systems are not suitable for use throughout an entire house; if that’s your requirement, you need a ducted system.

Multi-split systems are often viable in small commercial applications as well.

Ceiling/floor console and ceiling cassette models are also suitable for some domestic and small office environments.

How can I easily calculate the size of split system I need?

Here is a simple two-step formula you can use:

Calculate the area of the room.
Multiply the area by 150* watts.
For example, if your room is 6m by 5m:

6m x 5m = 30 m2
30 m2 x 150 watts = 4500 watts (4.5Kw)

*It’s also useful for us to know which direction the rooms face. Southerly facing rooms require less cooling in summer but more heating in winter. If the room is facing West, or if it faces North and has large windows, use a factor of 180 watts for your calculation. In our example above, a Westerly facing room would need a 5.4Kw system.

If more than two people regularly occupy the room in daylight hours, add an extra 200 watts for each additional person.

Here’s a helpful hint to keep your running costs down: make sure the external compressor unit is shaded.

What is an inverter air conditioner?

Inverter air conditioners are more economical to operate and quieter to run than conventional units. They can handle wider extremes in temperature, are smoother and more stable in operation and reach the desired temperature more quickly than conventional air conditioners.

How often do I need to change filters?

The standard air clean filter uses static electricity to clean dust and other fine particles such as plant pollen that are too small to see.

Air conditioning filters should be cleaned every three months and ideally they should be cleaned monthly during summer. You should also clean the air vents at the same time. We recommend you make a diary or calendar note at the start of each new year as a reminder.

How do I dispose of an old air conditioner – can I just dump it?

Unless you have already had the refrigerant professionally recovered from the old unit, no, you should not dump it. This is because the refrigerant gas needs to be destroyed in order to prevent it from leaking into the atmosphere and contributing to global warming.

Darrens Aircon are licensed to remove refrigerant and will dispose of your old air conditioner in an approved manner when replacing it with a new one. ** Fees may apply

What is the ideal temperature to set my air conditioner to?

Most people find that a year-round temperature of 23 degrees is acceptable. This is the temperature at which most air conditioners run at their peak efficiency.

How long should I expect my air conditioner to last?

If the unit is the right size for your environment, if you routinely clean the filters and air vents and have the systems serviced , then you should expect ten years or maybe more.