Air Con FAQs

What are the main types of air conditioners?

The most common air conditioning systems are:

• wall mounted split systems, which have an indoor unit and an outdoor compressor; and
• ducted split systems, which have a central unit located in the ceiling space, an outdoor compressor and air condition the house through multiple ceiling ducts

Other systems for heating and cooling your home include:

• evaporative cooling systems, which have a cooling system on your roof which filters and cools hot air that passes through the system. A fan then blows the cool air throughout your home through ducts and hot air is forced out through open windows and doors.
• hydronic boiler heating systems, which heats water pumped from an on-site boiler (generally heated by gas or LPG) and moves it through sealed pipes to radiators throughout the home, which warm up a room by providing radiant heat.
• steam boiler heating systems, operate using the same principles as hydronic heating systems, using steam instead of hot water to heat the radiators.

 What is a split system air conditioning system?

Split system describes any air conditioning system where the compressor unit (outside) and the fan coil unit (inside) are separated. 

What is a reverse cycle split system?

Reverse cycle air conditioners have a refrigeration cycle to cool air that is being drawn in from the outside, and a reverse cycle to heat.

What is an Inverter split system?

Inverter air conditioners have a variable speed motor, which automatically varies the speed of the compressor. It continuously regulates the temperature, by running the motor at full speed when cooling demand is high and at a slower speed when cooling demand is lower. Inverter air conditioners can often be more energy efficient, more economical and less noisy. 

What is a multi split system?

Multi system air conditioning run multiple internal units using only one outside compressor unit. 

How do I choose the size of my wall mounted split system unit?

This is an important decision. A system too big for the space will result in increased power consumption and wear and tear on your unit. A system too small will have to work too hard, increasing power bills, and won’t provide adequate heating / cooling. An air conditioning system that is properly sized will having a longer life and be more energy efficient and economical.

An air conditioning installation technician should be able to recommend the size appropriate for the room you want air conditioned in your home. The technician will take into account factors such as room size, the number of windows, exposure to western sun, the level of insulation in walls or ceiling and the building materials used in construction. 

Energy rating labels

The labels carry a star rating from 1 to 6 stars – the more stars the more efficient the unit and the lower its running costs will be. Cooling efficiency is indicated by blue stars, and heating efficiency is indicated by red stars. Super-efficient models can potentially have a rating of 7 to 10 stars.

What does “back to back” Installation mean?

Back to back installation of a split system means that the indoor unit is placed on the same wall as the outdoor unit reducing the amount of pipe run required to connect the two units.

Why should I service my air conditioner?

Regular servicing keeps air conditioners running as their optimal efficiency and extends the life of the units significantly.

How often should I service my air conditioner?

In a home, one service per year is generally sufficient (depending on the amount of use). In commercial environments, units should be serviced at least twice per year.

What is the ARC Tick?

The Australian Refrigeration Council is responsible for administering refrigerant handling licences and refrigeration trading authorisations to air conditioning installation companies on behalf of the Federal Government. The ARC also conducts compliance and communications activities.