You know you want access to the refreshing, cool air from an air conditioner, but where should you install the unit? The position of your air conditioner may sound like a minor decision, but it can actually have a significant impact on the system’s energy efficiency, safety and noise levels.
In this guide, we look at why positioning matters for air conditioning in Mandurah and how to find the best location for your new air con.
Does position matter?
Yes, it does. You’ll get more from your air conditioner by planning out where it should be installed. Consider the following factors when deciding where to place your air conditioner.
Energy efficiency – when an outdoor unit is exposed to harsh sunlight or an indoor unit is competing with heat-producing appliances inside your home, your air con will consume more energy. Positioning your air con units can help you keep down energy costs.
Lifestyle – does your household rely on air conditioning a lot throughout the year, or do you only switch it on occasionally? Do you want the whole house to receive cool air, or are you happy with a room or two? Where you choose to install your air conditioner can affect the comfort of the entire household.
Safety – air conditioning units need to be installed in places that don’t pose a safety hazard. For example, installing the outdoor unit above electrical wires may cause an electrical hazard if it begins to drip liquid.
Ease of maintenance – installing your air conditioning unit in a hard to reach place may make it difficult to perform maintenance and repairs later on. Keeping your indoor and outdoor units accessible means you can keep them in good condition without hassle.
Noise – air conditioning units should be installed in places where they won’t vibrate and cause noise pollution. If you live in an apartment building, you should check if the noise from the air conditioner will break any local laws.
Which rooms need air con?
Choosing which rooms need air conditioning depends on your lifestyle and the size and design of your home. Ducted air conditioning systems can cool and heat the entire home through ducts in the ceiling. They are usually controlled centrally where you can create climate zones to make the heating and cooling more energy efficient.
On the other hand, split air conditioning systems provide warm or cool air to individual rooms. The indoor unit is installed on a wall and is connected to an outdoor unit on the other side of the wall. Split systems are more cost-effective if you only want air conditioning in a couple of rooms.
When installing a split system in the bedroom, most people prefer to have the unit to the left or right of the bed, not directly above the bedhead. Air flowing directly on the bed can be uncomfortable while sleeping.
When installing a split system in the living room, try and do so where the air will flow towards where you sit. This will enable you to feel the effects of the air conditioner better when in the living room.
Positioning your air con for maximum efficiency
When an air conditioning installer inspects your house, they will look out for a number of factors that can influence the energy efficiency of your air conditioner. These include:
Available ventilation – the air conditioning unit should have no interruption to airflow. In other words, it shouldn’t be installed behind furniture, doors or any other obstructions.
Sources of heat – ideally you should place your air conditioner away from heat sources such as appliances or windows that receive a lot of sunlight. Placing your indoor unit too close to heat sources can affect the thermostat reading and cause the system to work harder.
Height – the air conditioning unit should be placed high on the wall so that it can distribute cool air more effectively. Make sure that you can still access the unit to clean it and change the air filter when needed.
When choosing where to place the indoor unit, don’t forget to take into account where the external unit will be placed. As the two units need to be connected, the available space for the external unit may affect the placement of the indoor unit.
Where to install the outdoor unit
Consider the following factors for the greatest efficiency when installing your outdoor unit.
Shade – avoid installing your outdoor unit where it will receive a lot of sunlight throughout the day as this can make the system work harder and consume more energy.
Ventilation – your outdoor unit should have plenty of space around it for airflow. Look out for shrubbery that may encroach on the outdoor unit over time.
Vibration – install the outdoor unit on the ground or on a wall where it won’t vibrate and cause noise pollution.
Safety – avoid places where the outdoor unit will be exposed to a corrosive substance. Also make sure you don’t install the outdoor unit above electrical fittings.
Accessibility – your outdoor unit will require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure it continues running efficiently. Therefore, it should be installed in an accessible location, ideally away from any sources of dust.
Where to install the thermostat
An air conditioner’s thermostat helps it regulate the temperature. In split systems, the thermostat is usually located within the indoor unit. For ducted air conditioning systems, the thermostat is usually a separate device that is placed on a wall inside the home.
The positioning of your thermostat can affect the system’s efficiency. Placing the thermostat on a wall that receives a lot of direct sunlight or placing it near an appliance that generates a lot of heat may cause it to have incorrect readings. If the thermostat thinks your home is hotter than it is, it’ll work harder to keep the temperatures down. By placing your thermostat in a shaded area where temperatures don’t fluctuate as much, your system will be more energy efficient.
If you need guidance on air conditioning in Rockingham, Mandurah or Perth, make sure you speak to a professional. By inspecting your home, they’ll be able to advise you on the best place for your air conditioning to maximise its efficiency and keep you comfy all year round.