Air Conditioning FAQ
We have put together a list of FAQ (frequently asked questions) about Air Conditioning. If your question isn’t answered here, please call us on 3394 0222 or complete our enquiry form.
Though the lifespan can vary based on a range of factors, a system from a reputable brand (such as Daikin or Mitsubishi Electric) will last longer if it is well maintained; these systems are brilliant, and ongoing servicing is the key to a longer-lasting system. In such cases, you can expect your air conditioner to last between 10-15 years.
Most people find that a year-round temperature of 23 degrees is acceptable. This is the temperature at which most air conditioners run to the peak efficiency.
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.
Tri-tech air conditioning are licensed to remove refrigerant and will dispose of your old air conditioner in an approved manner when replacing it with a new one.
This depends entirely on the system. We can provide you with relevant information when a decision is reached about which systems are most suitable for you.
In order to maintain optimal performance, your split system should be serviced annually. While this may seem excessive, split systems need to be checked for blockages and cleanliness to reduce the likelihood of breakdown or transfer of bacteria.
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.
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.
- 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.
Use our Air Conditioner sizing tool.
Room and Air Conditioner Sizing Guide
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.
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.
