So you want to be sure you choose correctly otherwise you might waste your money and be stuck with an unsatisfactory system for many years.

There are plenty of choices available so getting the right system can be quite a challenge. Here are a few tips to help you make your choice.

System Types

Different types of air conditioning systems are available, as follows:

Portable units that are simply wheeled into a room, plugged in and switched on. These are the cheapest and simplest type, requiring no installation. They are suitable for people who rent a small property, such as a studio flat, but they only cool a limited area. Anything bigger will require multiple units that add to the cost and make them less economical.
Split systems are so-called because they have separate internal and external units that are connected and need to be professionally installed. The interior unit is generally wall-mounted but can also be in the form of a ceiling cassette. Since there is only one internal unit providing cool air, the area covered is also limited but generally more than for portable units.
Ducted systems involve the most disruption and the greatest initial cost. However, they are the most comprehensive and cover the largest area because cold air is distributed by fans through ducts to various rooms.

Most systems can be reverse-cycle versions, which means they can deliver hot air as well as cooled air. They can, therefore, double up as central heating systems in addition to air conditioning, particularly for ducted systems.

The Right Size

It’s important you get a system that is right for the area you want to cool because they are available with different capacities. If it’s too small, it won’t be able to achieve the temperature you want, while one that’s too big will waste money on capacity you don’t need. So measure the room areas carefully and be aware that rooms with more windows, especially those that get a lot of sun, will require more cooling.

Controls and Features

All units will have a thermostat so that you can control the temperature. However, some can be operated remotely so you can set the system before you get home, and ducted systems may allow separate temperatures to be set in different zones. Mode settings can include cooling, heating, fan and dehumidifier options while there’s often a sleep mode for quiet operation at night. Be careful, however, that you don’t waste money by paying for features you won’t use.

Help with Choosing

Getting the right system can be a challenge, particularly if you’re not familiar with all the options. We can help you make the right choice so you’ll get the HVAC system installation that’s perfect for your needs.

We have a wide variety of systems on offer and can customise them so they have exactly the right features. We can assess your property, so you get the right size, taking into account any changes you’re likely to make in the future. We have the knowledge and experience to ensure you acquire the best system and, with our comprehensive HVAC maintenance programmes, will ensure it runs reliably and efficiently.