Are you living in Melbourne? If yes, then you already know the varying climate the city has. Melbourne is one of the most popular cities in the state of Victoria. It is known for its diverse culture and has beautiful landscapes that can take your breath away any day. However, no matter how beautiful the city is, if you are not prepared for the weather conditions here, you won’t be able to live peacefully for very long.
Living in Melbourne, there are many things you can do to make your home comfortable. But the most recommended tool is an Air Conditioner. Without an Air Conditioner, surviving in Melbourne is like fighting a constant battle with weather and the growing health problems due to it. Therefore, getting an air conditioner installation in Melbourne is the most essential thing.
Understanding Melbourne’s Climate
The city of Melbourne experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers here are typically very hot and dry with the temperature often exceeding 30°C. On the other hand, winters are very cool and damp, with the average temperature ranging from 6°C to 14°C. Spring and Autumn seasons are a bit mild, but can still experience fluctuating temperatures.
Types of Air Conditioners
Before we start picking the right Air Conditioner for Melbourne’s climate, it is essential to understand the different types of Air Conditioners that are available in the market. Understanding the types can help you widen your options and make smart decisions based on your home and budget preferences. Given below are the different types of Air Conditioners that you can buy.
- Split Systems: Split System ACs are a two unit system that can offer both cooling and heating features. One unit is placed indoor and is called an evaporator, the other unit is placed outdoor and is called Condenser. Both the units are connected by refrigerant lines.
- Ducted Systems: This type of Air Conditioning solution is considered ideal for the whole house or building. They too offer both cooling and heating features. The ducted system typically works by distributing conditioned air through a network of ducts and vents.
- Window/Portable AC: Probably the lesser of the three, the Window or Portable Air Conditioners are single units that are usually placed in a window. They are considered best for smaller spaces such as apartments and can provide both cooling and heating features.
How to Select an Air Conditioner in Melbourne
There are plenty of things to look for when you buy an Air Conditioner, but for a city like Melbourne, the first thing to consider is the cooling and heating capacity. For a city like Melbourne, you would want to buy an AC system that can effectively cool your home during hot summers and also provide adequate heating during the colder months. Apart from this, other factors to take into account are mentioned below.
Energy Efficiency
Melbourne residents are taking environmental concerns and rising energy costs very seriously. Therefore, you should look for an Air Conditioner with high energy efficiency ratings such as the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) for cooling and the Coefficient of Performance (COP) for heating. The units that have better ratings for these will consume less energy and will reduce your utility bills significantly.
Reverse Cycle Systems
Given the changing weather conditions in Melbourne, getting an Air Conditioner with a reverse cycle system is highly recommended. The AC units equipped with this system come with cooling and heating capabilities in a single AC Unit, making them a highly versatile and cost-effective option throughout the year.
Zoning and Individual Control
Consider getting AC units that come with zoning or individual room control features. This allows you to focus on conditioning only the rooms you are using, which saves a lot of energy and improves comfort too. Ducted systems are considered to be the best Air Conditioning systems for this purpose.
Maintenance and Serviceability
Air conditioner service is a crucial factor to consider when buying an Air Conditioner. Look for AC units that are easy to clean and have readily available replacement parts. This makes it easy for you to clean the AC unit manually, and if anything is broken, you know that you can get the replacement part easily. Avoid going for AC units that are low on sales, because if the demand for them is low, it is less likely that the parent company will keep on making its parts or provide service for very long.
Noise Level
Air Conditioners with higher noise levels can be very irritating and can greatly impact your comfort, especially if you plan to get them installed in bedrooms. Always look for AC units that have low noise levels to avoid disruptions in your life, and also in your neighbour’s life.
Conclusion
Buying just any Air Conditioner is not enough for a city like Melbourne. If your Air Conditioner is not well-equipped to take on the changing climates, it may end up working too hard, increasing the possibilities of wear and tear. This can even decrease the overall lifespan of the Air Conditioner, increase energy bills, and give you trouble when you are least expecting it. So make sure you do the right research before you buy the Air Conditioner and also make sure to get it serviced regularly to avoid unexpected surprises in varying weather conditions in Melbourne.
