Choosing an Energy-Saving Air Conditioner

Purchasing the right air conditioner to suit your needs can be tricky, so it’s essential to choose the best energy-efficient appliance for your space. We have created a video to help with your decision and put together a range of options to consider.

You can pick from a wide variety of appliances on the market. Each type of cooling device has been created to either suit a different climate, construction or capacity:

Split System

Split systems are the most common type of residential air conditioners. They are an appliance split between 2 components: The outdoor unit, which contains the compressor and the condenser, and an indoor element that is mounted on a wall. Their size ranges along with their cooling capacity, so they are suitable for small spaces like bedrooms as well as larger perimeters, such as open-plan living areas.

Evaporative Cooling

Based upon the principle of evaporation, hot and dry outside air is pumped through water-soaked pads. As the air blows through these pads, the water is evaporated and the heat in the air is absorbed, ultimately lowering the air temperature. A fan then pushes the cool air through the ducted system.

One important note to remember is that cooled air inside the home is not recirculated, so a door or window should be left open for this air to escape.

Ducted Systems

The greatest advantage of these units is the extension of their cooling and heating range. By installing a single outdoor unit connected to the indoor component, ducted systems can control the thermal environment of an entire house or office building, while delivering different air temperatures via concealed ducts to designated zones across the premises.

Multi-Split Systems

The name says it all: They are multiple indoor components connected to a single outdoor unit. They allow the user to choose different thermal environments for different areas.

Portable Units

Portable units are self-contained cooling devices that expel the hot air from a single indoor area while delivering refrigerated air to that same space. Although cheaper to purchase and a great option for renters, these appliances may not be as efficient or economical as other available options.

Specifications

Now that you know the most common types of cooling devices available, you must consider the dimensions of your space along with your cooling requirements and installation needs. Before you shop for a new AC, we suggest using an online cooling load calculator to find out how much capacity your dwelling requires.

We also recommend seeking professional advice before you make your purchase to avoid buying an unsuitable appliance.

Technology

Investing in energy efficiency pays off, saving you money on both energy charges and servicing. The Toshiba advanced PWM technology does just that with our state-of-the-art DC Twin-Rotary Compressor.

This technology adjusts the compressor speed revolution between high speed, for fast cooling, and low speed, to maintain room temperature. The accuracy of this application optimises the use of energy for efficient consumption and high capacity, so you can benefit from a powerful yet economical operation.

For more insights on what technology to look for when buying a new air conditioning unit, watch our video.

Now ask yourself: How will you use the new air conditioner?

Do you require the thermal control of large areas or will you use the new unit in small spaces? What climate do you live in? Do you need both cooling and heating?

At the end of the day, how you use your air conditioner is just as relevant as the unit you choose, its size, capacity and the technology that supports it to determine the energy efficiency behind its operation.

A rule of thumb that is applicable to the Australian summer is to pick an air conditioning unit that is reliable for a long day-to-day operation. We suggest turning it on early in the day at a moderate temperature, only lowering the thermostat if the external temperature dramatically increases. This operation ensures your AC works at an efficient, steady rate, keeping your home cool all day.

To make the best decision for you and your family, ask our experts for help.

Call 1300 COOL or find your nearest Toshiba dealer to beat the heat this summer.