5 Questions you should ask before buying a heating and cooling system

Whether you’re replacing your current heating and cooling system, or purchasing one for the first time, there are a few things you need to be asking.

1. How big is my home? 

Before purchasing a year-round heating and cooling system, you need to consider the size, space and layout of your residence to determine the type of system that will perform the most effectively. One or two split system units will suit apartments, while a multi system is better for small houses where more than two rooms need heating or cooling. If you have a large home and are looking for a whole home comfort solution (and have sufficient ceiling space), a ducted air conditioning system may be the best option for you.

2. What is my lifestyle?

It’s important to think about your lifestyle needs and how household members use the space in your home. These factors will help you decide what types of specific functions you might require. If you are working from home each day, and the kids are at school or daycare, then you should consider buying a system that features a programmable timer. That way you can schedule the unit to turn on before you wake up in the morning, and again before you get home in the evening.

3. Am I renovating my home?

Whether you’re giving your home a fresh new coat of paint, adding a room, or embarking on a full-blown renovation, it’s a good idea to think about your heating and cooling needs from the outset of the project.

Here are some key points to consider:
- Only trained and licensed refrigeration technicians can remove or relocate an existing air conditioner into another room or reposition the outdoor unit, so book in the right experts for the job.
- If you are reusing an existing unit in another room, ensure the capacity of the system is suitable for the new space.
- If the casing of your existing indoor unit has faded, you should never paint or spray paint the casing (even if online research says you can!). A new casing can usually be ordered via the manufacturer.
- If you’re wanting to utilise more smart technology throughout the home, it’s a good time to consider the Wi-Fi options available. Fujitsu General's anywAiR® technology range enables users to control their air conditioner remotely anytime, anywhere by smartphone or tablet.

4. What is my budget?

Installing air conditioning and heating in your home is an investment, so a bit of research goes a long way to ensure you’re able to accommodate your needs. After you’ve found a system that works with your budget, you also need to consider the costs involved with installation. Shop around, speak to an air conditioning specialist and compare quotes to ensure you're getting the best deal.

5. Where am I going to install any outdoor units?

One of the key things to think about is the location of the outdoor part of the unit somewhere that it will not receive too much direct sunlight. It is advised to install the outdoor unit in a safe, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. An ideal place is either a north or a south-facing wall, and the worst place is on either an east or a west-facing wall. It’s a good idea to observe how the sun strikes your house during summer to ascertain which is the best spot. Also, make sure you meet any local council rules and/or regulations; keep in mind the location of your bedrooms, and of course your neighbours; and always refer to the installation manual before choosing the appropriate location.

Source: Realestate.com - Presented by Fujitsu General