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Here’s an in-depth guide to choosing your new wall-mounted air conditioning unit. Read on and make the right choice.
Perhaps, there is a specific room or section in your house that you want to be cooled. When this is the case, a wall-mounted air conditioner becomes the ideal option.
These types of through-the-wall aircon are commonly known as split systems. This is because you can easily see the indoor unit attached to the wall which is connected to the outdoor unit via pipes that go through the wall.
However, many people do not realize that a ducted system is also a split system. You just cannot see the indoor unit as it is hidden in the ceiling or floor.
With a ducted split system, the only thing you see are the vents that are piped around your home and the outdoor unit.
Hence it is best not to use the term split system without clarifying if it is a wall-mounted split or a ducted split system.
Read on to learn more about wall-mounted air conditioning systems.
Why Invest in a Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner?
There are various types of air con units in the market. So, why should you invest in a wall-mounted one?
There are many disadvantages to choosing this type of aircon from our home or office, as we will explore now.
Cost-Effective Solution
They provide an economical solution to climate control in a section or room on your property.
This is especially true when comparing their installation costs to a ducted system.
The other reason they are cost-effective is that they are affordable to run. This means that your electricity bill will not go up excessively when the unit is being used.
They Are Aesthetically Appealing
No homeowner wants to aesthetically compromise their homes. Unlike window A/Cs, wall-mounted aircon units are not bulky and are unobtrusive.
The modern models come in a sleek design to match different styles of décor. You do not have to worry about the unit removing access to your window or obstructing natural light.
Additionally, installation from a licensed installer is easy and quick. As compared to installation for a ducted system where installation means a lot of disruption and renovation.
There Is a Lot of Flexibility
There is no one-size-fits-all approach with wall-mounted air con units. They are available in different capacities, sizes, and efficiencies.
As such you can walk into a store and get an almost-customized unit for a section of your home.
Energy consumption should not be a problem as modern systems use features such as inverter technology to help with this.
Also, you can use inbuilt timers to switch the unit off at certain times of the day or night to help reduce power bills, maximizing energy savings.
Wall-Mounted Air Conditioning System Buying Guide
It could be you are replacing a problematic wall-mounted air conditioner, or you are buying your first one.
Some will look up their local wall-mounted split system installer and ask what specials they have going at the time. By seeking a reliable company, you can rely on their warranties.
But before you put all your trust in someone else, it helps to do some prior research.
By reading our simple buying guide you will become familiar with what you should look for in your new wall-mounted aircon system
Consider the Cooling Capacity
If you are looking for an air conditioner to cool the entire house, then this system will not be ideal. It is designed to cool a small section or a single room.
For instance, if you want to cool off five rooms, it will not be possible with a single wall mount.
However, you do have the option of a multi-split system aircon. This unit has one outdoor unit that controls multiple indoor units.
While this option is great if you still only want to control a few rooms or small areas of your home, it does have some drawbacks.
First, as the number of indoor units you require increases, so too does the installation cost as the complexity increases. Also, the efficiency decreases for every indoor unit you add.
Eventually, it becomes more economical to install and run a ducted system instead.
To understand the cooling capacity without consulting an expert, you can check the amount of energy the system provides when operating.
This is usually shown in BTU (British Thermal Units) or KW (Kilowatts). The higher the number the larger the capacity of cooling, or heating for reverse cycle models.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a great help when buying an air conditioner. The largest Energy Efficiency rating saves you the most. If it is too low, you can bet that your utility bills will go up quicker than they should.
Efficiency is indicated using the SEER rating system. Running an AC can be quite expensive particularly in summer. Choosing a higher rating will significantly lower your bills.
Experts also recommend that people use weather stripping to save on energy. It involves sealing the gaps between the wall and the system.
Once this is done, hot air from outside will not enter, and cool air from the AC will not escape. This is important if the area is to be cooled effectively.
Electronic Ionizers
Incoming air could be full of impurities. Pollen and dust are always in the air. It is a risk to those with allergies and respiratory issues.
If it goes into the system with impurities and is not purified, it is a health hazard. This is one reason you should check if your new system has electronic ionizers.
These ionizers will remove such impurities and improve indoor air quality.
Consider The Air Conditioner Size
A wall-mounted air conditioner is attached to a wall. The area needed will depend on the design and the size of the AC.
A technician will measure the space, and if it is a replacement, they will ensure the new system will fit in the place or the old one. It should neither be too big nor too small but should fit nicely.
Installation is a crucial part to ensure that the unit operates optimally. It must be properly installed, and this is best done by a professional.
Consider The Wall Thickness
Before you buy a wall-mounted air conditioning unit, consider the wall where it will be positioned. The thickness determines the appropriate type of installation equipment.
Remember you must purchase and install cooling equipment that meets your requirements and the home design.
Other Features to Consider
Different manufacturers design air conditioners with varying features.
Consider the dehumidifying capabilities, sleep settings, manual or electronic controls. The more features a system has, the most flexible it is.
Also, it is an advantage as it gives you more control of the temperature in specific areas of your home.
The Takeaway
There is a lot to learn about wall-mounted air conditioners. To narrow down your search, remember that they are not ideal for cooling an entire house but just mall areas.
As there are many different makes and models you can easily find one to match the decor of your house. They are also a pocket-friendly solution, especially when you live in an apartment, or you want to cool individual rooms.
Consider the power output to understand the cooling capacity and the Energy Efficiency rating. It tells you how effective the unit is and the energy consumption you will experience.
There are various other features to make life easier and should also be considered. It is paramount that you always decide what you want the unit to do for you.
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