Why the position of your air conditioning matters

Staying cool in summer is essential in the Australian climate. At the hottest times of the year, it can be difficult to keep a lid on the cost of cooling your home. There are lots of ways to make your air conditioner work more efficiently, and that will mean more manageable energy bills for you. Positioning your new or replacement air conditioner correctly is an important step in achieving energy-efficiency.

Which room?

Work out which rooms you want the air conditioner to cool. Do you want it to cool the main living area or do you want to try and cool the whole house? Much will depend on the size and capacity of your air conditioning unit, but you may be able to position it centrally between two areas you’d like cooled.

Airflow

Each air conditioning unit has specific requirements for the amount of airflow it needs. A qualified technician, using the product specifications, will be able to advise you on the most energy-efficient positioning. They will take into account things such as where the windows are located, what kind of ventilation is available, and whether there are any heat-generating appliances close by.

Be aware, however, that the best position in a technical sense may not be the best position from an aesthetic or symmetrical point of view. You’ll have to use your best judgment to make sure the air conditioning unit works with your décor.

External unit

Make sure you place the external component of your air conditioner out of direct sun where possible. Exposure to hours of the harsh Australian sun will mean your unit will have to work much harder to combat its own internal temperature in order to cool your house.

Also, place the external unit where it will be least exposed to debris or dust. A nearby tree that sheds pods or leaves, or a dusty driveway underneath it, may make your air conditioner more susceptible to getting dirty or blocked, leading to poor function.

As well as risking becoming dirty, positioning outdoor units on the ground may obstruct access for maintenance or repairs. Think about wall or roof brackets instead.

Noise

A unit that creates noise inside and outside the house, can be an issue when it comes to air conditioners. It can affect your sleep, your concentration or your mood, so consider the features and benefits of different brands, such as the quiet modes based on the area for which you are buying the system.

A noisy air conditioning unit can affect your relationship with your neighbours. Check local council requirements to make sure you comply with any regulations that address noise levels in your neighbourhood.