The ultimate guide to selecting the right reverse cycle air conditioning

So, you have decided that the best form of air conditioning for your home is a ducted reverse cycle system? Now what? The choice and range can be overwhelming.

With so many systems and features in the market, we have brought together a few important things for you to consider before purchasing a reverse ducted air conditioning Sydney.

What does ‘reverse cycle’ mean?

Reverse cycle works on the basis that it pumps air from the outside into the inside. Using this principle, below is how a reverse cycle air conditioner works:

• Hot air is drawn over a cold liquid called “refrigerant” through a fan.
• The refrigerant warmed from the hot air evaporates and creates a high pressure, high temperature gas & flows into a compressor.
• Allowing the heat to escape and the refrigerant to cool and liquefy again, the gas is then pumped through a heat exchanger outside your home.
• Lowering the pressure, and cooling it further so that it can absorb the heat again, the refrigerant flows through an expansion device to cool the heat which is absorbed from the air. The air is then passed into your home.
• It can reverse this process and can be used for both cooling and heating when it comes to reverse cycle air conditioners.

How does reverse cycle work?

Reverse cycle air conditioner provides 100% optimum efficiency. Instead of generating heat inside, the air conditioning makes use of heat from outside. The refrigerant extracts heat from outside by an external coil. Through a compressor or ‘condenser’, this air is then pumped in a fan coil. All the heat is then released inside the room.

Reverse cycle ducted air conditioning can have 3 or more units, potentially saving families on electricity and purchasing different unit in different seasons. Your running or operational costs can reduce by almost 40% in comparison to other units.

Things to note about reverse cycle air conditioning units

• There is an option of both heating and cooling in this machine.
• Reverse cycle air conditioner units tends to be on the cooler and therefore you can touch it whilst it is operating, making it a safe option for families.
• Fewer risks with fire as there is no risk of any kind of exposed elements.
• You can enjoy on the cost savings as the life of the conditioner is about 20 years on an average.
• It helps with dehumidifying the air. It is ideal for people living in very high humidity zones.
• They also come as portable units. The benefit here is that you can move these anywhere.

Features to consider when purchasing reverse cycle air conditioning

Zones: This may be worthy to consider if you have a large home. Zoning allows you to turn on the air conditioning for parts of the house which you want to cool or heat rather than the whole house. This division into zones supports convenience and economy.

Vents: You will require vents for the air to be released into the home. These come in a variety of designs and can be installed within the ceiling or walls. For homes with small ceiling spaces, slim line vents are also available.

Controls: There are two types – Hard wired and wall mounted. In a large house you might choose to mount extra controllers throughout your home for added convenience. Make sure you look carefully at the specifications once your quote comes through as features will vary from controller to controller!

Sensors: To keep the room at the set temperature these are set by the controller. Multiple sensors might be required with large, open-plan areas to control the temperatures automatically .

The Running cost of a reverse cycle system

The running costs of your ducted reverse cycle air conditioning system depends on:

• The size and the type of your system.
• Energy efficiency of your system.
• The duration you are operating the system for
• Construction of your home.
• Electricity tariff you are on
• You are basically installinThe temperature set on the thermostat. Always set the temperature to 25 degrees in summer and 20 degrees in winter as the best practice.g three separate air handlers for three separate rooms in a tri-zone configuration using ductless mini-split.

Preparing your home for ducted reverse cycle air conditioning

It is important to ensure all current fixtures and environment is set up before you order your air conditioner. This is to ensure it performs efficiently and economically. Key things to ensure is that your house is properly insulated and draught-proof before installing your perfect air conditioning unit.