Are Quality Air Conditioners Worth the Price Tag?

Have you found yourself dreading the warmer months as they approach?

As the seasons shift and the weather turns from chilly to sweltering, the importance of air conditioning in our homes becomes clear. However, when it comes to purchasing an air conditioner, the age-old adage of “you get what you pay for” couldn’t be more accurate – and particularly so when it comes to HVAC.

Quality air conditioners are well worth the price tag (even in the current economic conditions). This article aims to shed light on why investing in a high-quality air conditioning or HVAC system is a wise choice for all – both homeowners and business-owners alike.

Let’s start with the basics.

What Sets Quality Air Conditioners Apart from the Rest?

Warranty and longevity of product

One of the most significant differences between quality air conditioning systems and their cheaper counterparts on the Victorian market is both warranty and longevity. Quality air conditioning systems are designed to last, often backed by warranties extending up to 5 or more years as standard. 
This long-term warranty protection ensures that your investment remains safeguarded for an extended period. On the other hand, it’s important to note that cheaper conditioners usually come with shorter warranty periods, and their respective parts and components are usually more prone to early wear and tear, leading to higher maintenance and replacement costs over the lifespan of your system.

Advanced HVAC technology

Quality air conditioning units available in Victoria are equipped with advanced technology that enhances both their overall performance and energy efficiency. Take, for example, Panasonic’s brand-new air conditioners with nanoe™X technology. These systems not only cool and heat your home but also help keep the air inside your home or workplace clean and free of allergens. 
This incredible nanoe™X technology can also deodorise your inside air while inhibiting up to 99% of common viruses and bacteria, significantly improving the quality of the air you breathe inside your space. What’s more, this system will also keep you skin and hair perfectly hydrated!

Protection against malfunction

Quality air conditioning systems are built to exact and very rigorous standards, incorporating robust engineering and design principles to actively protect customers against malfunctions. These systems are far less likely to break down or require frequent repairs compared to cheaper air conditioning models on the market. 
Cheaper air conditioning systems, on the other hand, are generally more susceptible to malfunctions due to poor design and quality of components, leading to high repair costs, the possibility of increased downtime, and – put simply – lots of frustration.

Customer service (ongoing)

When you purchase an air conditioner, you’re not just purchasing the product. So it is that another key aspect of purchasing a quality air conditioner is that it typically comes with better ongoing customer service. 
Reliable HVAC and air conditioning manufacturers with products available in Victoria ensure that customers have access to responsive and efficient support should issues arise post-installation. This healthy and reassuring peace-of-mind and professional assistance can be invaluable when you face challenges with your air conditioning system.

Savings over time

While quality air conditioners might have a higher upfront cost, they offer significant long-term savings. These kinds of systems are energy-efficient, reducing your cooling and heating bills significantly over time. Additionally, they have a longer lifespan, so you won’t need to worry about replacing them as frequently.
What’s more, the higher energy rating of quality air conditioning and HVAC units ensures that your household or workplace will consume less electricity, which can have a substantial impact on your utility bills. With these savings, the initial investment in a quality air conditioner pays off over time.

What are the Consequences of Choosing a Cheap Air Conditioner?

Finding and buying a cheap air conditioning option may seem like a cost-effective choice initially (and particularly so in the current economic conditions in Victoria), but this choice can lead to much higher costs down the line – particularly so if you ignore the warning signs. 
So – what exactly are the downfalls of choosing a cheap HVAC option in Victoria?

• High heating and cooling bills
• Frequent breakdowns
• Comfort problems
• Poor filtering and air quality circulation
• Unsafe operation
• Poor return on investment (ROI)
• Minimal warranty protection

What are the Best Quality Air Conditioners Available?

Several types of air conditioning systems are available in Victoria, each with its unique advantages, characteristics, applications and benefits/drawbacks. Let’s take a look:

Portable air conditioners

Portable air conditioners are units that are quite compact and easy to install, making them a suitable option for cooling single rooms or smaller apartments where they attach to a window via a special insert. They offer flexibility and mobility, but their cooling capacity is limited and they are often very expensive to run.

Window air conditioners

Window air conditioners are generally thought of as being a solution most suitable for cooling single rooms. However, they require a window opening for installation, which is thought of as being aesthetically unpleasing, messy and bulky. They are also less efficient than other air conditioning options.

Reverse-cycle air conditioning units

Reverse-cycle, split-system air conditioners are great HVAC options that are generally quite efficient, affordable and offer both heating and cooling capabilities. 
While they may have a higher upfront cost than portable and window air conditioners, their versatility and performance are often thought to justify the investment. They’re also perfect for keeping your interior clean, minimalist and aesthetically pleasing.

Hydronic heating and cooling

Hydronic heating and cooling systems are high-tech designs that provide efficient, even heating and cooling for larger spaces i.e. those in larger homes or workplaces. They can be “zoned” to control the temperature in different areas of your interior space, offering a heightened level of comfort and energy efficiency over a longer period of time. Hydronic heating/cooling can also be facilitated by a heat pump which means your energy efficiency is even further enhanced.

Ducted heating and cooling systems

Ducted air conditioning systems are incredible. They deliver whole-house heating and cooling via ducts installed within the floors and walls of your home meaning that heating/cooling infrastructure is kept neat, tidy and out-of-sight. 
These systems offer zoning capabilities and energy efficiency but typically require installation during construction or renovation. While retrofitting isn’t impossible, it does come with a number of restrictions based on your specific circumstances.

Evaporative cooling systems

These types of specialist cooling systems use water and evaporative processes to cool hot, dry air. Evaporative cooling is generally most effective in dry climates and may be less effective in humid conditions. These systems also often require more regular maintenance than other types of systems.

How Much Does Quality Air Conditioning Cost?

The cost of air conditioning in Victoria varies based on the type of system and its capacity. For example, portable air conditioners are more affordable, with prices starting at around $300. Window air conditioners range from $500 to around $1,000, model dependent.  
On the other hand, various models of reverse-cycle air conditioner come in various sizes and prices, starting from $1,000 and going up to $5,000 or more. Hydronic heating and cooling systems and ducted systems have higher upfront costs but can provide you with much greater savings over time.
Here are three examples of the value our customers are currently getting, taking into account any eligible rebates and incentives (which we can help you with too!):

Wrapping up

Ready to learn more about the quality, high-efficiency air conditioners and HVAC systems we stock and recommend at G Store?
Visit our Learning Centre today, or give our award-winning G Store HVAC team a call today on 1300 137 567 for free, generous advice regarding all of your questions.

We can’t wait to meet you.