Which Aircon Is Best for the Whole House?

Summer is on our doorstep, and that means one thing – it’s time to stop putting up with being too hot!

If you’re in the market for an air conditioning system to cool down your entire house, you’re in for a decision-making journey. With several options available to you depending on your particular context and needs, this guide will break down the different types of air conditioning systems available, helping you make the best choice for your whole house.

Are you looking for the best air conditioner for a small space such as an apartment, instead of a larger house? Check out our article on the best small-space air conditioners for apartments here.

What are the Different Types of Air Conditioner?

When it comes to cooling down your living space, you’ve got options! Mind you, each comes with its unique set of pros and cons.

To get you started, here’s a rundown of the major types of air conditioner available in Victoria:

Window air conditioners

In the past, window air conditioners were a go-to choice for cooling small rooms. These are compact units that house the compressor, condenser, coils, and evaporator in one unit. Designed to fit into a window, they require minimal installation fuss.

However, these units are generally thought of as being quite unsightly and bulky, as well as being less energy-efficient than alternatives. What’s more, if you’re dealing with multiple rooms, you might want to explore other options, as window units tend to be less efficient overall.

Portable air conditioners

While these units are relatively easy to move, don’t let the “portable” label fool you; they’re not as lightweight as they sound, and can be particularly expensive to run.

Portable air conditioners work by drawing in warm air, cooling it, and returning it to the room. What’s more, there are single and double-hose models available. Single-duct models draw in air from inside, which can create negative pressure, pulling in more warm air from other areas. Double hose models alleviate this issue but tend to be less efficient overall.

While portable air conditioners have a lower initial cost, they can end up costing more in electricity in the long run. Consider them if you move frequently, have a small space to cool, or aren’t allowed to install a permanent exterior unit on your outside wall (such as in heritage-listed apartments).

Evaporative cooling systems

Evaporative cooling is a highly efficient and eco-friendly method of cooling that harnesses the wonderful, natural process of evaporation to lower the temperature of the surrounding air.

These amazing systems function by drawing warm, dry air through water-saturated pads or media within an evaporative cooler unit. As the hot air passes through these wet pads, the water molecules on the surface of the water pads absorb heat from the air, causing the water to evaporate. Interestingly, this phase-change (from liquid to vapour) requires energy, which the system extracts from the surrounding air, cooling it down quite significantly.

Unlike traditional air conditioning systems, evaporative cooling systems installed in your house use significantly less energy and provide fresh, moistened air, making them a cost-effective and very comfortable, friendly cooling solution for your space.

Split and multi-split air conditioners

Split-systems and multi-split systems are very common in modern homes. They consist of two units – one inside unit, and one unit external to the building. Wall-hung split systems can cool or heat single areas, while multi-zone systems can keep multiple parts or rooms of your home cool/warm.

The indoor units of splits and multi-split systems are usually mounted high on walls. These are often the most common image that come to mind when one considers and interior air conditioning system. Although these are smaller than ducted systems, these units are more visible than ductless vents. While they come with a higher upfront cost than window or portable units, they’re more efficient and cost-effective in the long run.

Note that multi-splits, on the other hand, can include several indoor units running off a singular exterior unit. They’re fantastic for heating/cooling larger homes and providing individualised comfort to each space – e.g. if you have several bedrooms to keep comfortable.

Ducted air conditioning

Ducted air conditioning, also known as central air conditioning, can be the most efficient choice for cooling your entire house. These incredible systems involve a large outdoor compressor, an indoor evaporative unit, and ducts that distribute conditioned air through vents to various rooms.

Ducted systems require significant home modifications and come with a higher upfront cost. This makes them largely more suitable for new builds. However, they can be more cost-effective than multiple split systems or window units in the long run, and it is possible to install these in existing builds – it’ll just take some specialist consultation with an expert team like G Store!

Importantly, ducted systems are ideal for maintaining whole-home comfort and are almost invisible inside your living space.

Hydronic heating and cooling

Hydronic heating and cooling systems are some of the most efficient heating/cooling systems available on the market today. These systems circulate water through pipes to control your home’s climate. Importantly, many of these systems are compatible with both heat pumps and solar. However, it’s important to note that hydronic systems generally have a higher upfront cost and require some modifications to your home. They are especially suitable for smaller slab heating installations and homes without gas but with solar PV.

Which of these Air Conditioners is Best for a Larger House?

When you’re dealing with a large house, the options tend to narrow down to two contenders: hydronic heating/cooling and ducted heating/cooling.

While multi-split systems can condition multiple rooms in your house, they tend to be less efficient and more obtrusive (from both an aural and aesthetic perspective) than ducted and hydronic systems.

Our pick? Hydronic systems are by-and-large the best of the bunch. With the ability to be operated by a heat pump, you can be certain your new hydronic heating system will be efficient, quiet, comfortable and promoting long-term savings for you and your household.

Are Hydronic Heating/cooling Systems Expensive to Run?

The cost of running hydronic heating/cooling depends on factors like the size of your system, your solar power capacity, and your heating needs. While hydronic systems may have a higher upfront cost, their efficiency and compatibility with heat pumps and solar power nearly always offsets the initial cost of purchase and installation.

Contact us today on 1300 137 567 to get a quick quote purpose-crafted for your needs.

What if I don’t have the budget for a hydronic system?

That’s no problem at all. All of our customers begin their all-electric journey at different points when it comes to money in the bank.

The most important thing? Get good advice early on, and put a plan in place for achieving the purchase and install of your ideal, best-fit product. We think you’re likely to find that once you take into account the available rebates and incentives, a high-quality air conditioning system is much more achievable than you may have initially thought.

Which Air Conditioner is Best for a Larger House?

When it comes to selecting the best air conditioning system for your whole house, you need to consider a variety of important factors including:

• Your budget
• The size of your home
• How many rooms/zones need cooling
• Your general heating and cooling needs

Whether you opt for a hydronic system, ducted air conditioning, a multi-split system or otherwise, it’s essential to consider both upfront costs and long-term efficiency to make the right choice for both your comfort and convenience.

Wrapping up

Ready to learn more about the best aircon for your larger space?

Visit our Learning Centre to read more, or give our award-winning team a call today on 1300 137 567.

We can’t wait to chat with you.