Tag: air conditioner

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Get the most out of your air conditioner this winter

Once installed, knowing how to use your air conditioner correctly will help maximise indoor comfort and minimise energy consumption. Fujitsu General share the top five most common questions customers should ask before buying, and using, a reverse cycle air conditioning system:  

How do air conditioners compare with other heating methods? 
When temperatures drop, all that’s important is creating a warm environment to unwind in. Reverse cycle air conditioning is one of the most energy-efficient ways of heating a room and doubles as a cooling method during summer. While gas and electricity prices vary from state to state, ongoing innovations in technology and features make reverse cycle air conditioning a smart way to create a comfortable environment all-year-round in a single room or the whole house.

What is the ideal temperature to set an air conditioner in winter?
When the temperature outside is freezing, it can be very tempting to raise the air conditioning temperature indoors to heat the home faster. Setting the temperature high doesn’t necessarily warm the room faster and can actually put pressure on the unit by making it work harder for longer to try to achieve the desired temperature. 

In winter, ensure the air conditioner mode is changed to heating, and set the temperature at a recommended 19 degrees celsius, to create a comfortable environment while minimising energy consumption.

What technology do air conditioners use and can they offer smart home connectivity?
Smart technology can make it easy to control an air conditioner using a smartphone, tablet, or using voice command when available. This means indoor comfort can be managed throughout the day, even if you’re home!

How can you compare efficiency between air conditioner models? 
The easiest way to compare efficiencies on wall-mounted split systems is to look at the energy star rating for both heating and cooling modes. The better the star rating, the more energy efficient the system is! 

Blue stars rate cooling efficiency and red stars assess heating.  The new labels provide a seasonal efficiency rating for three distinct climate zones across Australia: HOT, AVERAGE and COLD. The star ratings on the new label reflect how the air conditioner will perform in different climate zones and allows an estimated annual electricity figure to be calculated. They also compare the energy management features and consider which will be more useful and effective in your home. 

What are the best ways to minimise energy usage when running an air conditioner?

  • Clean the filters or replace them regularly: During regular use, filters within the air conditioning unit accumulate dust, which if left uncleaned, can reduce airflow and diminish the performance of the air conditioner. Clean dust from reusable filters with a vacuum cleaner or wash in mild soap and water each month. For disposable filters, replace as required according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  
  • Have the system serviced by a licensed technician
    Fujitsu General recommends a professional service every one to two years, depending on usage, to ensure maximum efficiency.  
  • Utilise in-built timers: Program the system to turn on to heat the room before waking and turn off during sleep. This avoids running the unit all night and day at times where air conditioning is not required. 
  • Only heat the rooms being used: Keep doors and windows closed to avoid heat escaping. For homes with ducted air conditioning use zone control features if available to close vents. 
  • Don’t set the temperature too high: Setting the temperature high doesn’t warm the room faster and puts unnecessary pressure on the system, contributing to an increase in energy use.

For more information

Energy efficiency tips (by appliance and by room) in your home

With World Environment Day coming up this Saturday 5 June, Colin Jones, category expert at Appliances Online, has compiled all his favourite tips and tricks to help you create an…
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Keep your home fresh: how to clean your air conditioner

With arguably the hottest month upon us, there’s no better time to clean your air conditioner filter. This not only removes bacteria and mould buildup, but ensures that your air con is running efficiently. You can’t control air pollutants outside of the home, but cleaning your air conditioner’s filters will ensure that your family starts breathing some cleaner, fresher air.

Mitsubishi have released an easy how-to guide for cleaning your wall mounted split system. On top of cleaning your air conditioning filter once a season, Mitsubishi suggest that you get your air conditioner serviced annually by a licensed professional. 

Open your air conditioner

Gently, but firmly pull up the air inlet panel. Lightly hold the knobs on both sides and lift a little to remove the panel forward.

Tip: If the panels are jammed and a bit difficult to open and close, use gentle force so you don’t damage the unit.

Spot the air filters

Wall mounted reverse cycle systems are fitted with three different types of filters. Locate the light orange allergen filter, the orange deodorising filter, and the two mesh air filters, and gently remove them.

Wall mounted cool only systems are fitted with two different types of filters. Remove the two mesh air filters and the green enzyme filter.

Clean and dry

All you need is a sponge and some warm soapy water to clean out any trapped dirt and grime from your filters. Then simply place them somewhere safe in the sun to dry. Sun drying reactivates their cleaning properties. 

Tip: To avoid damaging the filters, do not clean them use boiling water or drying them over an open flame.

Done and dusted 

Re-installing filters for both reverse cycle or cool only models is stress-free and quick. Hold the filter firmly on both sides and insert securely. 

For more information

Best air con Australia: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries win 3 years running

Sponsored by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia It’s official. Australia has a favourite brand of air conditioner. For the third year running, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners have been recognised by CHOICE…

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Best air con Australia: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries win 3 years running

Real photo of a green armchair, pink couch, gold tables with flowers and wooden rack with plants in botanic living room interior

Sponsored by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia

It’s official. Australia has a favourite brand of air conditioner. For the third year running, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners have been recognised by CHOICE as the best air conditioner brand in Australia and awarded Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers Award for the second year in a row in the air conditioners category.

Built for dependability and energy efficiency, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia (MHIAA) are solid, no fuss units, that have won back-to-back awards for happy customers and reliability.

The respected CHOICE annual recommendation is awarded to products or services that out-perform their competitors in rigorous lab tests, customer satisfaction and reliability over the last 12 months. Overall, MHIAA out-performed all other brands with an overall Best Brand Score of 71%, to be awarded the Best Brand of Air Conditioners in 2020.

Canstar Blue’s annual air-conditioner review rates air-conditioning brands on functionality and features, noise, ease of use, reliability, value for money and overall consumer satisfaction. From a survey of over 1,000 participants, MHIAA was the only brand to receive a five-star rating for overall satisfaction to take out the 2020 Award.

Innovation

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries develop cutting edge technology across the energy, space, aviation, automotive and environment sectors, which extends to their innovative air-conditioners, built for the harsh Australian summer.

Design award

The awards don’t stop at quality and efficiency though. The Avanti PLUS model is as efficient as it is stylish. It won Australia’s highest honour for design and innovation at the 61st annual Good Design Awards in recognition of its outstanding design and innovation.

It’s one of the quietest split systems on the market and incorporates an energy-saving motion sensor and improved automatic mode for even more precise temperature control. It also incorporates MHIAA’s ‘Clean Air Technology’ which captures and neutralises fine smoke particles, allergens, odours bacteria and viruses.

5 reasons to choose a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries air conditioner

  1. Named by CHOICE® as best air conditioner brand three years in a row
  2. Recognised by Canstar blue as having most satisfied customers two years in a row
  3. Highest rating on productreview.com.au achieving 4.7 stars out of 5
  4. Clean air technology
  5. Cheapest running costs.

For more information on MHIAA air conditioners

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Choosing aircon: some things to consider

With temperatures rising well above average this summer, Australians are relying on air conditioning to escape the heat during the day, and to help them sleep at night.

For those thinking of buying a new system to provide relief from the summer heat, it’s important to choose the correct system so your home is cooled efficiently, and continues to deliver indoor comfort for seasons to come.

Kyle Rafter, National Product Manager, Fujitsu General Australia, provides the following buying tips to help find the most efficient and cost-effective air conditioning solution for the home.

Measure up – before speaking to an air conditioning specialist, it’s a good idea to know the number and size of rooms that require cooling; the direction the building is facing and whether there’s insulation.

Request a heat load assessment –A heat load assessment is an important component of the quote process conducted by an air conditioning specialist. This is to ensure the correct size and type of air conditioning system is specified and installed, providing the user with the most efficient solution. New residential air conditioning standards contain clear guidelines for specialists to adhere to these requirements.

Stamp of approval – look for air conditioning units that have a stamp of approval. The Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand and Finder’s retail awards are based on consumer opinions of which brand is most trusted and recommended by them.

Star ratings – A range of air conditioning units include a star rating for heating mode and cooling mode. The better the star rating, the more energy efficient the unit performs.

Demo run – after installation, installers are required to provide a demonstration showing how to correctly use the air conditioning unit and controller. This helps users understand optimal temperature settings, how to set up weekly timers to only cool the home when required, and how to change reverse cycle units from cooling to heating mode at the change of seasons.

Operating an air conditioning unit that is more than 10 years old, can contribute to higher energy usage. Newer models are more technologically advanced and more efficient with new energy management features such as Human Sensor Control, economy mode and weekly timers.

For more information

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Appliances Expert Tips

There’s no need to compromise on style to keep your home cool

As creatures of comfort, our demand for air conditioning has grown and is now valued as a necessary inclusion, rather than a luxury. This demand has driven design changes, so that it’s now possible to be completely comfortable indoors all year round – and in many cases not even notice the air grilles or a neat, compact unit mounted on the wall. Combined with advanced features and sleek, slimline designs, air conditioning has become more stylish and cost-effective to run than ever before!

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But with a variety of air conditioning systems on offer, on a hot day it can be all too tempting to rush out to the nearest shopping centre to buy any type! However, it is best to speak with a licenced air conditioning specialist first for their advice on what system will best suit the needs of your home.

In terms of air conditioning systems there is reverse cycle air conditioning, which provides relief from the heat during summer whilst keeping the home warm and cosy during the cooler months. There are also ducted air conditioning systems, which are an ideal whole-home solution for design-conscious homeowners, having ventilation grilles fixed inconspicuously within ceilings or floors. They also offer more comfort and flexibility, allowing users greater temperature control over different zones. Finally, for apartment dwellers, a wall mounted system is a viable solution. Fixed high on a wall, these are unobtrusive and great for smaller spaces, such as a bedroom or living room.

But if you’re still a little unsure on what system would best suit your home, Fujitsu General have developed a checklist to help homeowners determine the most suitable air conditioning system for their home, as well as general tips to maintain it.

Pre-purchase considerations

  • Only licenced contractors can install air conditioning. An experienced technician should be able to offer advice on which brands have a reliable track record, comprehensive warranties and strong customer support. This also adds peace of mind and flexibility when it comes to scheduling ongoing maintenance.
  • Know the space – a system that’s too big or too small will be costly and inefficient.
  • Online tools such as Fujitsu’s Economatch calculator can help homeowners easily find the right air conditioning system for their home. Simply enter basic details – such as room measurements, insulation and the direction windows face – to find the best match.
  • An air conditioning system can be a long-term solution, if adequately cared for. As such, it’s important not to rush into selecting an air conditioner on a whim. Do due diligence and make sure the solution chosen is right for the job.
  • It’s a huge advantage to select a system that operates with minimal noise, as this lessens the likelihood of upsetting neighbours with unwelcome disruptions. It’s a good idea to check with the local council to ensure the air conditioner complies with the council’s noise regulations.
  • Prevent cool air from escaping by installing or replacing insulation batts, as well as sealing draughts under doors with weather strips and filling in cracks along windows using sealants.

Smart tips for an efficient system

  • Use timers: program the system to turn on at a low-speed before waking and before returning home from work or school. This avoids operation at full power during peak times. Program the system to shut down just before leaving the house or going to sleep.
  • Manage temperature control: the ideal temperature range in summer is 21°C to 23°C. One degree of extra heat increases energy consumption by up to 10 per cent.
  • Only cool the rooms being used: keep doors and windows closed and for homes with ducted air conditioning, use zone control features to close vents.
  • Embrace sensor controls: this functionality can positively reduce energy consumption by switching to energy-saving mode when no activity is detected in the room.
  • Clean or change the air filter and grills: these cavities accumulate dust and debris throughout the year.
  • Like a car, air conditioning operates more efficiently when properly maintained. Book a check-up with a licensed technician every two years to ensure your air conditioner stays healthy over 10 to 15 years.

– Fujitsu General is Australia’s leading supplier of air conditioning products, stocking a wide range of reverse cycle air conditioners to meet the specific needs of every Australian home.