Tag: cooling

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RENO ADDICT Shopping

How to choose the right air conditioner for your home

With summer well and truly upon us, Australians are searching for the one… and by the one, of course we are referring to the perfect air conditioner!

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For those who are looking to guarantee this summer’s forecast as sunny with 100% chance of being cool, The Good Guys appliance experts have pulled together a fail-safe way to help you choose the right air conditioner for you…

Types of air-conditioning:

If you’re looking to keep all rooms of the house cool at once a split system is the way to go. These air conditioners are made up of two parts, with one part attached to the internal wall of your home and the other sitting on the outside to exhaust heat out. These usually cost less to install and provide flexibility as you can choose separate units for each room of the house

A reverse system refers to air conditioners that provide both cooling and heating functions, coming in very handy during the cold winter months

Air conditioners with inverters are your kind of cooling system if minimal noise is important to you – these are often the quietest. They can also vary the temperature of the air they produce, rather than stopping and starting, as well as being cheaper to run and helping you achieve your desired room temperature more quickly – although they can be slightly more expensive

Multi-split air conditioners connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor condenser, meaning there is usually less work involved in installing them, but a single control station operates the whole system, so individual room temperatures aren’t possible

How big should you go?

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When buying air conditioners, a big consideration is how powerful the device needs to be to adequately cool your home, keeping you comfortable throughout the warmest of summer nights. Air conditioner capacity is rated by British Thermal Unit (BTU) and power output in kilowatts. Buying the right size unit is very important as air conditioners that are too big will use more energy, while under-sized ones will not cool the room sufficiently – so think about the size of your room first.

For a living room measuring 30 square metres approximately 3.75kW will be needed and around 125 watts per square metre, allowing a constant level of comfort for you to entertain your friends

For a bedroom, as a rough guide, 80 watts of power per square metre should be enough to keep the room cool enough to allow you and your family to fall peacefully to sleep

Bells and whistles:

Now that you have made the decision to buy an air conditioner, you can’t go past a few extra bells and whistles that will shoot you to the top of the cool list this summer. Even though some features tend to be more expensive, here is a list of common extras that are worth taking a look at:

  • Remote control
  • Timer
  • Sleep timer
  • Dehumidifier
  • Reverse cycle for heating
  • Slide-out chassis for easier installation
  • Mosquito traps
  • Air filter to remove odours, smoke and germs

For more information.

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Interiors Addict

Ceiling fans: what you need to know!

Sponsored by Beacon Lighting

Ceiling fans: they’ve not always had  reputation for being the coolest design statement. They’re sometimes the first thing renovators look to rip out during a renovation. But did you know ceiling fan design has come a really long way? We have been really surprised by some of the options on the market now. So, the first thing you need to know is that ceiling fans have become cool (pardon the pun) again!

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Today’s designer ceiling fans (Beacon Lighting have an excellent range) are also super energy and cost efficient with most using only as much power as a 60 watt light globe and costing as little as 2 cents per hour to run. It’s not a case of either/or with air con either. On a hot summer’s day, a ceiling fan working alongside an air conditioner reduces your running costs by up to 40%.

I bet you never knew they were useful in winter too? A ceiling fan with reverse mode circulates warm air downwards, lowering heating costs by up to 10%.

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The latest ceiling fans are also much much quieter, making them ideal living, bedroom and kitchen areas. Add a remote control to make them even easier and more convenient.

There are so many options these days. As well as being infinitely better looking (we’re a fan of the timber ceiling fans in particular) and with designs to suit every interior, they also come with and without lights. So, for example, if you have spotlights, you could choose a simple fan without an integrated light.

Some fans are suitable for indoors, some outdoor and some for both. Visit Beacon Lighting to check out their wide variety of options. Buy online with free delivery on orders over $100.

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Appliances

Ceiling fans that are both functional and beautiful!

It’s safe to say you install a fan in your home for its functionality, not its beauty! Because more often than not fans are just plain old ugly! However, the new range of fans from Beacon Lighting are a whole lot prettier than we are used to.

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With a variety of options available, there’s the swirl of cool white or timber evoking the feeling of a relaxed tropical paradise; the cutting edge aerodynamic design, which is bound to create a highpoint of conversation; and the discreet and innovative Fanaway retractable blade ceiling fan.

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Functionality has not been forgotten either, with the fans helping to reduce energy costs in the warmer months and also throughout winter when switched to reverse mode. Selected new season fans such as the Airfusion range are particularly energy-efficient, costing less than 3c per hour to run, while fans with DC technology cost less than 1c!

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Beacon Lighting’s latest range includes indoor fans, alfresco fans and coastal fans. Check them out online.

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Appliances

How to choose an air con system

With the summer heat well and truly upon us, now’s a better time than ever to consider investing in good quality air-con and dispose of the old fan that’s only blowing the heat around in circles. Below, The Good Guys appliance expert offers valuable advice to help you find the perfect air con to beat the heat this summer, and fit within your budget and needs.

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1. Step one is selecting the size. Consider how large your home is and therefore how much power you need from your air con. An air conditioner that is too large will use more energy than necessary, whilst one that is too small will not cool the home efficiently. As a rough guide, 80 watts of power per square metre is enough for a bedroom, whilst living rooms may require around 125 watts per square metre. In other words, the larger the living space, the larger the air-con power needs to be.

2. The next decision that needs to be made is what type of air conditioner you would like:

  • Split system: One part of the air conditioner is inside the home whilst the other sits outside the home to exhaust heat out. They are low-cost to install and can be installed in several rooms which provides flexibility.
  • Reverse system: A reverse system air conditioner can provide a heating and cooling function, and therefore are also useful during winter.
  • Inverter system: These air conditioners can vary the temperature of the air they produce, as opposed to stopping and starting. Therefore, they are quieter and cheaper to run – however they are more expensive.
  • Multi systems: Multi-split air conditioners connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor condenser, and therefore require less ductwork. However, a single control operates the whole system, so individual room temperatures are not possible.

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3. It is also important to consider what features or extra functions you require. Common extras available include remote control, timer, dehumidifier, reverse cycle for heating, slide-out chassis, mosquito traps and air filters. Understandably, the more extras, the more expensive the air conditioner will be.

4. Another concept to consider is the energy efficiency. Air conditioners are rated on a scale of one to ten, with ten being the most energy-efficient. Heating and cooling will have two separate ratings.

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5. The last step is deciding on an installer. Air conditioners often include manufacturer’s warranties, so to ensure you’re covered under the warranty if something goes wrong, professional installation is mandatory.

Visit The Good Guys’ website for more information.

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Bedrooms Expert Tips

Keep cool in a stylish and cost-efficient way with Luxaflex

Sponsored by Luxaflex Window Fashions

This year, October and November were very warm – summer is definitely coming earlier each year. And whilst I’m not complaining, it does mean increased energy bills! Who else feels feel guilty every time they switch on the air conditioning? I asked Luxaflex Window Fashions, the leading blind manufacturer in Australia, for some advice on a more affordable solution than blasting cold air around the house.

Luxaflex Duette Architella Shades All Applications

The Luxaflex Duette Shades range provides increasing levels of energy efficiency, keeping you comfortably cool in summer, and warm in winter. It’s recognised as one of the most energy-efficient window coverings on the Australian market, featuring a unique honeycomb structure that creates cells which trap air and act as a natural insulation barrier for windows.

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Luxaflex Duette Architella Shades feature a patented ‘cell-within-a-cell’ structure. Taking it a step further, the revolutionary Duette Architella Ménage Shades feature an additional inner cell, elevating the insulation properties even more by way of the cell-within-a-cell-within-a-cell design, effectively delivering a triple honeycomb construction with six layers of fabric and five insulating air pockets. These distinct air pockets have the ability to reduce the heat transfer through a window and reduce the average home’s heating costs by up to 49%i.

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There’s an array of colours and fabrics available, from the everyday contemporary living range to the exclusive Designer Series range. The Duette Architella Ménage fabric provides a soft yet structured appearance in a range of three neutral tones. With 16 colours, The Duette Architella Elan Fabric range is a refined shimmering and luminous fabric with a linen texture. Alternatively,the translucent Verve Fabric offers an urban chic and eco-friendly quality to the home and is available in a palette of four colours: Gingersnap, Daisy White, Linen and Desert Sands.

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But the latest introduction to the Designer series is a stunning collection of 20 new colours, in four fabric ranges, which combine a sleek and contemporary design. The new fabrics, which include India Silk, Myst, Sheer Opalessence and Sheer, showcase intense hues and create a futuristic appearance, sure to make a strong statement on any window.

With so many choices available, The Luxaflex Duette Shades range is an excellent choice for energy-efficient window furnishings. Environmentally friendly without compromising on aesthetics, they should be at the top of your wish list for Christmas this year.

i Savings are based on the installation of fully recessed, reveal-mounted DUETTE Architella Ménage38mm Opaque Shades in an average home in Sydney, compared with the House Energy Rating standard of Holland Blinds from AccuRate in that home. These calculations have been modelled by an independent third party and savings will vary based on window type and installation.

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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.