If you are replacing an old ducted reverse-cycle air-conditioning system or installing a new one there are several key issues to consider.

One of the most important is the use of zones, as Sharpe Energy Hub’s Air-conditioning Design and Sales Consultant Travis Gilbert explains.

“Zoning has a huge effect on a system’s efficiency and household comfort,” he says. “This is why it is important to get the correct-sized air-conditioner with a zoning design that suits the house and its occupants.”

Zones allow the system to cool or heat only those parts of the house being used. Varying cooling levels can also be applied to individual zones.

“The overall design of a system and the quality of its ducting and installation are crucial,” says Mr Gilbert.

“The actual unit does only half the job and is reliant on well-planned ducting and zoning to run most efficiently.

“We look at the floor plan, room dimensions and use, plus the number of occupants.”

Modern air conditioners have never been more efficient. The best systems can produce 3kW or more of cooling or heating for every kW of electricity used.

Sharpe Energy Hub has found a big demand for the latest range of Mitsubishi Electric reverse-cycle systems. There are a dozen different sizes available.

“Inverter technology has boosted efficiency,” says Mr Gilbert.

Rather than having the whole system switching on and off as temperatures change, inverters allow air-flow fans to run at variable speeds.

“The old technology is like stop-start city driving while the latest is like country driving using cruise control,” says Mr Gilbert.  It’s very important to get the right system installed correctly.

“You soon loose any savings you might hope to have gained with a cheaper system in its more expensive running costs,” says Mr Gilbert. “Quality comes first.”

Sharpe Energy-Hub has the experience and knowledge of 39 years in business to guide you through the selection process.