Free Delivery On Orders Over $180 
Same Day Delivery 
Click & Collect 
Installment Payment 
Store Locations 
eGift Card No Sweat To Keeping Cool
air-con BASICS
BECOME A SAVVIER SHOPPER WITH THIS HANDY GUIDE TO PURCHASING THE RIGHT COOLING SYSTEM.
With a multitude of air-conditioner types in the market, not to mention brands and models, it might be difficult to stay cool-headed about things. Don’t fret; making a cool and informed decision about the right air-conditioner for your home is not that complicated. Generally, you should be looking for something more energy-efficient. The best air-conditioners are highly-efficient multi-split inverters with compact wall-mounted units. Confused?
We break down the jargon for you:
Multi-split inverter systems
Commonly used in residential spaces, multi-split inverter systems are the choice of many homes today. This system comprises indoor and outdoor components. The wall-mounted indoor units are connected to a condenser that is installed outside on a ledge of your apartment. This outdoor condenser regulates the temperature of the units. A multi-split inverter system means you have multiple indoor units connected to a single outdoor condenser. As such, multi-split systems are commonly categorised as 2, 3, 4 and 5. If you need to cool two bedrooms, you will need system 2 and for three bedrooms, system 3, and so on. Depending on your own air-conditioner usage and your home’s layout, you can also consider other unique split systems like 3+1, 3+2, 2+2 or 3+3. For instance, a system 3+1 on the other hand has three wall-mounted units to a single condenser and an additional separate condenser to a single wall-mounted unit in the home. This works better for homes that require a single room to be air-conditioned throughout the day as a single unit operating at full capacity can overwork the entire system and be a burden on your electrical bill. It would be more efficient and cost-saving to simply separate the system. These varying combinations offer flexibility to better suit your living arrangements and lifestyle.
INVERTER VS NON-INVERTER
What’s the main difference? It all lies in the compressor which is the biggest factor in determining the amount of energy being consumed. The compressor of non-inverter airconditioners operates at full capacity as the speed is fixed. An inverter airconditioner’s compressor runs at a variable speed and therefore, does not work at full capacity all the time. It adjusts the power according to the temperature of the room and this contributes to less energy being wasted. Since the compressor of inverter air-conditioners do not run at maximum capacity as compared to non-inverter air-conditioners, the operation is also much quieter.
Portable Air-Conditioner
Other air-conditioning models that homeowners can consider but aren’t that common include floor-standing models. These portable air conditioners can be shifted from room to room but aren’t able to cool a very large space. It is therefore recommended for common bedrooms or the study room rather than the master bedroom or the communal zones. How it dispenses cool air is it draws in warm air, cools it and then distributes cool, clean air into the room.
Casement Air-Conditioner
For those looking for a simple, standalone unit, the window air conditioner makes a sensible choice. With its window-mounted design and lower installation costs as compared to the multi-split inverter system’s installation process, it is ideal for those short on budget.
|
DESIGN |
INSTALLATION |
LEVEL OF NOISE |
COST | |
|
MULTI SPLIT INVERTER SYSTEMS |
The sleek wall-mounted design only takes up wall space. The outdoor condenser will be installed at the airconditioner ledge. |
More complicated because wiring and piping works have to be done to link the various air-conditioners to the condenser. |
Quieter than the other two because its condenser |
Starts from $2,000 onwards inclusive of installation. |
|
CASEMENT UNIT |
The standalone design is mounted along with the windows. |
Easier to install by fitting the single unit |
Much noisier with the |
Starts from $909 |
|
PORTABLE UNIT |
Usually has wheels and can be moved from one area to the other. |
No installation required – just plug and go. |
Not as noisy as the window casement unit. |
Starts from $490. |
4 things to look out for a good air-conditioner
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Look at the tick-rating (from one to five ticks) on an air conditioner. All systems should be\ labelled with a sticker from the National Environment Agency to determine their energy efficiency. Aim to purchase units with five ticks such as Samsung’s 5 Ticks Multi Split Inverter System with Built-In SMART Wi-Fi.
ULTIMATE CONVENIENCE
The average system requires remote system controls, but Samsung’s 5 Ticks Multi Split Inverter System with Built-in SMART Wi-Fi enables you to control it through the SmartThings app on your phone anywhere, anytime.
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Always ask about installation, warranty and maintenance of the system. It definitely gives you peace of mind especially with dedicated services provided by Samsung’s Premium After Care (Same Day) Service.
NOISE LEVEL
It goes without saying, the quieter, the better. With an almost whisper-quiet sound level of 19dB, Samsung’s wall-mounted indoor units offer cooling comfort and a quiet environment.
READ MORE: CITY LIVING MAGAZINE | FOLLOW US: Facebook | SHOP NOW: Gain City
