Wondering how to choose a heat pump or air conditioner for all year comfort in your home? It’s important to take the time to choose the right heat pump / air conditioning system, so you can heat and cool your home efficiently without those energy bills breaking the bank. 

Purchasing the most suitable heat pump / air conditioning unit for your home can be confusing and with so many models, sizes and features available, the choices can become overwhelming. We’ve put together a handy heat pump / air conditioner buying guide with steps to help you pick the best Fujitsu General solution for your home.

Know your space

When speaking to a heat pump / air conditioning specialist, it’s a good idea to be aware of the features and layout of your home. This includes considering the number and size of your rooms, the direction the building is facing, whether there is insulation, and how you use the different spaces in your home. The specialist can then recommend which heat pump / air conditioning unit is suited to your requirements, including:

  • The size and power of the unit, and

  • The type, whether it’s a split system, multi system or ducted heat pump / air conditioning system.

Why is it important to consider all of these details? Because finding the right unit will save you time and money. Here’s how.

The right size matters when it comes to heating and cooling

Installing the wrong size unit can increase your energy usage. If the unit is too small for the room size it will be working overtime trying to cool the air down, putting pressure on the outside unit. Alternatively, if the unit is too big it will be running shorter cycles and not creating the perfectly comfortable indoor environment you wanted. 

The right features will help you heat and cool your home efficiently

It’s important to also consider your lifestyle, and at what time of the day the heat pump / air conditioner is most likely to be operating. Most heat pump / air conditioning systems feature programmable timers. This makes it easy to schedule specific times when the unit switches on and off. For example, if you are working away from home each day, and any children in the family attend daycare or school, it’s unlikely you will need a heat pump / air conditioner running all day. Therefore, you can set timers so the unit turns on before you wake up in the morning, off once you’ve left the home and on again before you get home in the evening.

Request a heat load assessment

A heat load assessment is an important component of the quoting process that’s conducted by a heat pump / air conditioning specialist. This is to ensure the correct size and type of heat pump / air conditioning system is selected and installed so that you are provided with the most efficient unit for your property type. New residential heat pump / air conditioning standards set clear guidelines for specialists conducting heat load assessments.

Stamp of approval

As you set out to choose the right heat pump / air conditioner, look out for heat pump / air conditioning units that have a consumer-recognised stamp of approval. These acknowledgements let you compare units to make a more informed decision based on industry standards and/or customer reviews. The Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand survey is based on consumer opinions of which brand is most trusted by them. In 2020, Fujitsu General was voted the Most Trusted heat pump brand and was Highly Commended in 2021-,2022, and 2023.

Star ratings

Heat pump / air conditioning units include star ratings for heating and cooling modes. The better the star rating, the more efficiently the unit performs. This is another clear and easy way to compare units to see which system would be the optimal choice based on the needs of your home and your budget. A selection of Fujitsu General’s Lifestyle range of wall mounted units are some of the most energy-efficient heating/cooling systems Fujitsu has designed.

Installation by a professional

In addition to choosing an air conditioner / heat pump to suit your home, it’s important to have it installed by a professional. Having a trained refrigerant and heat pump / air conditioning technician install the system can prevent problems with the installation such as piping being installed incorrectly. If piping isn’t correctly installed there can be a risk of refrigerant leakage. Refrigerant is an odourless gas, therefore it's essential that it be handled by a highly trained technician. On the Fujitsu General website, you can find a list of Fujitsu Accredited Installers where you can request an installation quote simply by entering your postcode.

Feature list

It’s useful to consider the features that any new heat pump / air conditioner will offer, and how you can use these to manage comfort and efficiency. Newer models are more technologically advanced and efficient, with new energy management features such as Human Sensor control, economy mode, and weekly timers. The Lifestyle range is one of Fujitsu General’s most efficient, helping to manage energy consumption while providing year-round comfort and control in the home.

Demo run  

As part of the heat pump installation process, the installer is required to provide a demonstration to show you how to correctly use your new heat pump / air conditioning unit and controller. This will help you understand the optimal temperature settings, how to set up weekly timers to cool or heat the home when required, and how to change reverse cycle units from cooling to heating mode when the seasons change.

The steps above can all help you know what to look for when buying an air conditioner or heat pump, and to find the best solution for your home. Seeking professional advice and being prepared with your requirements can help make the selection and installation process easier, and help you save time and money in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions about Choosing a Heat Pump / Air Conditioner

How do I determine the right size of heat pump / air conditioner for my room?    

The right size of unit can depend on several factors including the size and layout of each space, the ceiling height, insulation and even the number and size of windows. One of the simplest ways to get started is to have a Fujitsu Accredited Installer visit your home and speak with you about the different spaces you’d like to heat and cool. Because Accredited Installers assess spaces every day, they are equipped to recommend the best size and type of unit to suit.

What are the benefits of having a zoned heat pump / air conditioning system?    

If you’re looking to heat and/or cool multiple rooms or spaces in your home, then you might consider having a ducted system installed. This allows you to control the temperature and air flow across different spaces or zones independently, in a way that suits how you use your home. For example, you might like to keep your living room on during the day and have air flow through to the bedroom zones at night. This can help you minimise energy usage and costs without compromising on comfort.

What are the different features available on heat pumps / air conditioners?    

Control options and features can be so important that they’re listed in our five questions to ask before you buy a heat pump / air conditioner. With the right features, you can finely tune how you use your home’s heat pump / air conditioning system. These are some of the most useful features you might learn about: 

  • Auto mode can automatically adjust the operation of the heat pump / air conditioner to maintain a comfortable level. Simply set, forget and enjoy comfortable air.

  • Timers allow you to set operations and schedules to suit your lifestyle, and to optimise energy efficiency. For example, you could set timers for when you leave the house, go to bed, or move to a different zone.

Wi-Fi control allows you to manage your heat pump / air conditioner remotely via your smartphone or tablet. anywAiR® technology by Fujitsu General is compatible with a number of heat pumps/ air conditioners and allows you to control your heat pump / air conditioner from anywhere with a smartphone or tablet.


How do I keep my heat pump / air conditioner operating at its best?    

The right cleaning, servicing and settings can all help you get the best from any heat pump / air conditioning system. You can learn about air conditioning and heat pump tips by exploring our quick guide to heat pump / air conditioner maintenance. Your new system will also come with a user guide with specific recommendations for long-term care and maintenance.

If you have further questions about how to choose a heat pump / air conditioner for your home, simply contact us and our Fujitsu General Assist team will be happy to help.