Summer can be an uncomfortable time of year for many New Zealanders, with high levels of heat and humidity across the country. One of the best ways of escaping the hot weather is to install a heat pump in your home. However, when doing so, there are a number of considerations to factor into your decision to ensure you create a comfortable and cool environment that everyone in your family can enjoy throughout summer. In this Fujitsu General guide, we take you through how to design an air conditioning system for a room in your home.

How to Choose The Right Cooling System for Your Home

When choosing the best home cooling system for your property, there are a number of considerations worth taking into account. Below, we have compiled a list of heat pump characteristics to help you choose the most suitable unit for your home.

Home Size and Room Layouts

The size of your home is the biggest factor in what type of heat pump you install and its operating capacity. The type of system you install may be influenced by the layout of your home. For instance, two-storey homes may not be able to accommodate ducted systems on their lower levels, while open-plan areas may require multi split system heat pumps / air conditioners to achieve a comfortable living environment in summer.

Budget and Energy Efficiency

It is important to set a budget for both purchasing and operating your air conditioning system as part of your research phase. When determining the ongoing costs of each unit, look at the overall energy efficiency as well as any efficient operating modes that could save money. Finally, remember to budget for maintenance and repairs in your planning.

Climate Considerations

The local climate in your area plays a critical part in helping you select the best home cooling system for summer. If you live in a particularly hot or humid area of New Zealand, and your home has many large, west-facing windows, you may want to consider a more powerful air conditioning unit to keep you and your family cool during the summer months.

How to Design an Air Conditioning System For a Room

Once you have chosen the exact heat pump system for your home, you can then start planning where the units will be located. Your local Fujitsu General installer will provide recommendations on where to mount your indoor and outdoor units, taking into account the proximity to an electrical outlet, shade in outdoor areas and potential heat sources indoors. Beyond the placement of the unit, there are a number of other tips you can use to design the best home cooling system for your property in summer.

Remove obstructions that can disrupt airflow

Indoor and outdoor air conditioning units can have their performance severely impacted by obstructions. Bookshelves and other indoor furniture can impact the ability of your heat pump to operate correctly, while vehicles, plants and outdoor settings may block outdoor airflow.

Consider moving furniture and appliances that generate heat

Another issue with indoor and outdoor obstructions is that they may generate, or reflect, heat and cause your heat pump to run inefficiently. Lights, fridges, ovens and gaming consoles all produce considerable heat. Your air conditioner can distribute cool air more efficiently if these items are moved away from the unit.

Use curtains to minimise heat from sunlight

Curtains are a simple, inexpensive and effective way of blocking out heat from the sun in your home. When combined with an air conditioner, they work to ensure your home stays cool even in the hottest periods of scorching summer days.

Maintain and clean air conditioner filters

One of the biggest factors in effective air conditioning performance is the cleanliness of its filters, especially during the summer months. We recommend checking your filters before the extremes of summer and winter. If you live in a very warm or dusty area, replacing the filter before summer is a great yearly maintenance habit to get into.

Reduce heat sources in your home

Heat pumps / air conditioners are at their best in the summer months when they do not have other sources of heat to contend with. From using cooking appliances during the cooler hours of the day to sealing gaps in doors and windows, and installing cooler LED lights in place of traditional bulbs, there are a number of ways you can reduce the strain on your air conditioner during summer.

Cool Your Home This Summer With a Fujitsu General Heat Pump / Air Conditioner

Armed with the knowledge of how to design an air conditioning system for a room in your home, you can now keep your entire family cool and comfortable this summer. Fujitsu General installs and services a wide range of air conditioners that suit various home types. If you are curious about which units will best suit your home, the Fujitsu Assist Tool can help you refine your search. 

For further information about the best home cooling system for your property this summer, please visit the Fujitsu Help Centre or contact us directly.