Choosing the right aircon isn’t just about picking a brand or model. It’s also about getting the best size air conditioner system for your space.
If your AC is too small, it will struggle to cool or heat effectively. Too large, and it’ll cycle on and off inefficiently. And worse, it will waste energy and wear out faster. Either way, you end up with poor performance and higher running costs.
Here’s how to choose the best air conditioner for your Sunshine Coast home, so you stay comfortable year-round without blowing your budget.
Start with Room Size and Ceiling Height
As a general rule, the larger the space, the more cooling or heating power you’ll need. Air conditioners are rated in kilowatts (kW), and the size of the room directly affects the required output.
- A small bedroom (10–15m²) typically needs a 2.5kW unit
- A medium living space (20–30m²) may need 5–6kW
- Open-plan areas (35m²+) often require 7kW or more
Ceiling height also matters. Higher ceilings mean more air to condition. If your home has raked or vaulted ceilings, you may need to seriously consider installing larger sized units.
Pro tip: It’s actually better to size up than use a smaller capacity system because a smaller system will probably need to work at full capacity for longer, which will wear it out sooner.
Consider How the Room is Used
A bedroom that only needs cooling at night doesn’t require the same system as a busy living room used all day. Think about how often you use the space, at what times, and how important precise temperature control is.
Kitchens and west-facing rooms often need a little extra (cooling) grunt due to heat gain from appliances and sun exposure.
If you work from home, you might need efficient climate control during business hours, and not just early mornings or evenings.
Factor in Insulation and Window Exposure
Poorly insulated homes or those with lots of glass need more powerful units to stay cool in summer or warm in winter. North and west-facing windows can drive up internal temperatures quickly.
Look at things like:
- Roof and wall insulation
- Window type (single vs double-glazed)
- External shading (eaves, blinds, tinting)
These all influence how hard your system needs to work — and therefore, what size it should be.
Pro tip: If you’ve been reading my other articles, you’ll know I think it’s crucial to address issues of thermal leakage. Go around your home (or have a handyman or sealing specialist) “gap” open points around windows, floors, doors or wherever they appear.
Don’t Forget the Layout
Is the room open-plan or closed off? Does the air need to travel down hallways or into corners? A large space with multiple zones may need multiple indoor units.
Some people like ducted systems but it’s worth considering that there is a lot of energy wasted pushing air through pipes that are not actually in the room (they’re subfloor or in the ceiling). If you ask me, I’m a die-hard reverse-cycle guy!
Wall-mounted split systems work best in single, defined spaces. If you’re trying to cool multiple rooms, talk to your installer (ummm… us at SWIFT Solar, of course 😉 ) about zoning or adding a second unit.
Placement also matters. If you install your units too high or in the wrong corner, it’s possible that airflow won’t reach key parts of the room.
When in Doubt, Get Expert Advice
There’s a lot more to choose the right air con than most people realise. It is easy to get it wrong if you’re only relying on Google or a retail salesperson.
A licensed installer (like us at SWIFT Solar and Electrical on 0422 251 734) can assess your space and recommend the right capacity, placement, and brand based on your home’s layout, insulation, and lifestyle.
When you get the size and setup right from day one, you can look forward to better comfort, longer equipment life, and lower running costs.
Need a hand figuring out what system suits your Sunshine Coast home? SWIFT Solar & Electrical offers expert advice and installations tailored to your space. No guesswork — just year-round comfort. 0422 251 734.
