Is it time to replace your Split System?

As we experience another hot Australian summer, ensuring your home is equipped with an efficient air conditioning system is crucial for comfort and energy savings. If your current air conditioner is aging, making noises, or struggling to maintain consistent temperatures, it might be time for an upgrade.

Air conditioners have evolved significantly in recent years, with modern units offering enhanced energy efficiency. Old, inefficient models can contribute heavily to your energy bills, making an upgrade a financially wise decision.

Considering we spend 90% of our time inside and heating and cooling can contribute up to 40% OF YOUR ANNUAL ENERGY BILL*, having the most up to date, energy efficient air conditioner certainly pays off in the long run. Keeping your indoor air cool, clean and comfortable need not cost you the earth.

When it comes to replacing your air conditioner, you need to consider the return on our initial investment. While it might be a slightly higher initial outlay buying a unit with the latest, cutting-edge technology and excellent energy rating, in the long run it can be more cost effective when you consider the savings you’ll make from it’s energy efficiency. With Australia being well known for its hot summers, having an energy efficient air conditioner will let you enjoy being cool and comfortable indoors with the peace of mind you won’t be hit with a massive cooling bill.

In fact, with a model like the Daikin Alira X, you can enjoy up to a 41% saving on your cooling bill, compared to using another less efficient unit; that adds to up to $896 in savings after ten years. So, let’s break down how to choose the perfect split system unit for your home;

The first step is defining your air conditioner size and capacity needs based on the room you want to use it in. To do this, you can download the Daikin ExplorAir App from the App Store or Google Play, which will allow you to measure your room using augmented reality. To make it easy, Daikin has created the video below that demonstrates how to use ExplorAir to find the right split system for your room.

There’s no denying that having an air conditioner makes life so much more comfortable when you’re battling the harsh Australian climate. Even in the hottest days of summer and the coldest days of winter, having a reliable unit can ensure that you’re comfortable all year round.

Secondly, you’ll need to work out whether you are in the hot, cold or average zone, depending on where in Australia you live. This is easily done by referring to the new Zoned Energy Rating label and matching the state you live in with the zones pictured in the label. With the new Zoned Energy Label scheme, Australia is divided into hot, average and cold climate zones to better reflect the energy performance of appliances. This makes it easier to compare between models and choose the right one for you, depending on where you live. (Have a look at the map below to work out your zone).

Thirdly, find an air conditioner with an excellent energy rating, so you can stay cool and comfortable, breathing cleaner air at a fraction of the cost. The Zoned Energy Rating Label shows the energy performance for 3 distinct climate zones represented by stars. Simply put, the more stars, the more efficient the air conditioner. For the best performance and savings on your energy bill you should choose the model with as many stars as your budget allows in your climate zone. Next to the star ratings is an annualised energy consumption figure which can be used to compare potential yearly costs between models. The Australian Government has created a simple tool you can use by visiting https://www.energyrating.gov.au/calculator to calculate and compare the annual running costs.

• Hot
• Average
• Cool

Daikin Alira X Model FTXM25Y/ RXM25Y
Annual Energy Use - Cooling	405 kWh
Annual Energy Use – Heating	54 kWh
Total Annual Energy Use	459 kWh
Average Tariff NSW	30.2c/kWh
1 year running cost - cooling	$122.31
1 year running cost - heating	$16.31
1 year total running cost	$138.62

Other, less efficient split system units
Annual Energy Use - Cooling	690 kWh
Annual Energy Use – Heating	66 kWh
Total Annual Energy Use	756 kWh
Average Tariff NSW	30.2c/kWh
1 year running cost - cooling	$208.38
1 year running cost - heating	$19.93
1 year total running cost	$228.31

Daikin Alira X Model FTXM25Y/ RXM25Y
Annual Energy Use - Cooling	143 kWh
Annual Energy Use – Heating	345 kWh
Total Annual Energy Use	488 kWh
Average Tariff NSW	34.2c/kWh
1 year running cost - cooling	$43.19
1 year running cost - heating	$104.19
1 year total running cost	$147.38

Other, less efficient split system units
Annual Energy Use - Cooling	241 kWh
Annual Energy Use – Heating	422 kWh
Total Annual Energy Use	663 kWh
Average Tariff NSW	34.2c/kWh
1 year running cost - cooling	$72.78
1 year running cost - heating	$127.44
1 year total running cost	$200.22

Daikin Alira X Model FTXM25Y/ RXM25Y
Annual Energy Use - Cooling	92 kWh
Annual Energy Use – Heating	892 kWh
Total Annual Energy Use	984 kWh
Average Tariff NSW	28.6c/kWh
1 year running cost - cooling	$31.46
1 year running cost - heating	$305.06
1 year total running cost	$336.52

Other, less efficient split system units
Annual Energy Use - Cooling	157 kWh
Annual Energy Use – Heating	1,153 kWh
Total Annual Energy Use	1,310 kWh
Average Tariff NSW	28.6c/kWh
1 year running cost - cooling	$53.69
1 year running cost - heating	$394.33
1 year total running cost	$448.02

Understanding new Zoned Energy Rating Labels
Here’s a handy break down of exactly how to read the latest energy rating labels and what it all means;

Hopefully this article has helped take the guesswork out of choosing the perfect split-system air conditioner to keep you and your family cool and comfortable this summer. You can’t go wrong with the energy efficient range Daikin has to offer. And if your looking for the perfect advice for your home, get in touch with a qualified Daikin Specialist Dealer and get a recommendation on the perfect unit for you.