From Mitsubishi Electric product manager.

2017 has already given us the hottest July month and September day on record so it’s no surprise reports are advising Australians that they are in for a dry, hot summer.

Mitsubishi Electric, who have been cooling Australian homes for 50 years, are suggesting home owners audit their home cooling systems now to avoid energy bill shock as a result of extensive air conditioning usage.

According to Mitsubishi, older home cooling systems can use outdated technology and the older the system the less likely the unit is to be working efficiently. “As with all technology, air conditioning designs have improved and advanced in the past 10 to 15 years units made as recently as 2002 operate 40% less efficiently than new models,” Mitsubishi Electric national product manager, Atesh Mani (pictured below) said.

The bottom line is if Australians are using older units excessively, their energy bills are likely to substantially higher than they need to be. To further maximise efficiency, homeowners should look to reduce the impact on their air conditioning load, he said. “When deciding which style of air conditioner is right for the home consumers need to consider factors such as aspect, number and size of windows and room exposure to sunlight, otherwise they may find themselves experiencing bill shock.”

Another impact on air-conditioning load is the frequency at which air conditioning filters are cleaned. “Regular maintenance delivers optimal efficiency, reducing impurities that block airflow causing air conditioners to work harder to maintain set temperature,” he added.

With the long, hot summer fast approaching, it’s more important than ever consumers have all the information they need to make informed home cooling decisions. This includes:

  • Explaining system types – Help customers narrow down the search for the most appropriate air conditioning system

Low-cost and easy to install, wall mounted split-system air conditioners are recommended for cooling single spaces such as bedrooms or living rooms, giving flexibility to control the temperature of one room without affecting the rest of the home. This makes them ideal for smaller spaces or couples sharing a bedroom.

Multi-split systems deliver fuss-free cooling for two to eight different rooms. By connecting a number of indoor units to a single outdoor unit, these allow for cooling in a number of spaces and are great option for managing temperatures in rooms where cooling is needed most. These systems are ideal for apartments or homes with multiple bedrooms with limited space for ducting, which saves on running costs without compromising on comfort by only cooling rooms as needed.

A ducted system with its indoor unit located within the ceiling space delivers cool or warm air throughout the home via ductwork for year-round comfort. These systems are recommended for style-conscious consumers looking for a complete cooling system for the entire household that’s visually discreet.

  • Minimising power bills and the carbon footprint

Any expert will tell you that the age-old adage of ‘you get what you pay for’ rings true when it comes to major home appliances. Whilst a technologically advanced, energy efficient air conditioning system is likely to come with a higher price tag than its counterparts, it pays to invest. The lasting benefits of an air conditioning system with a higher energy star rating will result in potential savings on consumer energy bills for years to come, far outweighing the initial cost, as well as being kinder to the environment.

  • Innovative features

Modern air conditioning systems are loaded with innovative features to make them more efficient and cost-effective. Mitsubishi Electric M Series air conditioning systems with Econo-Cool precisely directs airflow towards users, allowing set temperatures to be raised by 2⁰C with no loss in comfort and a 20% gain in energy efficiency. The quick clean design enables removal of the front panel and air flow vents for improved performance, reduced energy consumption and also extends the life of the unit.