Heating & Cooling
Understanding Heating and Cooling Systems
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems are essential for maintaining indoor temperatures and air quality, but for the average Australian
The cost of heating and cooling takes up 40% of the overall household energy use. Indeed, there are parts of Australia where the climates lead home temperature regulation to take up to 50% of home energy consumption. In Victoria alone, where the winters are notoriously frosty, heating is indispensable, and represents the highest energy cost for many households.
A recent report by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) found that Australia's air conditioner use had tripled since 1 998, with further increases in usage anticipated in the years to come. The key factors behind the increase were deduced to be
- Higher household expectations for thermal comfort,
- air conditioners becoming a standard feature in newly built homes, and
- increased air con affordability, owing to lower manufacturing costs, a trend that’s expected to continue.
In 2021, air conditioner sales reached 1.2 to 1.3 million units for the fifth year in a row, with 1.09 million non-ducted and 178,000 ducted split systems sold, and ducted systems up by 10%. As Australia's population grows by 1.4% annually, and heat pumps replace gas and electric appliances, market growth is expected to soar. Despite the price of new reverse cycle split-system air conditioners, programs like the Energy Savings Scheme and the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program are making efficient heating and cooling more affordable.
The Leaders in Australia’s Heating and Cooling Solutions
Total Electrics and Air Conditioning specialises in a diverse range of air conditioning systems tailored for Melbourne homes ensuring your home remains nice and cool during the hottest summer days.
From ducted reverse-cycle to single split systems, we offer fast, reliable, and efficient services, no matter how erratic Melbourne's weather may get. You can browse our wide range of products here, or speak to one of our many authorised air con specialists by getting in touch with us through the Total Electrics & AC contact us page. If you prefer to do your own legwork, simply plug in all relevant details here to get a free quote using our online installation calculator.
Your Air Conditioning Specialists in Melbourne
Total Electrics and Air Conditioning can handle all your installation needs. With competitive pricing, punctual delivery, and dedicated customer support, we bring years of industry experience, and we also offer a 5-year guarantee on our units. You can read more about our split system air conditioners here, and get in touch with us here.
Types of Heating & Cooling Systems
Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners
Reverse cycle air conditioners — often referred to as split systems or heat pumps- are the most popular model of heating/cooling units. A split system consists of a wall-mounted indoor that offers the convenience of remote control operation, allowing you to turn on the heater without leaving the comfort of the couch, the bed, or wherever you might be as you escape the seasonal stress of the outside world. These systems are ideal for living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, seamlessly blending with home décor due to their sleek and stylish design.
Whether you’re retreating from summer’s searing scorch or winter’s icy bite, a reverse cycle air conditioner provides you with a flexible and economical means to maintain your ideal indoor temperature all year round.
Ducted Air-Conditioning Systems
A ducted heating and cooling system is a fantastic way to have your whole house set to one temperature if that’s what you prefer. A ducted system comprises of one central unit that feeds air through vents in the ceiling, dispersing it into each room.ducted systems are a great way to provide your house with heating and cooling without any unsightly units anywhere in your house. The vents are recessed into the ceiling or floor, so you hardly even know they’re there. A ducted system can also be zoned with products such as “My Air” to be able to shut off heating or cooling to rooms that are not in use.
Evaporative Cooling
Evaporative Cooling Systems are becoming less popular in Australia with the increase of Reverse Cycle Ducted Air-Conditioning units. Evaporative Cooling systems require the whole house to be on together and the flow of outside air coming into the home. These units cant be zoned or used for heating systems.
Gas Heating
Gas heating systems have long been a trusted choice. Whether they’re using natural gas or liquid petroleum gas (LPG), these systems generate warmth quickly and effectively. Gas heating systems are recognized for their efficiency, converting a significant portion of gas energy into heat. These days, Reverse Cycle Split System or Ducted Units are fast replacing unsafe gas ducted units as the more environmentally friendly option.
Please note that you’ll need to ensure proper ventilation and maintenance for gas heating systems to guarantee safety and efficiency, and that regular professional inspections and servicing are essential. The VEU Program provides rebates of up to $5,000 for residential homes to disconnect from gas.
Hydronic Heating
Unlike traditional forced-air systems that distribute hot air through ducts, hydronic heating circulates warm water through pipes in order to heat your home. With pipes or panels installed beneath floors, within walls, or even in ceilings emit a gentle, this system generates a consistent heat, ensuring consistent warmth throughout the room. While the installation cost of hydronic heating may be higher initially, the long-term benefits in comfort, energy savings, and reduced running costs often outweigh the upfront investment.
Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners offer a convenient solution for combating summer’s scorching sting. These compact cooling units are highly mobile, making them suitable for various settings such as homes, offices, and smaller apartments (keep in mind that they work best in smaller spaces). Unlike conventional window or ducted AC units, portable air conditioners require no complex setup. Simply plug them into a standard electrical outlet, attach the provided exhaust hose to a window, and you're ready to cool down. They’re also very versatile; portable AC units can be easily moved from room to room, providing instant cooling wherever needed. For those on a budget, portable air conditioners often present a more affordable option compared to central air systems. They efficiently cool specific areas rather than the entire house, offering a cost-effective cooling solution.
Your Air Conditioning Specialists in Melbourne
Total Electrics and Air Conditioning can handle all your installation needs. With competitive pricing, punctual delivery, and dedicated customer support, we bring years of industry experience, and we also offer a 5-year guarantee on our units. You can read more about our split system air conditioners here, and get in touch with us here.
Air Conditioning Melbourne
At Total Electrics and Air Conditioning, we specialise in a diverse range of air conditioning systems in Melbourne.
With a Total Electrics air conditioner, your home can be turned into a sanctuary from the summer heat at the flick of a switch. With many years of experience, our Melbourne installation service is quick, reliable, and efficient.
Whether you’re opting for single reverse-cycle split-system, multi-head split systems, or a complete ducted air conditioning setup, we can tailor something to your specific needs. If you’re not yet sure what kind of air con set up you require, feel free to hit us up for a quick and easy consultation, and one of our authorised specialists will be most happy to walk you through the best options for you. If you’d rather work it out yourself, do feel welcome to use our free online installation calculator.
Melbourne’s summer heat is challenging to endure at the best of times, and unfortunately, climate scientists project that it’s only going to get worse in the next five years, which means dependable home air conditioning services are more important than ever before. Those sweltering summers can be made a little bearable with a reliable air con unit that can keep your home refreshingly cool, no matter how gruesome the heat gets outside.
So if you’re considering a new temperature control system for your home, speak with our experienced customer service team for recommendations today.
Total Electrics & AC stocks a wide range of air conditioner varieties, including:
- Split System Air Conditioners: Electric systems that offer both heating and refrigerative cooling.
- Multi-Head Split Systems: An air conditioning system that lets control the temperature of several rooms from a single unit.
- Ducted Air Conditioners: An air-conditioning system that uses ductwork under the floor or inside the roof disperse air throughout the house.
- Cassette Air Conditioners: Another type of split system, cassette air conditioners consist of two units: one indoors and one outdoors. The key difference is that the indoor unit is installed in the ceiling.
Your Air Conditioning Specialists in Melbourne
Total Electrics and Air Conditioning can handle all your installation needs. With competitive pricing, punctual delivery, and dedicated customer support, we bring years of industry experience, and we also offer a 5-year guarantee on our units. You can read more about our split system air conditioners here, and get in touch with us here.
How Do Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning Systems Work?
Also known as split-systems or heat pumps, reverse cycle air conditioning systems are electrical units that provide both heating and cooling.
They work by extracting heat from the outside air (which can even be done effectively during the dead of winter) and transferring it indoors. A refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air through an external coil and is then compressed and pumped into an indoor fan coil unit (or 'condenser'), where it releases the heat into the room.
A reverse cycle air conditioning unit is a dual-purpose system that can either heat or cool a room based on your needs. Also known as a "reversible heat pump" or "hot/cold reverse cycle air conditioning," this system is more versatile than conventional air conditioners, which only cool. While it is in "heating" mode, it uses a small amount of electricity to draw warmth from the outside air, even in cold weather, and transfer it indoors to heat one or more rooms. While it is in "cooling" mode, it extracts heat from inside the home and expels it outside, effectively cooling the indoor air.
Key Components
Types of Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning Systems
These components include:
- Heat Pumps: Heat pumps are devices that provide both heating and cooling by transferring heat from one location to another.
- Ducted Air Conditioning: Ducted air cons are centralised systems that distribute conditioned air to various rooms via a network of ducts.
- Ducted Reverse Cycle: Using reverse cycle technology, ducted reverse cycles are integrated systems that can both heat and cool a home through ducts.
- Bulkhead Systems: Bulkhead systems are air conditioning units that are installed within ceiling spaces, offering discreet but effective heating and cooling solutions.
Your Air Conditioning Specialists in Melbourne
Total Electrics and Air Conditioning can handle all your installation needs. With competitive pricing, punctual delivery, and dedicated customer support, we bring years of industry experience, and we also offer a 5-year guarantee on our units. You can read more about our split system air conditioners here, and get in touch with us here.
What are cooling and heating systems in Australia?
In Australia, cooling and heating systems refer to a range of appliances and technologies designed to control indoor temperatures for comfort throughout varying weather conditions. These systems comprise air conditioners, heat pumps, ducted heating, split systems, and hydronic heating.
What is cooling and heating capacity?
Cooling and heating capacity signifies an air conditioner system's capability to generate cooling or heating output, respectively. In Australia, kilowatts (kW) are more prominently used to quantify cooling and heating capacity.
What types of cooling and heating systems do you offer?
Total Electrics & Air Conditioning stocks a wide variety of cooling and heating systems, including Split System Air Conditioners, Multi-Head Split Systems, Ducted Air Conditioners, and more. Our diverse selection of systems caters to the many different needs, budgets and dimensions of both commercial and residential space. Head over to our homepage to browse our full range.
How long does it take to install a new cooling or heating system?
The installation time for a new cooling or heating system varies depending on several factors, such as the type of system, the complexity of the installation, and the size of the space. You can contact Total Electrics & AC for a more accurate assessment of your installation time.
My air conditioner is not cooling properly. What should I do?
There are many reasons why an air conditioner is not working at full capacity, but the usual suspects are refrigerant leaks, issues with the compressor or thermostat, or simply a filter that’s in need of a clean (if not a replacement). It's advised that you check and clean your filters annually or biannually. If problems persist, contacting a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair is recommended.
Are your cooling and heating systems ENERGY STAR certified?
Many of our cooling and heating systems are indeed ENERGY STAR certified, indicating that they meet or exceed stringent energy efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ENERGY STAR certified systems are engineered to consume less energy, which minimises environmental impact as well as your energy bills.
How can I improve the energy efficiency of my cooling and heating system?
You can improve the energy efficiency of your cooling and heating system by ensuring regular maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing filters, sealing ducts, programming thermostats, and scheduling professional tune-ups. Additionally, upgrading to ENERGY STAR certified equipment and implementing energy-saving practices can further enhance efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Are there any rebates or incentives available for installing a reverse cycle air conditioning system in Melbourne?
Yes, there are a range of rebates currently available, and we strongly urge you to take advantage of them! Total Electrics and Air Conditioning is proud to be an accredited supplier for the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program initiated by the Victorian Government. This program aims to assist residential homes to install high-efficiency heating/cooling units and additional by providing rebates of up to $5,000.
How do I choose the right size air conditioning system for my home?
To choose the right size air conditioning system for your home, consider factors such as the size and layout of your space, as well as the climate that’s typical of your location. Don’t hesitate to use our free online installation calculator or get in touch with Total Electrics & AC directly if you have any questions.
What are the benefits of using a reverse cycle air conditioning system?
Reverse cycle air conditioning systems provide a range of benefits, chiefly the ability to provide both heating and cooling functions from a single unit. They also deliver on energy efficiency, quiet operation, and precise temperature control.
Your Air Conditioning Specialists in Melbourne
Total Electrics and Air Conditioning can handle all your installation needs. With competitive pricing, punctual delivery, and dedicated customer support, we bring years of industry experience, and we also offer a 5-year guarantee on our units. You can read more about our split system air conditioners here, and get in touch with us here.