Buying an air conditioner comes down to seven decisions. Get the first one — the size — right and the rest are easy. This guide takes you through each one in order, with links to more detail.
1. Work out the size you need
Aircons are sized in BTU (British Thermal Units per hour). Too small and it runs flat out without cooling the room; too big and it costs more to buy and switches on and off, leaving the room clammy. As a guide, allow about 480 BTU per square metre for a room with a normal ceiling, then add more for afternoon sun, a kitchen or an office full of people. Try the calculator:
See the full aircon size guide for a room-by-room chart.
2. Choose the type
A midwall split suits most bedrooms, lounges and small offices. Choose a ceiling cassette for open-plan spaces with a suspended ceiling, ducted when you want several rooms cooled with only grilles showing, and underceiling for concrete or very high ceilings. Read types of aircons compared.
3. Inverter or fixed speed?
An inverter slows its compressor down once the room is cool instead of switching on and off. It costs a little more but usually uses noticeably less electricity in rooms you use every day. More in inverter vs non-inverter.
4. Refrigerant gas
Most new units use R32, which has about a third of the climate impact of R410A and is efficient. Avoid buying new R22 equipment — that gas is being phased out. See R32 vs R410A.
5. Brand and warranty
We stock Samsung, Daikin, LG, Alliance and Midea. All are reputable; the bigger differences are features, price and the warranty terms. Compare them in aircon brands in South Africa.
6. Features worth paying for
- Heating — almost all splits are heat pumps and heat far more cheaply than an electric heater. See heating with an aircon.
- Wi-Fi control — switch it on before you get home and check it is off when you leave.
- Quiet operation — for bedrooms, compare the indoor sound level (dB) on the specification sheet.
- Air purification and anti-mould functions — useful for allergies and humid coastal homes.
7. Plan the installation
Decide where the indoor and outdoor units will go, check whether your complex or estate needs approval, and budget for installation. Read what to expect from an installation.
How much should I budget for an aircon?
The unit is the main cost; installation and delivery come on top. Our aircon price guide lists current prices by size, type and brand.
Can one aircon cool my whole house?
Not a midwall split — it cools the room it is in, and a little of the next one. To cool several rooms with one system, use a ducted unit, or put a split in each room you use most.
Which room should I air-condition first?
Usually the main bedroom, because good sleep in summer is where most people feel the difference, then the living area that gets afternoon sun.
Ready to choose? Browse all aircons or send us your room sizes and we will recommend units.