Air Conditioner Buying Guide
Choosing the right air conditioning system is key to keeping your home comfortable. Samsung offers a range of options—from split and multi-split systems to full ducted heating and cooling—to help you avoid stuffy rooms and chilly nights.
However, finding the ideal fit can be tricky. Factors like room size, natural light, and local climate all play a role. This guide will highlight the most important considerations to help you make the best choice.
Samsung can transform your home and help you keep it comfortable year-round. Read on to learn more.
Types of Air Conditioner
There are lots of different types of air conditioners on the market, from complex central heating and cooling systems, to easy-to-install window air conditioners.
These are four of the most common and popular air conditioner types:
Wall-Mounted Single Split System
The most popular choice, mounted high on a wall for efficient airflow.
Cassette Single
Split Systems
Recessed into the ceiling, distributing air evenly in larger open spaces.
Ducted Single
Split Systems
Hidden within the ceiling or floor, with air delivered through discreet vents.
Multi-Split Systems
Connects multiple indoor units to one outdoor condenser, enabling simultaneous heating or cooling of several rooms.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Saving energy isn’t just a matter of reducing your environmental impact - energy monitoring features on your air conditioner also reduce the cost of your power bill over time by consistently running more efficiently.
Here are a few of the energy efficient features of Samsung’s air conditioners:
Digital Inverter Boost
Samsung’s Digital Inverter technology works by varying the power supplied to your air conditioner’s compressor according to temperature requirements. This means that the power usage of your unit can adjust automatically, which conserves energy, cools or heats spaces very quickly, and reduces noise.
R32 Refrigerant
Samsung now uses R32 Refrigerant in new air conditioning units, which has a lower environmental impact than refrigerants found in some other air-conditioning units7.
Demand Response Enabled
Some Samsung ducted split air conditioning systems are Demand Response Enabled Devices, or DRED. This means that, during times of peak energy consumption, your device’s power may be limited by your energy provider to reduce pressure on the grid. This reduces your power usage without disrupting your air conditioner’s function.
DRED is required for air conditioners in South Australia and Queensland, but DRED is supported in other Aussie states and territories.
SmartThings AI Energy Mode
You can use your SmartThings app to help monitor the power consumption of your air condition, estimate your energy bill, and even allow AI to make adjustments to your air conditioners function based on your energy patterns.
Cooling Capacity and Room Size
Air conditioner capacity is based on kilowatts, or kW, where units with larger capacity have a higher kW.
It’s important that you find a unit that matches your capacity needs as closely as possible.
Room Dimensions
The floor space of your room, measured in square metres, is a great way to determine what air conditioner capacity you need. However, it also helps to take into account the entire volume of the space.
For example, a room with very high ceilings may have the same floorspace as a room with much lower ceilings- but these rooms will need different air conditioner unit capacities, as one is bigger than the other.
Home Insulation
Insulated homes are easier to heat and cool, as the temperature can be kept consistent more easily. If your home is uninsulated, it is worth considering insulation before choosing an air conditioner.
Home Orientation
Insulated homes are easier to heat and cool, as the temperature can be kept consistent more easily. If your home is uninsulated, it is worth considering insulation before choosing an air conditioner.
Location
The climate of your region impacts the efficiency of your air conditioner. Homes located in very humid areas will need more powerful air conditioning units than homes in areas that endure dry heat.
Air Conditioner Capacity |
Room Size Guide* |
Ideal for... |
---|---|---|
2.5kW |
9 - 24m² |
Small bedrooms and home offices |
3.5kW |
25 - 33m² |
Medium size bedrooms |
5.0kW |
34 - 47m² |
Large bedrooms and medium living spaces |
6.8kW |
48 - 65m² |
Large living spaces |
8.0kW |
66 - 82m² |
Open plan living spaces |
*Room sizing is approximate only, there are many variables that will affect the sizing of your air conditioning, such as orientation, use of the space, dimensions of the space, construction materials, insulations, equipment in the space, etc.
Key Features to Look for in Air Conditioners
Smart New Features
Smart New Features
Samsung’s WindFree™ technology1 has transformed air conditioner design, as air is dispersed through thousands of micro-holes on the front panel of the unit.
This allows for an even flow, without any unpleasant jets of cold. This innovative feature also means less noise compared to the normal cooling mode.
Most Samsung air conditioners are compatible with the SmartThings app, which allows you to remotely control your unit, from your home or on the go.
Unique Heating and Cooling Modes
Unique Heating and
Cooling Modes
Auto-Cooling
Auto-Cooling2, powered by innovative Samsung AI systems, optimises temperature control in your home by learning your use patterns and the conditions of your space3. AI Auto-Cooling automatically switches to the best mode to keep a room’s temperature consistent4.
Auto Function
Samsung’s Auto Mode heats or cools your home based on the temperature you set. Real Time Timer allows you to set your air conditioner to begin or end a cycle whenever you like.
Fast Cooling Mode
Fast Cooling Mode and Fast Heating Mode can quickly bring a room to your desired temperature.
Good Sleep Mode
Good Sleep Mode adjusts fan speeds for a quieter night’s sleep, as well as air flow direction to avoid disruptive jets of air while you are resting.
Self-cleaning and Air Filtration
Self-cleaning and Air
Filtration
Freeze Wash
Bespoke Samsung cleaning modes like Freeze Wash, which freezes and then defrosts the heat exchanger in your unit to help remove certain bacteria5, keeps your unit running more efficiently and helps maintain good air quality.
Air Filtration
Samsung air conditioners include high quality filters which capture dust, animal hair, and other nasty particles. This includes the high-density Tri-Care filter, which also features a zeolite coating filter for a deep antibacterial clean.6
Australian Climate
Considerations
While Australian summers are some of the hottest on earth, different types of heat require different air conditioner capacities. Northern locations like Darwin or Townsville deal with far more humid conditions than southern cities like Adelaide, so these homes have different air conditioning requirements.
However, many Aussie cities also endure extreme cold in winter. If you live in a place like Canberra or Hobart, where the temperature can easily drop below 0℃ at night, you’ll need an air conditioner that can keep you warm all winter long.
Wherever you live, you should double check the Zoned Energy Rating Label of the air conditioner you are considering. This government issued label determines what capacity is right for your local climate.
Why Choose Samsung
Air Conditioners?
Samsung air conditioners are designed to be innovative, stylish, and maximise comfort in your home. Samsung’s range of split, multi-split, and ducted air conditioners can heat and cool your home efficiently, with a focus on energy monitoring features. With software and component innovation like Samsung’s WindFree™ and Digital Inverter technology, you can be sure your air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible.
Built energy efficiency doesn't mean sacrificing quality with Samsung. Samsung air conditioners are exceptionally quiet, and feature a variety of modes to heat, cool, and regulate the temperature of your home with ease. With functions like Good Sleep Mode, you can be sure that you and your family won’t be disrupted by loud fans or heavy jets of air while you’re trying to relax. These air conditioners are easy to operate, even remotely through the SmartThings app, and are covered by 5 Year Parts and Labour Warranties in residential applications.
Samsung air conditioners are also great for Aussie homes because they can handle extreme heat and cold. Some models feature Dehumidification Mode, perfect for humid regions, and some feature DuraFin™ Plus, corrosion-resistant material to help protect the heat exchanger coil from rust. These air conditioners are well engineered for the extremes of Australian weather.
Final Considerations
Choosing an air conditioner can be challenging, with so many factors to consider and many different models and installation methods to choose from. Making the right choice for your home is essential to getting the most out of your system - and the wrong capacity system simply won’t work as well at heating or cooling your home.
But don’t worry - Samsung has your back! No matter what model you choose, a Samsung air conditioner is guaranteed to be high quality, with new, innovative, and energy efficient features.
You can learn more about the full Samsung air conditioner range here, or speak to a qualified technician here today. Our technicians can help determine what capacity you need, and will install your new system.
FAQs
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Does my home need to be insulated to install an air conditioner?Not necessarily- but insulation makes it a lot easier to regulate the temperature of your home. Before installing an air conditioning system, it could be worth looking into insulating your roof or walls.
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Can I install an air conditioner if I already have ceiling fans?Yes you can. Fans simply move the air around in a room, while an air conditioner cools or heats it. An air conditioner often replaces the need for a fan, as they are generally more effective at whole home heating and cooling.
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How long does an air conditioner last?Most air conditioners last for at least 5 years, though they usually function a lot longer. Samsung air conditioners are covered by a Labour and Parts Warranty in residential applications for up to 5 years- you can learn more about Samsung’s warranties here.
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How do you maintain an air conditioner?Many Samsung air conditioners have cleaning features, like Freeze Wash or Auto Clean. Aside from these regular cleaning cycles, you can help maintain your air conditioner by cleaning your unit and replacing filters according to the instructions in the user manual, and scheduling regular yearly maintenance with a qualified Samsung technician.
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Are Samsung air conditioners good for allergies?Some Samsung air conditioners are accredited allergy-friendly by Sensitive Choice and British Allergy Foundation. You can learn more about allergy-friendly products from Samsung here.
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Do Samsung conditioners self-clean?Many Samsung models feature self-cleaning modes like Freeze Wash and Auto-Clean. These can be done regularly to help maintain your air conditioning unit over time, but work best when paired with regular cleaning and servicing from a technician.
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Do Samsung air conditioners work with SmartThings?Yes, some Samsung air conditioners are compatible with SmartThings. Check compatibility in specifications before you choose your air conditioning system.
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Are Samsung air conditioners good for pets?Yes - some Samsung air conditioners are certified allergy friendly, which means they are more able to pick up pet hair than other air conditioners.
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Do Samsung service and install air conditioners?Yes- you can learn more about Samsung air conditioner servicing and information here.
1 *ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air–Conditioning Engineers) defines “Still Air” as air currents at speeds below 0.15m/s which lacks the presence of cold drafts.
2 AI Auto Cooling is activated using Auto mode with a WI-FI connection. SmartThings App and Samsung Account are required.
3 SmartThings App stores user data, preferences and usage patterns in Samsung AI Cloud to suggest the most useful options.
4 The AI Auto Cooling Mode is designed to maintain 22 to 28°C temperature zone.
5 The Freeze Wash function can remove up to 95% of Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 on the surface of the heat exchanger. Tested on the AR09A9170HCN by Intertek Testing Services Korea Ltd, 24 March 2022.
6 Bacteria testing and results are for Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria.
7 Tested on R32 refrigerant compared with Samsung conventional refrigerants R410A and R22.