Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to buying an AC (air conditioner) in Cape Town, there are several factors to consider. While online shopping has become increasingly popular, there are some advantages to buying an AC offline.

One of the main considerations is the physical installation of the AC unit. When you purchase an AC offline, you have the opportunity to discuss the installation process with professionals. During the free onsite AC assessment we can assess your space and provide recommendations on the best type and size of AC unit for your needs. This personalized advice ensures that you choose an AC that is suitable for your specific requirements.

Additionally, purchasing an AC offline allows you to discuss the materials and electrical requirements with professionals. AIRosense Air Conditioning can provide guidance on the type of wiring and other materials needed for a proper installation. This expertise ensures that your AC unit functions efficiently and safely.

While online retailers can provide information about different AC brands, prices, and features, they may not have the same level of expertise when it comes to installation and may not be able to provide specific advice or guidance about the installation process because they don't know. Therefore, buying an AC offline allows you to benefit from the knowledge and experience of professionals who specialize in AC installations.

Furthermore, purchasing an AC offline provides an opportunity for price negotiation. By comparing prices and features online, you can get an idea of what to expect in terms of costs. Armed with this information, you can then negotiate with us your local AC installation companies to find the best deal. This negotiation process can help you secure a competitive price for both the AC unit and the installation services.

In conclusion, while online shopping offers convenience and the ability to compare prices, buying an AC offline in Cape Town has its advantages. The physical installation, materials, and electrical considerations are important factors that may not be adequately addressed by online retailers. By purchasing an AC offline, you can benefit from expert advice, ensure a proper installation, and have the opportunity to negotiate the best price.

• First multiply the length of your room by the width to calculate square meters. Then use the table to identify the size of the unit required:

            Room size:       Aircon Size Required:

             1 - 18 m²              9 000 BTU

            19 - 25 m²           12 000 BTU

            26 - 36 m²          18 000 BTU

            37 - 50 m²          24 000 BTU

            51 - 60 m²           30 000 BTU

            61 - 65 m²           36 000 BTU

A back to back installation is also the cheapest option. It is used for wall mounted split air conditioning systems. The indoor unit is mounted backing onto an exterior wall. The outdoor unit is directly behind it. Both the indoor and outdoor unit are back to back – as the name implies. 

The main difference between an inverter and non-inverter aircon lies in their compressor speed. An inverter aircon has a variable speed compressor, while a non-inverter aircon has a fixed speed compressor. Variable speed compressors are more energy efficient than their fixed counterparts and make less noise as well.

A single-speed motor runs at top speed until it satisfies your temperature setting and then shuts off. They’re generally louder at start-up, consume more energy than alternative motor types and can cause more stress on mechanical parts.

Most aircon systems last around 10 to 15 years – some may even work for 20 years. However, your aircon system needs regular maintenance. It often involves changing filters, cleaning vents and ducts, checking the thermostat and coolant levels, and removing clogs from the drainage line, among other things. You are better off hiring an air conditioning service provider for a tune-up at least once a year.

Yes, standard 1-year (Ts & Cs apply).

The term ‘climate control’ is used to refer to the way that we control the climate inside our homes or offices. Those in the know commonly refer to it as ‘HVAC’ – which stands for ‘heating, ventilation and cooling’. 

Running costs estimate: Electricity usage at around 500 – 3 500 watts an hour (0.5 - 3.5 kwh). Annual service at around R750 ex vat a year. 

Calculate running costs of an aircon

https://www.savingenergy.org.za/asl/calculation-tools/index.html

The process of moving air (changing) into and out of an interior space by mechanically induced (forced) means. 

Typically a standard back to back aircon installation will take approximately 3 hours to install.

If your aircon system is leaking water inside the home, it’s usually a clogged condensate drain line. When dirt, dust, or mold gets trapped in the condensate line, it results in a leak as water cannot flow out. There could also be other reasons like a broken condensate pan, faulty installation, or even low refrigerant levels. You should consult an air conditioning service provider to help you identify and fix the problem.

One of the most common reasons is leaking or low levels of refrigerant. Without enough refrigerant, the aircon will stop blowing cold air. A dirty or clogged filter can also prevent the cold air from entering your house. Debris like hair, lint, dust, and pollen builds up in the air filter over time. Changing the filter can solve this problem.

These units cover around 50 - 150 sqm.

These units cover around 24sqm.

If you haven’t heard of this before, you should know that commissioning is the final step in installing an air con system. The technician will check and test every component in the system and make sure it all complies with technical codes and manufacturers standards. Once this phase is successfully completed, the system is officially up and running. 

Air duct cleaning means having all your duct system, including the supply, intake and return vents cleaned using professional air duct cleaning equipment. 

A key component of the refrigeration system, raising the pressure (and hence temperature) of the refrigerant and circulating it through a closed loop system. 

Part of a refrigeration/air conditioning system comprising a compressor, motor and condenser heat exchanger; supplied as a single unit to be matched with a suitable evaporator. 

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is a measure of system efficiency at a given set of rating conditions. It is a ratio calculated by dividing the cooling capacity in kW by the power input in kW. 

R22 is a refrigerant gas found in the majority of air conditioning equipment over 10 years old. R22 is a hydrochloroflourocarbon which have ozone depleting potential (ODP) if leaked into the atmosphere. The use of R22 for maintenance or repair will be banned from 1st January 2015. 

R410A is one of the third generation hydro-fluoro-carbon refrigerants designed to replace earlier ozone depleting substances.  It is a zeotropic, but near-azeotropic mixture of difluoromethane (CH2F2, called R32) and pentafluoroethane (CHF2CF3, called R125), which is used as a refrigerant in air conditioning applications. 

 R32 refrigerant is a low global warming potential (GWP) alternative to R410A commonly used in new air conditioning systems. Globally, small air conditioning systems are rapidly transitioning from R410A to R32. 

The air filter is integral to the system intake ducting, prevents contaminants from entering the equipment and must be maintained or replaced at regular intervals. There is also a filter in the refrigeration system, also referred to as a drier, which acts like a strainer to remove dirt and undesired particles from the system. 

When it comes to installing an air conditioner, it is important to have all the necessary materials on hand to ensure a smooth and efficient installation process. Here is a list of both mandatory and optional materials that you will require:

Mandatory Materials:

1. Interlink Cable: This cable is used to connect the indoor and outdoor units of the air conditioner. It is essential for proper functioning and communication between the two units.

2. Refrigerant Piping: This piping is responsible for carrying the refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units. It is a crucial component for the cooling process and should be properly sized and insulated.

3. Armorflex: This material is used for insulation purposes. It is wrapped around the refrigerant piping to prevent condensation and maintain the efficiency of the air conditioning system.

4. Condenser Brackets: These brackets are used to securely mount the outdoor unit (condenser) of the air conditioner. They provide stability and support, preventing any potential damage caused by vibrations or external factors.

5. Rawl Bolts: These bolts are used for fixing the condenser brackets onto the wall. They are essential for ensuring a sturdy and secure installation.

6. Nail-in Anchor Screws: These screws are used to secure the indoor unit (evaporator) onto the wall. They provide stability and prevent any movement of the unit.

7. Drain Pipe: This pipe is used to remove the condensate that is produced by the air conditioning system. It ensures that the condensate is properly drained and does not cause any damage or leaks.

Optional Materials:

1. PVC Trunking: This trunking is used to cover and protect the interlink cable, refrigerant piping, and drain pipe. It provides a clean and organized appearance and protects the components from external damage.

2. Cement: Cement may be required for closing any visible holes as a result of the air conditioning installation.

Further materials will be required when connecting the air conditioner to a power source, please enquire directly with our representatives to find out more.