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  • maroondah heating & cooling Blog How to Prepare Your Home for a Long Hot Summer

How to Prepare Your Home for a Long Hot Summer

Oct 19th, 2023
Melbourne Home in Summer


In case you haven’t heard the news, the summer of 23/24 is tipped to be one of the warmest in recent memory. Meteorologists have predicted the return of an El Nino weather pattern, which is likely to result in higher average temperatures and more days classified as “extreme”.

Victoria currently experiences an average of 11 extreme temperature days (35 degrees or higher) every year. However, according to industry experts, this figure is set to reach 16 by 2050. What does this all mean for Melbournians? Beyond bushfires and other climate implications, we are all best served to keep our homes prepared and ready for the warmer conditions.

As one of Melbourne’s leading heating and cooling companies, we have some expert tips and advice to keep you comfortable and cool. From rebates to cutting edge air conditioning systems, there are various steps you can take.

If you want to properly prepare your home for a long hot summer, keep reading or reach out to your local HVAC company today.


Why Upgrade Your Cooling Systems?

If you’ve ever struggled to sleep on a sweltering night, you’ll know just how uncomfortable and unbearable the peak of summer can be. In most cases, this problem is made even worse in homes with poor ventilation or rooms exposed to the harsh afternoon sun. The good news is that this can all be avoided by upgrading your current cooling systems.

Beyond general discomfort, a stifling indoor temperature also poses serious health risks for pets and people of all ages. 

Whether you are still using outdated units or currently have no cooling in place whatsoever, it’s never too late to explore the various options and upgrade. Energy savings, of course, are another byproduct of upgrading. Because newer systems are more efficient and eco-friendly, they use less energy to cool the home, ultimately allowing you to save money on power bills.

Here’s a few more reasons to consider an upgrade:


1. Better Overall Cooling Performance

From multi split systems to reverse cycle and evaporative, newer cooling systems provide more consistent and effective cooling. This means that they not only take less time to cool your home, but also distribute the air more evenly. Many split systems, for example, no longer blow a single stream of air in a straight line. Instead, they circulate cool air to various corners of the room. 

Due to advancements in manufacturing and design, these units also have a greater capacity. Even when used for extended periods, they will maintain their performance and keep your home nice and cool.

If you’re looking to add a split system, all you need is adequate space to position both the outdoor condenser unit and the mounted indoor unit. Follow the link here to learn more about the split systems installation process. 


2. Embrace the Environmental Benefits

While many traditional heaters use gas, split systems and reverse cycle ducted air conditioners are all powered by electricity. You can even power your air conditioning with solar and other renewables. Thanks to the current rebates, switching to solar has become an incredibly affordable option for homeowners across Victoria.  

Energy-efficient cooling systems produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, making it a simple and easy way to reduce your carbon footprint. By upgrading, you’re contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Some brands that are renowned for eco-efficient technology include Daikin, Panasonic and Brivis. However, the vast majority of brands on the market today supply units that are vastly superior to those from decades past. Advancements such as energy saving and night modes also allow you to reduce both your spending and emissions output.

Gauging the cooling efficiency of each unit is quite simple. All you need to do is check the star rating. The more stars, the more efficient the system will be. For more information, we recommend reaching out to an HVAC professional. 


3. Greater Indoor Air Quality and Comfort

Modern cooling systems often come with advanced air filtration features that are specifically designed to improve indoor air quality, remove allergens, pollutants, and dust particles. These features are particularly beneficial for anyone with allergies or other respiratory issues.

Why is this relevant? In the past, many air conditioners actually had the opposite effect, triggering issues for people with the problems mentioned above. 

Whether you’re running a single unit, ducted reverse cycle or multiple split systems, a new setup will be able to keep the home at a comfortable temperature all summer. This is even easier to control if the system is connected to smart thermostats, apps, and devices.


What Cooling Systems are Available in Melbourne?

Now that you understand the benefits of upgrading, let’s explore the various cooling system options available for your home:


Split System Air Conditioners

Split system air conditioners are by far the most popular option for Melbourne homeowners. In large part, this is due to their incredible efficiency, usability, effectiveness and ease of installation. Each split system consists of two core components: an indoor unit (mounted on a wall) that cools the air, and an outdoor unit that draws in heat and cools the interior.

A split system air con could be added to your living room, bedroom/s or the section of the home  that tends to be the warmest. The other obvious benefit is year-round adaptability. As they seamlessly switch from heating to cooling, you can easily adjust the temperature and be prepared for any weather conditions. A split system is more than an investment for summer; it is an investment for all four seasons.


Reverse Cycle Ducted Air Conditioning

If you own a larger home or have a large family, reverse cycle air conditioning is one of the best options. Ducted air conditioning delivers whole-house cooling by distributing cool air through a network of ducts and vents. As a result, it gives you the ability to achieve precise temperature control for each room.

Like split systems, ducted reverse cycle is also a versatile and adaptive option for all seasons. One of the key features of note is zoning. Zoning technology allows you to set different temperatures in separate areas of the home, all controllable through thermostats, remotes or smart devices.

In terms of whole house coverage, ducted is unmatched. However, we should note that it is important to stay within the recommended temperature range. Setting the thermostat too low in summer or too high in winter will require the system to work harder and ultimately, drive up your power bills. 

The visual aspect is another reason some people prefer ducted over split systems. Unlike a clear and visible mounted unit, ducted systems are discreet, with only the vents visible in your ceiling or walls.

After ducted air conditioning in Melbourne? Reach out to the Maroondah Air team for a quote!


Evaporative Cooling

Natural and energy efficient, evaporative coolers are another way to get relief on Melbourne’s warmest days. An evaporative cooler works by drawing warm air through water-saturated pads, cooling it through evaporation, and circulating the cooled air throughout your home. These can be stand-alone units, or installed as a ducted system.

A number of brands manufacture top-of-the-line evaporative cooling units, including Bonaire, Brivis and Breezair. 


Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are an excellent way to compliment the other cooling systems in your home. Whether you’re working from home, sleeping or relaxing after a long day, ceiling fans circulate air and provide subtle relief.

Another advantage of newer fans is that they can switch between cooling and heating modes. For example, the fan blades may move clockwise to cool and counterclockwise to warm the room.


Taking Advantage of the Rebates for Cooling System Upgrades

Upgrading your cooling system can be a significant investment, but luckily there are a number of rebates available to ease the financial burden. Here are some notable rebate programs to explore:


Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Rebate

The VEU program offers rebates to homeowners, landlords, and tenants who choose to replace inefficient cooling systems with energy-efficient alternatives. This initiative not only reduces energy costs, but also helps to curb your carbon footprint.

To be eligible for the VEU rebate:

  • You must use a VEU-approved provider to oversee the installation.
  • Your property must be in Victoria.
  • There are no income or property value restrictions.

By working with approved providers, you ensure that your upgraded system meets energy-efficiency standards to qualify for the rebate.

Save with Solar 

If you’re interested in harnessing solar power for cooling, you may be eligible for solar rebates of up to $1,400. Solar cooling systems use solar energy to power cooling units and reduce your reliance on traditional electricity sources.


Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are available for various renewable energy systems, including solar cooling. These certificates can be traded and provide financial incentives for using renewable energy sources.


Post Installation Maintenance Tips and Tricks

Once you’ve chosen and upgraded your cooling system, it’s still important to keep it well maintained. This way, it’ll be ready to go when the next summer rolls around.

Here are a couple of quick tips for the upcoming summer. 


Schedule Regular Maintenance

Clean or replace filters, check for refrigerant leaks, and ensure all components are in good working condition. Of course, a professional air conditioning service is still the best way to address any issues and keep your system in good working order. During a service, a licensed technician will be able to check all of the major physical and electrical components. 

The last thing you want is your system to fail on the warmest days of the year. If you need assistance, Maroondah Air can carry out an air conditioning service in Ringwood, Glen Waverley and various other suburbs across Melbourne.


Invest in Smart Thermostats

Consider installing a smart thermostat that allows you to control your cooling system remotely and set an energy-saving schedule. These thermostats can also adapt to your preferences and give you the chance to optimise cooling whenever it may be needed.

As we touched on earlier, staying within the recommended temperature window will allow you to avoid substantial energy bills and ongoing running costs. The beauty of newer cooling systems is that many also come with in-built climate regulation that automatically reduces its output when the room reaches a comfortable temperature.


Contact Maroondah Air to Stay Prepared this Summer 

Want to stay cool and comfortable this summer? From supply to installation, maintenance and repairs, Maroondah Air is your reliable source for all things air conditioning in Melbourne. We can help you to beat the heat, access top-of-the-line units from industry leading brands, and perform a seamless on-site installation. 

Whether you need a quote for supply or installation, don’t hesitate to reach out and speak with a team member today.

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