Clive Anthony's - Air Conditioner Buyers Guide


	Portable air conditioners can be moved from room to room and use the same heat-exchange principles as built-in models. This means they can cool and de-humidify the air		Can be moved from room to room Can be plugged into a normal power-point No need for professional installation		Some are only suited as personal coolers rather than room coolers Some can be relatively noisy


	Wall or window models can be installed in a window or external wall.		Can cool single rooms well Smaller units can be plugged into existing power-points		Can be noisy, especially from the outside Not suitable for areas larger than 50 sq m


	Split systems are generally used to cool one or more rooms, or an open-play area. A compressor unit is installed outside and then one or two outlets are positioned indoors.		Offers more flexibility on where to locate the outside component than wall models Can cool open-play areas well		Won't cool more than a couple of rooms or a single open-play area Not suitable for areas larger than 50 sq m


	Ducted air conditioners can be installed in the roof or the ground outside. The air is then ducted through the house via various outlets.		Can be designed with multiple zones Energy efficient Offers flexibility as to where noise-generating equipment is located		Must be customised and professionally installed Does not work as well in humid areas