Airconditioning Units, Where to Buy?

Hi Guys,

I need to buy a couple of Aircon units as a friend who is a licensed aircon installer is going to come by and install them on the weekend. Where is the best place? He said he just goes to the Good guys, but i was wondering if there are any specials or deals on? I dont think good guys are always the cheapest unless you haggle alot. I thought bing lee and jb hifi can compete with them?

Comments

  • What sort of aircon units do you need. Provide a bit more information

    • -3

      ones that the OP can turn on to cool and heat.

    • Basically a inverter split system. Probably around the 3.5kw - 5kw. I dont know much about brands, I know fujitsu, mitsubishi, daikin and panasonic?

      • You need to be more specific.

        • What is the square meterage (SQ/M) of your area that you would like to cool/heat? This determines the KW / HP of the A/C (Usually there is a calculator on the site of the Manufacturers)
        • Do you want a reverse cycle system? (Heating and Cooling combined)?
        • Do you want to control this via an app that you can turn off/on whilst at a remote location away from home? (Need Internet connection)
        • Where do you want to install it? Is it direct line of sight and can push decent air to the rest of the house (if that is what you would like)
        • Can the A/C compressor be positioned directly behind the fascia outside? Longer away is more gassing needed/cost. Or … if you are in a block of flats, is it permissible to have outside?
        • How long is the warranty?

        Cheers

        • I was told basically anything abouve a 3kw should be enough, but the stronger the better in terms of not having to work as hard or if you want it to spread to other areas etc. Not sure of the SQ/M of my rooms, one is a garage type size and the other is a living / dining and kitchen combined area, its quite large and open.

          I want reverse cycle
          I didnt realise they had wifi / app controls yet.
          The AC can be directly outside.

          I am looking at the panasonic 6kw range as that seems to be quite a decent power output as well as price.

          If I buy 2 of them, can i fit them in my SUV (the back seats etc can go down. I presume it will fit but i am not sure how big the fan units get. My friend seems to think you can just go buy and bring it back and no need to get it delivered.

        • @lonewolf:

          A rough calculation of SQ/M can be achieved by a simple ~ 1m stride to each corner of the room. Then multiply.
          Although you have been advised that roughly 3KW is required, an approximate SQ/M can give you more clarity.
          However I agree that a higher KW then the standard would be better do doubt.

          Once you decide which one you like, usually the manufacturers' website will have the box dimensions and weight.
          If it's going to be too fiddly/hard, then you can opt for deliver as it is only $50 if you are in metro. Negotiating a better price can offset the cost.

          In some cases, it is not worth killing yourself or damaging the item to save $50.
          When they deliver (if is that what you opt) you can ask them to unpack and check for damage.

          I purchased a F&Paykel fridge for $2K and on two occasions it was damaged. Luckily they delivered and unpacked it. If I picked it up myself (to save a paltry $50) they could have said that I damaged it and no exchange .. damage looks crap on a Stainless Steel Fridge :-)

          Edit: Not all of the A/C has options for an remote app. Usually more of the higher-end units has this option.

          Cheers

  • +1

    20% off ebay codes - can't get better than that!

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Kelvinator-3-5kW-4-0kW-Invert…

    I got this unit in the 2.5kW and am super impressed with the quality. People say Fujitsu is better, but I think Kelvinator (at their price point) is great!

    • +2

      Kelvinator air cons are very poor. May as well buy a cheapo no name.

      Fujitsu, Mitsubishi and Panasonic are the brands to consider. For their cost and installation cost, you want quality that will last a long time.

      • yeah those are the brands i was told about. I was wondering if the bing lee sale has anything worth while. I know catch and other online websites occasionally have them on sale.

  • +2

    Call me crazy, but wouldn't your licensed Aircon Install friend be a great person to ask?

    • +2

      Crazy, OP stated "He said he just goes to the Good guys"

    • yeah he just told me he goes to good guys and buys it from there, but that really doesnt sound like the cheapest option. I guess he does this for when he is installing them as part of his job, so he isnt as fussed about the cost as the client is the one who will be charged right. While for me he also said i can just order it myself and he will install it, so i figured i should try to get the best price i can as i do know they go on sale quite often.

      I thought he would have like some special discount or wholesalers he goes to etc but i was surprised to find out he just goes to good guys.

  • Seconds world

  • +1

    The thing about aircons is it's not where, but when. Air conditioners are a seasonal product. Hence they'll be cheaper in winter and there are eftpos card promotions during this period.

    Also bear in mind that installation costs of split systems are huge. My cheapest guy charges around $500 per air conditioner. Hence get a quality unit because you don't want to pay to have another one installed.

    • Yeah sadly because i was getting it done through my friend i didnt really push for it but just sort of mentioned it over the past year and finally its happening. haha I did want it done basically about a year ago. The bing lee 20% off sale is quite inviting if its a good price / not inflated pre sale…

  • I have one in my living room area which is probably very old, maybe around 10 years or so, it stopped blowing out cold air as well as the lever that moves up and down to rotate where the air blows is busted so i have it held open with some rubber stoppers. But I was wondering if regassing or servicing will fix the issue and worth it for an old air con (I think its also somewhat of a no name, it didnt have any recogniseable name), or is it better for me to just buy a new one and get that replaced at the same time as when i am having the air con installed in another room?

  • Anyone know if these split systems will fit in a SUV? OR do i need to get it delivered? I was looking at the 6kw units now. I am pretty sure they will fit in a SUV, but i guess the largest part is the outdoor fan unit but even then its probably not huge

    • 1 x 2.5kw system will fit in a corolla with seats put down. that was 5 years ago.

      based on a recent experience chances are 1 x 6kw/7kw system will fit in ur suv if u have something like a pajero. the compressor is very heavy so you will need 2 people to lift.

      if you have a tow bar it might be better to hire a trailer for a couple of hours. might be cheaper then delivery.

  • I will be buying 2 . I have a Honda hrv but my friend has a larger SUV. Problem with delivery is it's like 2 weeks later according to ebay than when I will be able to.pick it up. Also it's for a week day which means someone will have to take time off from work to stay home or I can make other arrangements to have someone at home. And then no idea if they give a specific day and rough time or just random…thats what I was worried about.

  • The unit will definitely fit as I can even put down the front passenger seat if need be. I don't think they are that long. Question I guess is if the compressor will fit.

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