A correctly sized air conditioner is essential for energy efficiency and comfort.

- 9,000 BTU → Room size 12–18 m2

- 12,000 BTU → Room size 20–24 m2

- 18,000 BTU → Room size 26–34 m2

- 24,000 BTU → Room size 36–46 m2

- 30,000 BTU → Room size 48–56 m2

- 36,000 BTU → Room size 58–70 m2

Select a brand that is supported in South Africa and offers after-sales service and spare parts. Avoid brands with no local support, as this makes it difficult to find replacement parts like PC boards or compressors. Always consult with a trusted installer about reputable brands.

No—lack of maintenance is the problem. Dirty filters and mould buildup can affect air quality. Regular cleaning prevents this.

It’s best to service your air conditioner every 6–12 months, depending on usage and environment. Commercial units or those in dusty areas may require more frequent maintenance.

For cooling, aim for 22–24°C; for heating, 20–22°C. Setting temperatures too low or high wastes energy and strains the system.

Power usage depends on the unit’s size (BTU). Example:

A 12,000 BTU aircon uses 1.2 kWh per hour. At ±R2.76 per kWh (Pretoria), the cost is: 1.2 kWh × R2.76 = R3.31/hour to run a 12,000 BTU unit.

For cooling, aim for 22–24°C; for heating, 20–22°C. Setting temperatures too low or high wastes energy and strains the system.

No. Water leaks indicate a problem. Possible causes:

- Blocked drain pipe

- Faulty pump

- Frozen evaporator coil Contact your service provider immediately.

Noise can result from:

- Blocked filters causing ice buildup and melting on the fan

- Loose or poorly fitted covers

- Vibrating refrigerant piping

- Faulty compressor or fan motor

Always have a technician check and service the unit.

Possible reasons include:

- Dirty filters or coils

- Low refrigerant (gas)

- Faulty compressor Have a qualified technician inspect it to prevent further damage.

1. Always use a reputable airconditioning company.

2. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. Neglect leads to costly repairs.

3. Brand names ≠ better quality — good installation and aftercare matter most.

4. Don’t be pennywise and pound-foolish — invest in proper installation.

5. Your aircon should cool below 20°C — if it leaks water, something’s wrong.

6. Gas is not consumable; if it’s low, there’s a leak or installation fault.

7. Airconditioning doesn’t make you ill — poor maintenance does.

8. Always install the correctly sized unit for the room.

9. Be patient — aircons take time to cool or heat rooms effectively.

10. When heating, the indoor unit starts after a preheat cycle — this is normal.