Large air conditioners review 2008

Results table

Full results for all models are shown in the table below.

Table notes

Scores

The overall score is made up of:

• Cooling efficiency: 40%
• Heating efficiency: 30%
• Airflow: 20%
• Ease of use: 10%

We weighted cooling efficiency more highly than heating efficiency because reverse-cycle air conditioners are more often used for cooling than heating in Australia.

(A) About to be replaced by new model CS/CU-E24HKR
(B) The Airwell distributor (ECP Australia) went into administration in 2008. For those who purchased an Airwell product on or before 30th June 2007, warranties are no longer honoured. For warranty claims on Airwell products purchased on or after 1st July 2007, consumers should ring Seeley Products on (08) 8328 3866.
* Recommended or average retail price, as of July 2008.
** Lowest fan setting.

How we tested

• To determine their cooling and heating efficiency, our testers operated the air conditioners continuously at their maximum thermostat and fan settings.
• The results are a worst-case efficiency scenario for inverter models, as most of the time they’ll run at lower than their maximum capacity.
• The testers used the test room and climate conditions in the Australian Standard, measuring and rating the cooling/heating output (in kW) per kW of power used.
• In addition, they measured the units’ cooling efficiency at 50% of the measured capacity.
• The testers measured the indoor airflow (in litres per second) on the highest and lowest fan settings.
• They assessed the ease of use of the remote controls, instruction manuals and timers, as well as the ease of removing and refitting the air filters for cleaning.
• The testers measured the noise levels of the indoor unit with the fan on the lowest possible setting, and of the outdoor unit while it was installed in our test room.

Measured capacity

Reverse-cycle air conditioners are sold with rated heating and cooling capacities — you choose one based on the cooling and heating capacity required for your room(s). Shown in the table is the highest capacity we measured for cooling, and for heating at 2C, plus the rated heating capacity at 7C.

Yearly running costs

We calculated how much each model costs to deliver 3000 kWh of cooling (1500kWh at full capacity and 1500kWh at part capacity) and 3000 kWh of heating per year (based on electricity costs of 15 cents/kWh).

We didn’t include standby costs (for power used when the air conditioner is plugged in but not operating), as based on previous tests they’re likely to be only a few dollars a year. It may still be a good idea to unplug your air conditioner (if possible) when it’s not in use for long periods of time.