ducted air-conditioning

[jeremy]

Hi all,

We are looking at putting in ducted air-con. We have 4 bedrooms, living, dinning, family rooms. One installer quoted a 6HP daikin, another said that we would need a 6.5HP. Both with 9 outlets, 2 zones I have a couple of questions:
Would a 6HP daikin be much different to a 6.5 HP LG or Fujitsu?
Are the inverter systems much cheaper to run? The brochures say up to 30% more efficient - anyone know how accurate that is?
If anyone has good experiences with installers based around the Western Suburbs of Sydney, could they PM me?
Are their any 'gottchas' I should know about when getting quotes? For example short-cuts that people take which I should know about up frount.Thanks in advance,
Jeremy.

[durwood]

I'm right in the middle of this exercise, my system goes in tomorrow.

After several phone calls I had 4 companies turn up, one quoted $11,900 2 zones for an area neally the same as yours. another $8500 for 9 outlets and 3 zones. The others are still getting back to me it's been 3 weeks!!!!!

I have 3 phase and am going with what they describe as a 15.4 Kw non inverter. Its a daiken and the biggest before you get into industrial units.

The inverters only go up to 14.5Kw and are $1200 more.

My reasoning is that a smaller unit would have to work harder, and for the extra money it would take a long time to make up the difference in electricity bills. The installer advised me to go the cheaper one, as he reaconed it would be the better unit for the job.

Only thing I have struck which you arn't normally told is that councils have a rule which says you have to have your outside unit 3 mitres from a boundry. If its closer and a neighbour complains they can force you to have it removed, expensive after installation. Even if your neighbour is OK at the moment he can change his mind and any new neighbour can also take up the complaint in years to come.

Harvey Norman guy walked out without even looking around stating they will not instal any conditioners unless they can put unit 3 mtrs from boundry. They lost a case and were held responsible for its relocation 2 years after they installed after new neighbour moved in.

I'll let you know how it goes.

[rod1949]

This link will take you to energy efficiency ratings http://www.energyrating.gov.au/

[coastie]

Recently had a Fujitsu ducted air installed, 3bedrooms,lounge, kitchen,dining,7 outlets,3 zones (bedrooms) in all $6800 installed,has been working overtime of late but has handled it no trouble.

[durwood]

air conditioner is in, workers arrived about 10am here till 9:00pm.

Naturally its now cooled off so today with a nice NE breeze its not needed.

Works a treat though, no noise just a slight one when next to the air intake.

The installers are based in the western suburbs, name
Garry Fyvie Air conditioning.

You will get a quote on the spot when they inspect your house.

I'm more than happy, at least they came when they said they would gave me a firm price turned up did the job and didn't want payment until completion of the job.

[Auld Bassoon]

Obviously not DIY'ers then :D (Sorry C ;)!)