Plenty of South Coast homes have one space that never quite feels right. It might be a granny flat out the back, a new extension, a converted garage or an upstairs bedroom that holds the afternoon heat long after the sun goes down. The main house might already have a system, but that room is the one everyone avoids on a hot January night or a frosty July morning.
The good news is there’s usually a simple fix. Here’s how we think about cooling and heating these “extra” spaces for homes from Ulladulla to Bermagui and inland to Braidwood.
Option 1: A high-wall split system for the room
For a single room, a high-wall split system is often the simplest and most cost-effective answer. A wall-mounted indoor unit connects to one outdoor unit, and it doesn’t need roof or subfloor space. That makes it a good fit for granny flats, studios, offices and older homes.
Because these are reverse-cycle systems, the same unit that cools in summer also heats in winter. That means a granny flat or bedroom can be comfortable all year without a separate heater.
Option 2: A multi-head system when outdoor space is tight
Sometimes you need two or more rooms done but only have room for one outdoor unit, such as on a small block, in a townhouse, or where an extension sits right up against the boundary. That’s where a multi-head (multi-zone) system comes in.
A multi-head system connects two or more indoor units to a single outdoor unit. Each indoor unit has its own controls, so every room can be set to its own temperature or switched off when it’s empty. It’s well suited to extensions, granny flats and upstairs bedrooms that need their own climate control, and to homes that can’t take concealed ductwork.
Option 3: Extending or zoning a ducted system
If the extension is part of a bigger renovation and there’s good roof space, ducted air conditioning with zoning may suit better. Zoning lets you heat or cool only the rooms you’re using, so a guest wing or upstairs level isn’t running when nobody’s there. We’ll talk through whether ducted makes sense, or whether a separate split or multi-head system is the better choice for the new space.
Upstairs rooms and the “hot room” problem
Upstairs bedrooms and rooms with big west-facing windows often run hotter than the rest of the house. Getting the size right matters more than the brand. We work out the load from room size, insulation, windows, ceiling height and orientation, then place the indoor unit where the air actually reaches you. An undersized unit will struggle on the hottest afternoons, and inland around Braidwood, Majors Creek and Araluen it also needs to cope with the coldest winter mornings.
Getting the outdoor unit in the right spot
On the coast, we position outdoor units out of direct sea spray where possible, with good airflow, and run the pipework neatly in covers. Inland, we also think about frost. In every case, the unit needs to be easy to get to for servicing.
What to expect from us
- A free quote. We look at the space, insulation, windows and orientation, and agree on where the indoor and outdoor units will go.
- Air conditioning supply and installation of ducted, high-wall split and multi-head systems from leading brands including Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, LG, Temperzone and ActronAir.
- Licensed refrigerant work. Our ARC-licensed team (licence AU38014) handles the install, then we test every unit and show you the controls.
- Warranty. Our installation workmanship is covered for the same period as the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Interest-free finance is available.
Southern Aircon & Refrigeration has been family-run at East Lynne, just north of Batemans Bay, since 2007. We look after homes in Batemans Bay, Moruya, Narooma, Ulladulla, Braidwood and the towns in between.
Get a free quote
If there’s a room in your home that’s always too hot or too cold, call Nick on 0401 317 694 or send us your details for a free quote. See our air conditioning supply and installation page for more.
