Suggestion Recommendations for aircon unit?

Finding myself in the aircon market. Any suggestions for the following?

I believe I am looking for inverter type, split unit. Any reason to look at something else?

Where to look? Seems like Polaris is the place to go?

I recognize some available brands but just because it sounds familiar doesn't mean it is good. Any brands to stick with or stay away from? What features should I look for besides inverter?

How do I determine the size I need?

and just in case, did I miss anything?

 

Hello,
Some things to think about if you go with the inverter-split type unit:
Who will install it? How much will the install cost for labor and installation materials? When can they do the work? How long will it take? Is electrical power of sufficient amperage available nearby or will a circuit need to be added? If additional wiring is required, can it be concealed in conduit or a raceway, or are you ok with the wiring fastened to the wall? Will the outdoor unit sit on the ground, the side of the building, or the roof? Will it be easy for a thief to steal it? Will a welder have to build a cage around it? Is there a place for the condensate to drain? Will the wall inside support the indoor unit?
I have used Polaris for electrical and plumbing work and would recommend them. I have no experience with Polaris for Air Conditioning, but everyone I have dealt there with was well-qualified, capable, and professional.
A window unit is much easier to install, but I'm sure you will quickly recoup the added expense of the inverter-split unit rather quickly.
With a wife, son, and daughter using the heck out of three window AC units , a rice cooker, one shower with a water heater: this results in a P13000/month electric bill.
In addition to the three (human) watt-wasters is the fact that there is zero insulation in the attic ... Can anyone recommend an insulation contractor?
Mark

 

13k php electrical cost per month is quite high. There was a thread that even replacing old window type air cons with a decent model of Carrier or Hitachi someone was able to cut his power cost by more than a half. When you choose an expensive and effective air con (split or window) then check also how well serviceable or maintainable the air con is.

 

I know enough about your question to be dangerous but don't know everything. There are a few things that are important.
1. The varying voltage here is the worst thing for compressors in A/C units but the inverter type works on varying voltage so it will not be harmed. Definitely stick with the inverter type.
2. Look at the condensor (outside) portion of the unit and make sure that the electrical circuitry and boards are protected with a coating or otherwise to keep the little lizards out. They will get in and fry themselves on the unprotected circuitry and ruin a circuit board or two.
3. I'm sure there will be much argument about this because it varies so much, but typically, you need about 2.5 to 3 HP per 100 sq meters to get a 20 to 25 F degree difference to outside temperature. This assumes a North South house orientation without a huge amount of windows. Some shade and insulation if you have a roof that needs insulation. A white roof helps. It is important to have door sweeps and foam and I have sheet plastic on the inside of my windows to stop the heat from coming in. Of course I am from the South in the USA, ( 105 F in July) and an A/C junky so I don't open windows. It will take more A/C if you have kids too as they tend to open the doors frequently. The most important thing is to avoid air conditioning the outdoors. If you have a lot of air leaks or running in and out, you will have to size, and pay the electric, accordingly.
I hope this is a help but check out what I say against your own sources.

 

I was even considering just going with a dehumidifier and fan but a half a$$ search on Lazada showed prices for a room size vs closet size start around p20,000. I figured might as well have aircon at that price.

 

Size of room and insulation are important as well as the amount of electricity available consistently and chances of lizards getting into the circuit boards. One lizard walking on the circuit board of your new inverter type A/C could cost you 10K to replace the board. (Yes I had that happen).

I find that a mid size, uninsulated room does better with a standard type unit as it is always putting out close to max to compensate for the lack of insulation. In a better insulated area of the same size I would want the inverter type. How do I know this? I put mine in backwards LOL. In the hot room I have the inverter type and it does not function well and in the more insulated room I have the non-inverter type and its either too hot or too cold as the inverter function allows the A/C to run at less than capacity while the non inverter does not.

If it was not such an expensive job, I would have the two switched (or insulate the upstair better)
Both units are cooling the same sized area (approx 20 sqm). Both are 1 HP splits.

 

I don't know if this will help or not but here goes. I have 2 electrolux 1.5 hp non inverter type split air conditioners. I have had them both for almost 6 years with no problems. The only thing I do maintenance wise is keep them cleaned. They both perform well and keep me cool when needed. I use them both about equally at least 8 hours every day. My electric bill is varied between P4,000 and P 6,000 depending on what the temperature is outside. I have no insulation in the attic because I haven't been able to find anyone that even knows what it is. I do have a white roof though and I believe that helps some.

 

Might also want to try installing radiant barrier in the attic. Has been shown to lower attic temperatures 10-20 degrees which would give you another bump in savings and comfort.

 

Interesting. Can save anywhere from 5-25%.

How Radiant Barrier Works in Attics - AtticFoil® Radiant Barrier - Do-It-Yourself Professional Grade Radiant Barrier