Air Conditioner Buying Guide
Choosing the right air conditioning system is key to keeping your home comfortable. Samsung offers a range of options—from split and multi-split systems to full ducted heating and cooling—to help you avoid stuffy rooms and chilly nights.
However, finding the ideal fit can be tricky. Factors like room size, natural light, and local climate all play a role. This guide will highlight the most important considerations to help you make the best choice.
Samsung can transform your home and help you keep it comfortable year-round. Read on to learn more.
Types of Air Conditioners
There are various types of air conditions on the market, from the single room space air conditioner in wall mounted split system, to a more central home type system such as a ducted split system and multi-split system. These are four of the more common air conditioner types for residential applications:
Wall-Mounted Single Split System
The most popular choice, mounted high on a wall for efficient airflow.
Cassette Single
Split Systems
Recessed into the ceiling, distributing air evenly in larger open spaces.
Ducted Single
Split Systems
Hidden within the ceiling cavity, with air delivered through discreet air vents.
Multi-Split Systems
Connects multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit, air conditioning for multiple rooms.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Saving energy isn’t just a matter of reducing your environmental impact - energy monitoring features on your air conditioner also reduce the cost of your power bill over time by consistently running more efficiently.
Here are a few of the energy efficient features of Samsung’s air conditioners:
SmartThings AI Energy Mode
You can use your SmartThings app to help monitor the power consumption of your air condition, estimate your energy bill, and even allow AI to make adjustments to your air conditioners function based on your energy patterns.1
WindFree™ Cooling
Samsung's WindFree™ Cooling technology disperses air through thousands of micro-holes, creating a gentle, cool environment without the discomfort of direct wind. This feature ensures consistent cooling while using less energy, making it an efficient and comfortable cooling solution.
ECO Mode
ECO Mode optimises the air conditioner's cooling performance according to the temperature outside, the number of people in the room, and the ambient temperature. This mode uses less compressor capacity than normal mode, reducing energy consumption while maintaining comfort.
Digital Inverter Boost
Samsung’s Digital Inverter technology works by varying the power supplied to your air conditioner’s compressor according to temperature requirements. This means that the power usage of your unit can adjust automatically, which conserves energy, cools or heats spaces very quickly, and reduces noise.
Cooling Capacity and Room Size
Air conditioner capacity is based on kilowatts, or kW, where units with larger capacity have a higher kW.
It’s important that you find a unit that matches your capacity needs as closely as possible.
Room Dimensions
The floor space of your room, measured in square metres, is a great way to determine what air conditioner capacity you need. However, it also helps to take into account the entire volume of the space.
For example, a room with very high ceilings may have the same floorspace as a room with much lower ceilings- but these rooms will need different air conditioner unit capacities, as one is bigger than the other.
Home Insulation
Insulated homes are easier to heat and cool, as the temperature can be kept consistent more easily. If your home is uninsulated, it is worth considering insulation before choosing an air conditioner.
Home Orientation
The amount of natural light your home gets can impact the amount of cooling or heating required. If the room you are cooling has windows that face north or west, then you may need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a room with south-facing windows.
Location
The climate of your region impacts the efficiency of your air conditioner. Homes located in very humid areas will need more powerful air conditioning units than homes in areas that endure dry heat.
How to measure your room?
Simply measure the length and width of the room in meters and multiply the two numbers to get the area in square meters (sqm).
Length (m) x Width (m) = Area (sqm).
|
Air Conditioner Capacity |
Room Size Guide* |
Ideal for... |
|---|---|---|
|
2.5kW |
9 - 24m² |
Small bedrooms and home offices |
|
3.5kW |
25 - 33m² |
Medium size bedrooms |
|
5.0kW |
34 - 47m² |
Large bedrooms and medium living spaces |
|
6.8kW |
48 - 65m² |
Large living spaces |
|
8.0kW |
66 - 82m² |
Open plan living spaces |
*Room sizing is approximate only, there are many variables that will affect the sizing of your air conditioning, such as orientation, use of the space, dimensions of the space, construction materials, insulations, equipment in the space, etc.
Key Features to Look for in Air Conditioners
Smart New Features
Samsung’s WindFree™ technology2 has transformed air conditioner design, as air is dispersed through thousands of micro-holes on the front panel of the unit.
This allows for an even flow, without any unpleasant jets of cold. This innovative feature also means less noise compared to the normal cooling mode.
Most Samsung air conditioners are compatible with the SmartThings app, which allows you to remotely control your unit, from your home or on the go.
Unique Heating and
Cooling Modes
Auto-Cooling
Auto-Cooling3, powered by innovative Samsung AI systems, optimises temperature control in your home by learning your use patterns and the conditions of your space4. AI Auto-Cooling automatically switches to the best mode to keep a room’s temperature consistent5.
Auto Function
Samsung’s Auto Mode heats or cools your home based on the temperature you set. Real Time Timer allows you to set your air conditioner to begin or end a cycle whenever you like.
Fast Heating & Cooling
Fast heating and cooling mode can quickly bring a room to your desired temperature.
Good Sleep Mode
Good Sleep Mode adjusts fan speeds for a quieter night’s sleep, as well as air flow direction to avoid disruptive jets of air while you are resting.
Self-cleaning and Air Filtration
Freeze Wash
Bespoke Samsung cleaning modes like Freeze Wash, which freezes and then defrosts the heat exchanger in your unit to help remove certain bacteria6, keeps your unit running more efficiently and helps maintain good air quality.
Air Filtration
Samsung air conditioners include high quality filters which capture dust, animal hair, and other nasty particles. This includes the high-density Tri-Care filter, which also features a zeolite coating filter for a deep antibacterial clean.7
Energy Efficiency
It's helpful to look for an energy efficiency rating label when shopping. Air conditioners with inverter technology, like Samsung Digital Inverter Boost, are designed to save on electricity. Instead of constantly cycling on and off, the compressor runs at varying speeds to maintain your desired temperature. This approach helps reduce energy consumption and can result in significant savings on your bill. It also helps the unit operate more quietly and last longer.
Warranty and After-Sales Support
An Air Conditioner is a significant purchase, so a good warranty is important for peace of mind. A strong warranty, especially on the compressor, shows the manufacturer stands behind its product. Samsung offers extended care plans, like Samsung Care+, for added protection against unexpected repairs. Having access to reliable service and cleaning options is also a key part of owning an Air Conditioner, ensuring your unit runs well for years to come.
Location matters
When choosing an Air Conditioner in New Zealand, it's useful to consider the local climate, room size, and your daily usage. Because New Zealand experiences four seasons, energy efficiency is often a top priority to help keep electricity costs manageable. Samsung offers a variety of models, including those with our WindFree™ Cooling technology. This feature gently disperses cool air through thousands of micro-holes, helping to avoid the feeling of a direct, cold draft, which can be useful for long-term comfort.
Why Choose Samsung
Air Conditioners?
Samsung air conditioners are designed to be innovative, stylish, and maximise comfort in your home. Samsung’s range of split, multi-split, and ducted air conditioners can heat and cool your home efficiently, with a focus on energy monitoring features. With software and component innovation like Samsung’s WindFree™ and Digital Inverter technology, you can be sure your air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible.
Built energy efficiency doesn't mean sacrificing quality with Samsung. Samsung air conditioners are exceptionally quiet, and feature a variety of modes to heat, cool, and regulate the temperature of your home with ease. With functions like Good Sleep Mode, you can be sure that you and your family won’t be disrupted by loud fans or heavy jets of air while you’re trying to relax. These air conditioners are easy to operate, even remotely through the SmartThings app, and are covered by 5 Year Parts and Labour Warranties in residential applications.
Samsung air conditioners are also great for Kiwi homes because they can handle the hot and cold. Some models feature Dehumidification Mode, perfect for humid regions, and some feature DuraFin™ Plus, corrosion-resistant material to help protect the heat exchanger coil from rust. These air conditioners are well-engineered for the New Zealand environment.
Final Considerations
Finding the perfect Air Conditioner is a personal decision that balances cooling power, energy efficiency, and the smart features that fit your lifestyle. By following this guide, carefully calculating your capacity needs, selecting a type that suits your home, and prioritizing the technologies and long-term support that matter most, you can move forward with confidence.
Whether your choice is a whisper-quiet WindFree™ model for the bedroom or a powerful multi-split system for the whole family, a well-informed decision will ensure you enjoy perfect comfort in your home for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Does my home need to be insulated to install an air conditioner?Not necessarily- but insulation makes it a lot easier to regulate the temperature of your home. Before installing an air conditioning system, it could be worth looking into insulating your roof or walls.
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Can I install an air conditioner if I already have ceiling fans?Yes you can. Fans simply move the air around in a room, while an air conditioner cools or heats it. An air conditioner often replaces the need for a fan, as they are generally more effective at whole home heating and cooling.
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How long does an air conditioner last?Most air conditioners last for at least 5 years, though they usually function a lot longer. Samsung air conditioners are covered by a Labour and Parts Warranty in residential applications for up to 5 years- you can learn more about Samsung’s warranties here.
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How do you maintain an air conditioner?Many Samsung air conditioners have cleaning features, like Freeze Wash or Auto Clean. Aside from these regular cleaning cycles, you can help maintain your air conditioner by cleaning your unit and replacing filters according to the instructions in the user manual, and scheduling regular yearly maintenance with a qualified Samsung technician.
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Are Samsung air conditioners good for allergies?Some Samsung air conditioners are accredited allergy-friendly by Sensitive Choice and British Allergy Foundation.
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Do Samsung conditioners self-clean?Many Samsung models feature self-cleaning modes like Freeze Wash and Auto-Clean. These can be done regularly to help maintain your air conditioning unit over time, but work best when paired with regular cleaning and servicing from a technician.
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Do Samsung air conditioners work with SmartThings?Yes, some Samsung air conditioners are compatible with SmartThings. Check compatibility in specifications before you choose your air conditioning system.
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Are Samsung air conditioners good for pets?Yes - some Samsung air conditioners are certified allergy friendly, which means they are more able to pick up pet hair than other air conditioners.
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Do Samsung service and install air conditioners?Yes- you can learn more about Samsung air conditioner servicing and information here.
1 AI Energy Mode can be activated through SmartThings app while using AI Auto Mode. A Wi-Fi connection, SmartThings App and Samsung Account are required. SmartThings App stores user data, preferences and usage patterns in Samsung AI Cloud to suggest the most useful options.
2 *ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air–Conditioning Engineers) defines “Still Air” as air currents at speeds below 0.15m/s which lacks the presence of cold drafts. On selected models only.
3 AI Auto Cooling is activated using Auto mode with a WI-FI connection. SmartThings App and Samsung Account are required. On selected models only.
4 SmartThings App stores user data, preferences and usage patterns in Samsung AI Cloud to suggest the most useful options. On selected models only.
5 The AI Auto Cooling Mode is designed to maintain 22 to 28°C temperature zone. On selected models only.
6 The Freeze Wash function can remove up to 95% of Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 on the surface of the heat exchanger. Tested on the AR09A9170HCN by Intertek Testing Services Korea Ltd, 24 March 2022. On selected models only.
7 Bacteria testing and results are for Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria. On selected models only.
