4.6 kW vs 5 kW Air Conditioning | Brisbane 2024

When it comes to cooling your Brisbane home efficiently, choosing the right air conditioner size is key. Two sizes often compared are 4.6 kW and 5 kW air conditioning units. While they’re quite close in capacity, the difference can impact comfort, performance, and energy efficiency depending on your space and setup.

Understanding kW Ratings

The kW (kilowatt) rating measures an air conditioner’s cooling capacity. A higher number means the unit can cool a larger area. But it’s not just about going bigger—an oversized unit can cycle on and off too frequently, while an undersized one will run constantly without reaching the desired temperature.

Room Size Comparison

If you’ve measured your room size and are tossing up between a 4.6 kW or 5 kW unit, the general rule is that a 4.6 kW air conditioner suits rooms around 30 to 35 square metres, such as medium-sized living rooms, master bedrooms, or home offices with a bit of sunlight exposure. A 5 kW air conditioner is better suited for rooms around 33 to 40 square metres, especially if insulation is poor, the room faces the sun, or the area is more open-plan.

Real-World Example

For example, if your room measures 6.5 metres by 5 metres, you’ll have a total area of 32.5 m². Multiply that by 0.15 and you’ll get 4.875 kW. In this case, both a 4.6 kW and a 5 kW unit would be close, but if the room gets a lot of heat from windows or sun, a 5 kW system would offer a bit of extra power to keep things comfortable.

Efficiency and Comfort Considerations

In terms of efficiency and comfort, 4.6 kW units are great for energy-conscious users who want a system tailored for moderately sized rooms. They’re often slightly more efficient if you’re on the edge of needing a larger unit but don’t have extreme climate conditions or insulation issues.

On the other hand, 5 kW units offer a little more cooling headroom. If you’re cooling a room that pushes the upper size limit of a 4.6 kW unit—or if you anticipate needing stronger performance during Brisbane’s hottest days—a 5 kW unit may be the better long-term choice.

Other Key Factors to Consider

There are a few other factors to keep in mind. Poorly insulated rooms lose cool air faster, so if insulation isn’t ideal, it’s safer to go with the slightly more powerful option. The more windows there are, or the larger they are, the more heat that can enter the room, increasing the demand on your air conditioning.

If your ceiling is higher than the standard 2.4 metres, you’ll also need a bit more power to maintain comfortable conditions. And if the room will regularly be occupied by multiple people or contains heat-generating appliances, you’ll benefit from the extra output of a 5 kW unit.

Final Verdict: 4.6 kW or 5 kW?

Both units are designed for similar room sizes, but your choice should ultimately depend on the conditions. A 4.6 kW unit will do the job well in a well-insulated room with limited sunlight and a floor space of around 30 to 33 square metres. A 5 kW unit is better suited to larger or warmer spaces and offers a bit of extra capacity to help future-proof your cooling needs.

Related Posts

If you’re considering other unit sizes, check out our related comparisons:

• 2.5 kW vs 3.5 kW Air Conditioners
• 3.5 kW vs 5 kW Air Conditioning
• What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Need Expert Help?

Still unsure? For personalised advice and a free quote, contact the Brisbane air conditioning experts at Advanced Climate Solutions today.