Ask, help, advice

[Maggie5]

If you have any questions or want advice or help in say areas of where to build, cars, home maintenance or anything that doesn't already have a thread, post in here.

I have one that I would love some advice on.

I have lived in my unit for about 4 years (built in 2017) and in that time my Braemar gas ducted heating and cooling has broken down twice and it isn't inexpensive to fix. The unit has died again and at the moment I am using a couple of cheap heaters until I decide what to do.

I have been checking out split system air conditioners, one big one and two smaller for bedrooms.

After ringing around I have three quotes and I was told that because of my current system, rebates are available.

Rebates already deducted cost tom will be:.

One quote is for TCL brand name and will be $2999
Next quote is for Midea brand name and will be $3700
Final on Mitsubishi Electric brand name and will cost $5724.40

No-one quotes on the same brand although I have found one that does with Mitsubishi and is coming around today.

Anyone familiar with these systems, hard to compare and product review don't really help that much.

 

[Anzacday]

Maggie5 I personally wouldn't rely on a split system for warmth, ducted heating is miles head imo.
Depending upon the size of your unit maybe go for a couple of Nobo panel heaters.
If you are keen on a split system, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries or Panasonic would be my choice.
I'd stay away from Midea and TCL.

 

[Black_White]

If you have any questions or want advice or help in say areas of where to build, cars, home maintenance or anything that doesn't already have a thread, post in here.

I have one that I would love some advice on.

I have lived in my unit for about 4 years (built in 2017) and in that time my Braemar gas ducted heating and cooling has broken down twice and it isn't inexpensive to fix. The unit has died again and at the moment I am using a couple of cheap heaters until I decide what to do.

I have been checking out split system air conditioners, one big one and two smaller for bedrooms.

After ringing around I have three quotes and I was told that because of my current system, rebates are available.

Rebates already deducted cost tom will be:.

One quote is for TCL brand name and will be $2999
Next quote is for Midea brand name and will be $3700
Final on Mitsubishi Electric brand name and will cost $5724.40

No-one quotes on the same brand although I have found one that does with Mitsubishi and is coming around today.

Anyone familiar with these systems, hard to compare and product review don't really help that much.

We have ducted gas for heating, and swampy for cooling.
But due to the issue of gas being possibly no longer a reliable source we installed two split systems last summer.
They certainly are value when the sun is shining and they cost zero to run.
But I agree with Maggie that as heating goes they are not a patch on the gas ducted. I hate the type of heat they produce and I feel that where I sit I get a cool breeze.
Having said that, for the three systems you have quoted do not go the TLC. Never heard of Midea. But Mitsubishi have a great reputation so if you can get the dollars together then go for it.
You can of course look around for deals on the units and then get quotes for installation. Should save you some dollars.
This is worth reading.

What to know before buying an air conditioner | CHOICE

A detailed guide to choosing a split-system air conditioner including sizes, model types, energy usage, running costs, and the right features to best suit your home.

www.choice.com.au

 

[Maggie5]

Thank you Anzacday and Black_White

I have just received the last quote (Mitsubishi Electric) and it is even higher.

At this stage, I think I will stay away from split system as an electrician I know said if it goes wrong (one) the others don't work either.

Think I might just go for one single unit in family/kitchen room Mitsubishi Bronte (has won award from Choice and Canstar) and a ceiling fan to spread the air. $2500. If I find it isn't enough, can always go back and get smaller ones for bedrooms.

 

[Maggie5]

Forgot to add, ducted not an option as not enough space in ceiling.

 

[Maggie5]

My Kaspersky is due for renewal and I want to find another as don't like their latest version.

Any ideas, what would any of you recommend?

 

[ZEV]

My Kaspersky is due for renewal and I want to find another as don't like their latest version.

Any ideas, what would any of you recommend?

Mac

 

[Maggie5]

Mac

Maggie

 

[neilk]

Thank you Anzacday and Black_White

I have just received the last quote (Mitsubishi Electric) and it is even higher.

At this stage, I think I will stay away from split system as an electrician I know said if it goes wrong (one) the others don't work either.

Think I might just go for one single unit in family/kitchen room Mitsubishi Bronte (has won award from Choice and Canstar) and a ceiling fan to spread the air. $2500. If I find it isn't enough, can always go back and get smaller ones for bedrooms.

We have 2x 3.5KW units in our two main bedrooms and an 8KW unit which does the whole ground floor kitchen/dining/tv rooms. They are not the well known brands and have been working faultlessly for years. Have the advantage of cooling you down when the heat comes in Summer.

 

[Daicos Torpedo]

My wife is an accredited home energy efficiency assessment person. She is also an examination person for people wanting to become a scorecard assessor.
She has a wealth of knowledge about heating and cooling homes.
WWW.GOINGGREENSOLUTIONS.COM.AU
Her name is Lucinda.
Depending on how easy your problem is, she does offer free advice, and has no brand affiliated schtick happening.

 

[magpie_marty]

My Kaspersky is due for renewal and I want to find another as don't like their latest version.

Any ideas, what would any of you recommend?

I have used AVG for the past 15 years.
Only annoying part is they suggest to install certain software issues.

 

[Maggie5]

We have 2x 3.5KW units in our two main bedrooms and an 8KW unit which does the whole ground floor kitchen/dining/tv rooms. They are not the well known brands and have been working faultlessly for years. Have the advantage of cooling you down when the heat comes in Summer.

Thank you.

I ended up getting a Mitsubishi Industrial 8KW and am so happy, does the whole area and very efficient. Am saving $30-$40 per month on electricity and no gas.

 

[Black_White]

My Kaspersky is due for renewal and I want to find another as don't like their latest version.

Any ideas, what would any of you recommend?

If you are using windows you do not, repeat do not, require any third party antivirus.
Check out this forum.

Antivirus software for Windows 10

www.techsupportforum.com

Windows inbuilt defender is better than any of the third party software, and doesn’t gobble up your resources.
Get Malwarebytes free edition as well. Will cover all bases.

Free Antivirus 2024 | Download Free Antivirus & Virus Scan | 100% Free & Easy Install

Download free antivirus: easy install for all devices. Remove unwanted malware like viruses, ransomware, spyware & more.

www.malwarebytes.com

 

[Maggie5]

If you are using windows you do not, repeat do not, require any third party antivirus.
Check out this forum.

Antivirus software for Windows 10

www.techsupportforum.com

Windows inbuilt defender is better than any of the third party software, and doesn’t gobble up your resources.
Get Malwarebytes free edition as well. Will cover all bases.

Free Antivirus 2024 | Download Free Antivirus & Virus Scan | 100% Free & Easy Install

Download free antivirus: easy install for all devices. Remove unwanted malware like viruses, ransomware, spyware & more.

www.malwarebytes.com

Thanks for that. I have an old 8.1, will check it out.

 

[Black_White]

Thanks for that. I have an old 8.1, will check it out.

You are asking for trouble.
Windows 8 stopped receiving security updates in January 2023.
Please upgrade to W10 asap. You are at massive risk.

 

[Maggie5]

You are asking for trouble.
Windows 8 stopped receiving security updates in January 2023.
Please upgrade to W10 asap. You are at massive risk.

I missed the boat on the free upgrade which is why I am paying for virus software.

 

[Markfs]

I missed the boat on the free upgrade which is why I am paying for virus software.

Some computers are too old to be upgraded to newer windows. I actually spent money on a Macbook and relearnt a new system. I also use Nord VPN which provides other security. Password security is important too. Also get familiar with your router and the software and you can monitor what is on your wifi network.

Still Stuck on Windows 8.1? How to Upgrade to Windows 10 or 11

Microsoft no longer supports Windows 8.1, so if you're still running it on your PC, you're long overdue for an upgrade.

au.pcmag.com