Air conditioning

These operate through your entire home, are quiet and efficient, and are often installed in zones so you can cool either selected areas or your whole home. They have three components – an outdoor section, an indoor section in your roof space and a zone control box

These come in a wide range of capacities to suit most areas, and can be either cooling only or reverse cycle models to heat and cool. They have two components - the compressor/ condenser section outside and the ‘head’ unit housing the evaporator inside, circulating air

Using between two and seven heads, these systems can cool several rooms using a single outdoor unit and allow individual temperature control of air conditioning in each room

These are usually fitted in a specially cut opening through a wall or window with all cooling, heating and circulation components in one box

These are mounted on wheels to be moved between rooms. They are most effective as spot coolers rather than full room air conditioners, are available in both one-piece and split system configurations, and must be ducted outside.

is popular for cooling, heating and de-humidifying, is well-established, but may incur high running costs and energy use if you don’t follow manufacturer’s instructions for size, thermostat settings and use

Units can be up to 20% more energy efficient in summer and up to 30% more efficient in winter than standard fixed speed type units, because of their fine motor control to maintain set temperatures

Provides comfortable and cool temperatures in summer, and, if installed and used properly, can also be the most cost-effective form of heating - up to 3 times more efficient than other electrical heaters, and even more cost-effective in some areas than gas heating

Can perform well under certain conditions and are more economical to buy and operate than refrigerative type air conditioners. They create a clean, cool indoor environment using evaporation of water, which is most effective in conditions of high temperature and low humidity

Use free flow ventilatorsto effectively cool up to 74 m2 at any one time. A large exhaust fan is normally positioned in the hallway ceiling to draw air in through windows and out into the ceiling space. This air is then discharged through grilles in the eaves, creating an air change in both home and ceiling space. Ventilation can be either wind-driven or passive action.

An average living area (measuring 25 m2) would require an air conditioner with a cooling and heating capacity around 3.3kW to 4kW. Generally you can allow about 130 and 170 watts per m2 of floor area, depending on the orientation and insulation of the area. Bedrooms that are only used at night need lower cooling capacity

• Check the sound power level and consider the impact on your neighbours, especially if you live in an area with noise regulations
• You can limit the noise impact by putting your air conditioner as far as possible from neighbours and sensitive areas, such as bedroom windows, putting up a solid fence, or getting a model with a quieter “night mode”
• Make sure your property has enough power for the unit, as some need more than single phase connection
• Check installation cost, warranty and any special conditions as installation is rarely included in the price
• Find out your manufacturer’s authorised service agent and length of time parts for your particular model will be made available.

• They can work all year round - help you stay cool during summer, and ceiling fans can push heated air away from the ceiling areas towards you in winter
• Fans are relatively inexpensive to buy, install and maintain
• They are simple and reliable
• Most consume no more than a maximum of 65 watts (compared to 500 watts maximum consumption for the smallest sized room air conditioner), so they’ll save energy, money and greenhouse gas emissions.

The main types of fans are:

• Ceiling fans
• Pedestal fans - for large areas
• Tower fans (usually oscillate)
• Gyro-air fans (box-type design)
• Desktop fans - for personal cooling
• Deck fans - which use up to about 250 watts, operate at high velocity, and are best suited to use in weatherproofed, covered outdoor areas.