Having a home that is set-up with efficient climate control throughout all seasons of the year is essential for everyone’s well-being. There’s a great range of heating and cooling appliances available to suit every type of home, no matter what climate you live in. Check out our handy buying guide below which will help you find the right type of heating and cooling appliance to suit you and your lifestyle.
Firstly, let us take you through some things you should consider:
- Which rooms in your home are you looking to cool down or heat up?
- What are the dimensions and the structure of the space(s)? If it’s your whole home, you may consider a ducted or multi-head system. If there is only one room that needs a change then a single unit, wall-mounted, or even portable unit might do the trick.
- Can you close off areas to maintain the temperature in the most heavily used areas?
- Is your home insulated? Insulation helps maintain the inside climate.
- Do you have double glazing or binds or curtains to keep an even temperature inside your home?
Quick Tip – The ideal inside temperature in your home in winter is between 18-20 °C and between 23-27ºC in summer. Each degree of difference increases your energy consumption by up to 10%, so make sure you close doors or blinds to maximise your heating or cooling effect.Now that you understand your home environment it’s time to look at the types available to and then have a look at our product reviews to find the best products to suit you …
CHOOSE A TYPE OF HEATING & COOLING PRODUCT
There are several different types of air conditioners available…
Split-system
Target: Cool multiple rooms or an open area
These energy efficient conditioners cool the air by blowing in cool air and expelling the heat outside. There are two parts to these systems, one wall-mounted in the room and an outside compressor.
Multi System
Target: Multi-room heating and cooling
This is a hybrid of split and ducted system and can heat or cool between two to five rooms at one time. The multiple indoor units connect to a single outdoor condenser.
Ducted
Need: Climate control for entire home.
This is the most comprehensive system to cool and heat an entire home, with ducts running under or through the house. The system requires a compressor installed, which will pump the cool or hot air through your home.
Window Wall air con
Need: Heat and cool small-medium room with window
These suit small to medium-sized rooms and are designed to be mounted in a window and can also can be installed in a wall.
Portable
Target: Portable single room cooling, heating, dehumidifying or air purification.
As its name suggests, this type of system can be moved from room to room. Units provide different requirements including cooling, heating.
Please remember that Portable Air Conditioners need to be ducted via a venting kit to a window to vent heat from the room
Some features to look out for
Heaters are categorised by the energy they use to run – electric or gas
- Best for enclosed areas
- Lower initial cost
- Energy efficient
- Quiet operation
- Operationally cost-effective
- Effective for larger areas
Electric
These provide a flexible, safe and reliable heating option for your home. They are not limited to where they can be placed, other than access to an electricity outlet.
Convection heaters
Target: Space heating
Energy efficient and ideal for large spaces. Operates by air convection currents circulating through the body of the heater.
Panel heaters
Target: Large space heating for families with young kids
A cost-effective efficient option, these heaters combine convection heating with radiant technology. They are quiet operators and suit large areas.
Electric fire heaters
Target: Ambient heating with style
The flickering imitation flames of a fireplace can add a beautiful ambience to your lounge room and these heaters give you that without the hassle of having to get firewood and clean it out.
Fan heaters
Target: Single room, fast heating
These are the least efficient heaters, but they are safe and reliable. They work well for single rooms.
Gas
Target: Large space heating with good airflow
These heaters are economical and efficient to use and are generally a cheaper heating option running on natural gas or LPG. They operate through a bayonet connection to your gas supply. If you don’t have one, you can look at the option of having one or more installed. It is important to check with your state regulatory body before purchasing.
A fan is a very effective way to cool by helping to circulate air in a room. It’s energy efficient and a good way to save on cooling costs. The power and airflow of a fan is measure in cubic feet per minute (CMF). Your ideal will depend on how you use your fan and where it’s placed.
There are a few different types of fans available:
Tower fans.
Target: Larger rooms
The fan is mounted on a long vertical unit. They are space efficient and have blade protection.
Pedestal Fans
Target: Large rooms
Larger than a table fan, these are more effective at helping to cool a larger room. Some have height adjustment so you can direct the air where it’s needed.
Table fans
Target: Smaller targeted cooling
They sit on a higher surface, like a table or desk, and provide a smaller concentrated circulation of air. They can be easily moved from room to room.
Air multiplier
Target: Small to large rooms
The fan amplifies airflow by 15 times which generates smooth, uninterrupted air flow. Some models offer heating as well as cooling. They come in various shapes and sizes and suit small to larger spaces.
Ceiling Fans
Target: Large space cooling
Attached to the ceiling, these fans help to circulate the air from the top down. They are a powerful and efficient alternative to air conditioning.
Look out for some of these features…
- An oscillating and/or tilting head to direct airflow
- Settings for intensity of the air flow
- Timer and remote control
- Safety features such as a protective grill
