Air conditioners
Discover simple ways to reduce cooling and heating costs, find personalised ways to save with our calculators, and learn what to look out for if you're buying a new air conditioner.
Quick tips for cooler bills





Give your home an Energy Health Check
Take our free Energy Health Check to see how much your large everyday appliances could be costing to run and uncover opportunities to save.
Tell us how you use appliances like your air conditioner, washing machine, dryer, fridges/freezers, and we'll give you full cost breakdowns and personalised saving tips.
A few minutes today could help you uncover savings for tomorrow.
Only have 60 seconds?
Start with our Cooling and heating calculator. Your air conditioning and heating appliances can have a significant impact on your bill. We’ll give you a breakdown on the costs as well as simple, practical changes to help you save.
Heating tips for cooler weather
✅ Fix door seals and block gaps to stop heat escaping.
✅ Only heat rooms that are being used.
✅ Throw on some layers (like those fluffy socks you secretly love) or grab a blanket before turning the heater on.
✅Many ceiling fans have a ‘Winter mode’ which pushes hot air down.
✅Crank the electric blanket up for 20-30 minutes before bed. Once you’re in, dial it down or switch it off. Your body heat will keep things cozy, without needing heating overnight.
Buying a new air conditioner
A little planning now can pay off in comfort (and savings) for years to come.
- Choose the right size
Make sure your air con suits the room size you’re planning on cooling or heating. Factors like window direction, ceiling height and insulation all matter.
- Reach for the stars
Energy star ratings help you compare the efficiency of air conditioners. Generally speaking, more stars means lower energy use. Air conditioners sold in Australia also display a Zoned Energy Rating Label, which shows how efficiently they're likely to perform in different climate zones. Check out energyrating.gov.au
- Call in the experts
A qualified installer can help you choose the right size and system for your home, lifestyle and local climate. The best system will depend on how much of your home you want to cool or heat and how often you’ll use it.
Be sure to ask:
✅ Is this the right size for my room?
✅ How energy efficient is it?
✅ Does it have Eco mode or timers?
✅ What will it cost to run?
- Decide on the right type of air conditioner
- Split system air conditioners
A popular choice for most homes. They’re quieter and generally more energy efficient.

- Ducted air conditioning
Ducted systems are often easier to install during new home builds. However, because they can cool or heat the whole house, they can cost more to run over time compared to using split systems in individual rooms. Additional energy is also lost through the duct work, so can also reduce efficiency.

- Window or wall box air conditioners
Best for single rooms or small spaces. Make sure it’s well sealed to keep warm air out.

- Portable air conditioners
Handy if you’re renting and a permanent air conditioning solution isn’t possible but keep running costs in mind. These can cost much more to run than split systems with similar cooling capacity. Be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight and away from hot walls.
