\n\n\n\nRunning Costs\n\n\n\n Models too powerful for the room size may run frequent short cycles to achieve the target temperature ? which is like tapping the accelerator in your car to maintain speed instead of applying steady pressure. \n \n\n\n\n
Sizing the unit correctly is vital for maximum energy efficiency\n\n\n\n \nThis can result in the room getting too cold or hot, inadequate dehumidification (i.e. not drying the air enough. making the room feel less comfortable), increased power usage and running costs, and wear and tear on the system.? Underpowered models may have to run more often at maximum output, dry the air too much and you’ll similarly suffer excessive wear. \n \n\n\n\n
A large portion of energy consumption\n\n\n\n Heating and cooling appliances account for about 40% of the energy usage of the average Australian home. To save money when running your air conditioner, there are several things you can do. \n \n\n\n\n
Size\n\n\n\n Having the correct size of an air conditioner is an important first step (see Choosing the right capacity). \n\n\n\n
Star rating\n\n\n\n A model with more stars will be more efficient and use less power than a model with fewer stars. Use Economy mode (“Eco mode”) if your air conditioner has one. Set the thermostat (target temperature) to a reasonable temperature so the system doesn’t have to work too hard and use more power than really necessary. Air conditioners are never going to be particularly ?green? or energy-efficient appliances, but some are far better at keeping electricity costs down than others. Split system air conditioners are typically going to be the most energy-efficient type of air conditioner you can buy. In this category, high-end brands such as Panasonic dominate the ranks. \n\n\n\n
Energy Efficient Split System Air Conditioners\n\n\n\n Split system air conditioners are the most energy-efficient type of air con you can buy. They are also a favorite among Aussie households, usually for their quiet operation and effective cooling, along with minimally-invasive installation and aesthetic units. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nNoise\n\n\n\n Some models have a quiet mode for the indoor unit, and sometimes the outdoor unit too. This may reduce the cooling\/heating power or airflow, but will keep the air conditioner running at a very quiet level. \n \n\n\n\n
Check council regulations & strata rules around aircon noise\n\n\n\n A noisy indoor unit may interfere with your activities, conversation or sleep. A noisy outdoor unit can disturb you (if it’s too close to a bedroom or living room window) or your neighbors. Most local councils have noise restrictions relating to the use of air conditioners. Check council regulations before buying, and your strata rules if you live in an apartment, especially if the outdoor unit needs to be installed close to a neighbor’s house. \n\n\n\n
How is AC noise measured?\n\n\n\n Noise is measured in decibels (dBA). Indoor noise levels for air conditioners range from 20 to 30 dBA on the lowest fan setting, up to 40 to 50 dBA on the highest speed. Outdoor units are typically in the 45 to 65 dBA range. \n \n\n\n\n
Here are some common sound levels for comparison\n\n\n\n30 dBA: typical sound level of a quiet home 50 dBA: the interior of a quiet car while driving 60 dBA: typical conversation 70-80 dBA: vacuum cleaner \n\n\n\nGetting the most out of your air conditioner\n\n\n\n Cleaning and maintaining your air conditioner is extremely important. An air conditioner that is neglected won?t perform properly and will use more energy, which can, in turn, increase your power bills; especially since space cooling accounts for 6 percent of the average household?s energy usage. Not cleaning and maintaining your air conditioner can cause a multitude of problems, such as filters and ducts becoming clogged with dirt, which limits airflow and reduces the air conditioner?s ability to cool your home (and heat it if you have a reverse cycle split system). \n\n\n\n
Cleaning & Maintaining\n\n\n\nFilters\n\n\n\n Filters capture airborne particles so these can get extremely dirty. Regularly cleaning or changing filters (as often as every month or two in summer) is the quickest way to save energy on home cooling, helping you use 5-15% less energy and reduce your bills. Homes with pets or lots of exposure to dust will need to replace their filters more often. \n \n\n\n\n
Coils\n\n\n\n Dirt inevitably collects in the evaporator coils and condenser coils over time. Dirt in the evaporator coil reduces airflow and the ability to evaporate heat, so check the evaporator coil every year and clean it when it needs it. Dirt can also collect on condenser coil fins, especially if it?s in an outdoor area that?s dusty or leafy. Keep the area around the condenser coil clear of tree foliage, grass cuttings, and other debris so there?s enough airflow around the condenser. \n\n\n\n
Fins \n\n\n\n The evaporator coils and condenser coils both have fins which can bend, blocking airflow. Buy a ?fin comb? and use this special air conditioner tool to straighten the fins out again and ensure maximum airflow. \n\n\n\n
Drains\n\n\n\n Air conditioners have condensate drains that can clog, which stops the air conditioner from being able to reduce the humidity and can cause excess air moisture to affect your carpets and walls. To prevent clogs, feed a stiff wire through the drain channels every now and then. \n \n\n\n\n
Seals \n\n\n\n At the start of every summer, check the seal that sits between the air conditioner and the window to ensure it?s still a tight seal, and that moisture damage isn?t causing cool air to escape outside. \n \n\n\n\n
Having your air conditioner thoroughly cleaned every year by a professional is recommended to:\n\n\n\nReduce your energy bills by up to 30% Increase airflow and efficiency Remove mold and odors Kill and remove harmful bacteria \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nFeatures & Functions\n\n\n\nStar-rating labels\n\n\n\n Once you’ve worked out what capacity you need, compare the star ratings of models of similar capacity. The more stars, the lower the running costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Star ratings are different for heating and cooling. \nThe government energy rating website has more information about the star rating system and the rules for air conditioners. \n \nA new star-rating label has been recently developed, giving more information about how the air conditioner performs in different zones of Australia, making it easier to choose a model best suited to where you live. This will be phased in over the next few years. We’ll also start seeing new regulations and labels for portable and ducted models, to help consumers choose the most efficient models. \n \n\n\n\n
Fan speeds\n\n\n\n The fan circulates cooled or heated air around the room. Look for a model with a wide airflow range and multiple fan speeds: from very high ? to help the room cool down quickly, to very low ? so there’s less noise and no unpleasant draught once you have the right temperature. \n \n\n\n\n
Thermostat (temperature setting)\n\n\n\n This controls the air conditioner to deliver the target temperature. Usually, you just set the desired room temperature with the remote control, and the thermostat measures the indoor temperature and adjusts the air conditioner output accordingly. \n\n\n\n
Operating modes\n\n\n\nAuto: Automatically chooses the mode required to keep the room at the chosen temperature. Cool: Pumps heat from the inside to the outside. Heat: Pumps heat from the outside to the inside. Dry: Dehumidifies the air. Provides some cooling, but not as much as a cooling mode. Fan only: Blows air without heating, cooling or drying, which is useful when all you want is a cooling breeze. Economy: Also called Eco mode, this reduces power consumption. Different brands implement this in different ways. It may simply reduce the cooling or heating output by adjusting the thermostat a degree or two, or it may use sensors to detect if no one is in the room and then reduce the cooling\/heating. \n\n\n\nHuman Sensor \n\n\n\n This detects whether someone is actually in the room so that the unit knows to keep working. When no one is detected, the unit might switch to an economy mode to reduce power consumption. Some models even direct the air movement towards the sensed person, so that the cooling or heating is mainly focused on the areas actually being used. \n\n\n\n
Remote control\n\n\n\n Look for large, well-spaced buttons and a big, easy-to-read LCD screen. \n \n\n\n\n
Sleep mode\n\n\n\n This function adjusts the temperature in steps, to a comfortable level for sleeping so the air conditioner doesn’t work as hard (and more quietly) when you’re sleeping. Adjustable or oscillating louvers point them up for cool air and down for warm. This can be done via the remote for most models. Left and right adjustability help direct air where it’s particularly needed. \n\n\n\n
Restart delay\n\n\n\n A protective feature that prevents the air conditioner from starting up again too soon after being switched off. \n \n\n\n\n
Air Conditioning Brands\n\n\n\n Buying an air conditioner is probably best thought of as an investment ? an investment in your home and your comfort. With that in mind, it pays to do your research. Below is an overview of the six brands in this year?s review, plus several others worth a mention. (Reviewed on https:\/\/www.canstarblue.com.au\/) \n\n\n\n
Some interesting statistics from Australian residents\n\n\n\nAustralians who have bought and installed a new split system air conditioner in the last three years spent an average of about $1,800. Those who installed ducted aircon spent an average of close to $5,000. Old split system air conditioners were replaced after an average of just over 8 years Energy efficiency (45%) was the biggest deciding factor for consumers picking their new air conditioner, marginally ahead of price (44%) Panasonic air conditioners \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nWell-known for quality home electronics, Panasonic?s air conditioners\n\n\n\n They are said to be designed to meet the same very high standards. The range includes reverse cycle, cooling-only inverter, inverter multi-split, ducted, cassette, and under ceiling air conditioners. In the wall-mounted category, consumers can choose from nearly 30 different models. Some include Panasonic?s ECONAVI feature, which detects human activity and sunlight to automatically adjust to reduce energy consumption. \n\n\n\n
ECONAVI Feature \n\n\n\n It will reduce output if it detects that you?re just sitting there reading or watching TV, as opposed to doing something more active, like exercising or cleaning. The Panasonic inverter design has variable rotation speed so that it can heat up or cool down a room faster during start-up, then slow down to maintain the set temperature. \n \n\n\n\n
Australians love Panasonic Air Conditioners\n\n\n\n Across the range are various levels of filtering, deodorizing and dehumidifying features to explore for optimal air quality. Panasonic air conditioners come with a slightly higher starting price than most other major brands ? just over $1,000 ? and you could pay in excess of $3,000 for its top of the line models. But Aussie consumers are sold on Panasonic, rating the brand five stars in almost every category in 2017. \n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDaikin air conditioners\n\n\n\n Across the Daikin air conditioning range, there is an even spread of wall-mounted split system, multi-split system, and ducted air-con models. Within the split system line up, the six different models offer more choice than first meets the eye, as each system comes in a few different varieties with varying features, including a choice of the reverse cycle and cooling only, or add-on Wi-Fi capability. \n\n\n\n
All Daikin AC units labeled with the “Sensitive Choice” sticker for asthma sufferers\n\n\n\n The US7 has an astonishing 7 star ?Super Efficiency? energy rating, while all Daikin air purifiers and split systems are approved by the National Asthma Council Australia and labeled as a ?Sensitive Choice?. In addition to the traditional wall-mounted design that sits up near the ceiling, a version that?s more accessible can be mounted down near the floor. \n\n\n\n
Daikin’s pricing & rating\n\n\n\n A Daikin split system air conditioner can come in at under $1000, or up to nearly $4000 depending on how many features your budget can accommodate. However, Daikin is generally considered to be a leading brand in the aircon world, previously topping our customer ratings and this year earning a respectable four stars in most research categories, but only three in terms of value for money. \n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nFujitsu General air conditioners\n\n\n\n Fujitsu General produces almost every kind of air conditioning unit you could want, including wall-mounted, multi-type system, ducted, cassette, ceiling and floor. Within its offering for the most popular type (wall-mounted), there are three ranges to choose from ? Classic, Lifestyle and Designer. Within each, a choice of a reverse cycle or cooling only options means you can save the money you?d otherwise be paying for nothing if you don?t want the heating program. \n\n\n\n
5-star energy rating\n\n\n\n The Classic range is apparently designed to be quick, efficient and easy to use. The Lifestyle range is Fujitsu?s most energy-efficient, with some models nabbing a 5-star energy rating while coming in a stylish, standardized style, so the whole home matches. The Designer sits at the higher end of the range, with a sleek, modern finish and extra features. \n\n\n\n
Human Sensor Control\n\n\n\n Across the three ranges, many models include a ?human sensor control?, which automatically turns the air conditioner off if there?s no detected movement for 20 minutes. When someone re-enters, the sensor picks up the movement and switches the air conditioner back on. No more accidentally leaving the air con on all day when you rush out the door! \n \n\n\n\n
Pricing & rating of the Fujitsu aircon units\n\n\n\n Fujitsu, like most brands, has offerings priced under $1000, but at the other end of the spectrum offers pricier units costing over $4,000. A previous winner of our air conditioner ratings, Fujitsu has rated four stars overall in 2017, with three and four stars across the board. \n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nMitsubishi Electric air conditioners\n\n\n\n Covering both domestic and commercial sides of the Australian market, across wall-mounted, ducted, console split, bulkhead, ceiling mounted and multi-head systems, Mitsubishi Electric is a one-stop-shop for every kind of air conditioner. If you?re bored of the traditional white finish, some models come in a black or silver finish for something different. Wide and long airflow patterns from specifically designed horizontal vanes help push air further into the room. The Mitsubishi Electric wall-mounted range offers both ?premium? inverter and standard ?classic? single speed. \n\n\n\n
Plenty of options in features to choose from\n\n\n\n Different models offer focuses on different features, such as the MSZ-GE series which operates extremely quietly ? as low as 19dBA. Wi-Fi control (available with compatible models) allows you to connect through your smartphone, tablet or computer, so there?s no more fumbling around for the remote. Some models are even potentially DRED compatible. The Catechin air cleaning filter is claimed to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses, as well as generally improving the air quality, while the Plasma Duo Filter System adds filters that remove odors. \n\n\n\n
Pricing & rating of the Mitsubishi Electric series\n\n\n\n Mitsubishi Electric?s wall-mounted systems can be picked up for less than $1,000, with prices ranging up to just under $3,000. Mitsubishi Electric was rated four stars in this year?s review, with a mixture of three and four stars across specific categories. \n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nLG air conditioners\n\n\n\n Claiming to provide a wider operation range than regular air conditioners, LG has six different wall-mounted, split system, ducted and multi-split systems to choose from. All are reverse cycle and include the ?Active Energy Control? feature, which allows users to set a cap on the unit?s energy consumption to improve energy efficiency. \n\n\n\n
Plenty of cool features\n\n\n\n LG air conditioners also offer four-way air control ? both vertical and horizontal airflow adjustment. Wi-Fi Smart Control is available with compatible models as an optional add-on. Features to look out for in particular models include sleep mode with ultra-low operating sound (19dbA), outdoor quiet mode ? to reduce noise from the exterior unit ? and multiple kinds of filtration and auto-cleaning systems. \n\n\n\n
LG air conditioners pricing & rating in Australia\n\n\n\n LG units can be found for under $1,000, with price points reaching up to over $3,000. LG was rated three stars in every research category in 2017. \n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSamsung air conditioners\n\n\n\n With a focus more on ducted and commercial-grade air conditioning, Samsung offers just one model of a domestic wall- mounted air conditioner. With an 8kW cooling capacity, turbo mode for maximum speed to reach the set temperature quickly, and an auto mode that automatically selects the required operating mode (heat or cool) to reach and maintain the set temperature, you can expect reliable temperature control from your Samsung air conditioner. \n\n\n\n
Great features & great pricing\n\n\n\n The Auto Clean feature will automatically keep the fan running on low speed for a bit after the air conditioner is switched off, to dry off the heat exchanger and prevent bacteria growth. It?s not so strong on the energy efficiency front though, with a two-star energy rating. However, it?s a Demand Response Enabled Device (DRED), which means that, depending on your energy provider, you can opt in to have power consumption limited during peak demand times in order to reduce strain on the network, while also potentially saving you money. Samsung rated three stars overall in 2017, with three stars in most other categories, too. \n\n\n\n
Which air conditioner brand is best?\n\n\n\n Panasonic has now topped our air conditioner customer ratings for two years in a row, which is a good sign that it?s delivering on the reliability, functionality, ease of use and value for money that Australian consumers expect. However, it?s important to compare a wide range of brands and models before settling on a product that?s right for your home. \n \nAir conditioning capacity and energy efficiency are perhaps the most important factors to keep in mind when comparing models. \n \nUltimately, there is no point buying a system that is too large or too small for your property?s requirements. These are factors that will also have an impact on your ongoing energy costs. With power prices continuing to rise, energy efficiency has never been more important. \n \n\n\n\n
Spending more upfront to save in the future\n\n\n\n Buying a highly efficient model will likely cost you more upfront, but it should save you money in the long run. You?re also likely to get an all-round superior model if you?re willing ? and able ? to spend a bit extra. When it comes to air conditioners, you typically get what you pay for. \n\n\n\n
Ducted Air Conditioning Prices\n\n\n\n When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, ducted air conditioning prices are determined by a number of factors, specifically, the brand you pick, its energy rating and what size system you require. Other factors to take into account include: \n\n\n\n