While it's the most energy efficient not to have an air conditioner, sometimes that is simply not a viable option. Portable Air Conditioning Units plug into a standard power outlet and have a separate indoor and outdoor unit that is connected by a flexible hose running through either an open window or external door. Portable units are suitable to cool small rooms and are great for renters. Portable units are generally not particularly efficient however and of course their hose means they aren't really completely portable either. Window/ Wall Units are perfect for small rooms, but a hole in an external wall is needed. Depending on the size of the unit, window/ wall units may be able to use existing power outlets. This type of mechanical cooling system is suitable to cool a single room with an area up to 60m2. Split System Units have an indoor unit connected to an outdoor unit. These units are amongst the most energy efficient, saving up to 30% more than other options as well as being very versatile in attachment options. Ducted Air Conditioning is permanently mounted in your ceiling cavity, delivering air via ducts and vents to your rooms. There are many extremely efficient Ducted Air Conditioners now available so talk to a professional as you can save thousands of up front and ongoing dollars in energy efficiency.
Around 40% of Australian household’s energy consumption is used for home heating and cooling. Air conditioners cool air already in your home by sucking it in through a pipe, this air is then filtered and passed through a cooling system (depending on the type of air conditioning unit) and then released back into your home. This cycle continuously occurs cooling your home.
Portable air conditioners are the least energy efficient of all air conditioners by around half. Bear in mind that the longer the hose, the more power is wasted pushing air outside. Also, they don't recycle air to a room; they simply suck hot air out and replace it with cool air. The compressor is also in the room so noise might be a problem. To find out how to get the best of your air conditioning unit see: Energy Saving Tips for your Air Conditioner in Summer.