Buying Guideclimate control appliances
Air Conditioners Buying Guide: Portable, Split and Evaporative
How to choose between portable air conditioners, split systems and evaporative coolers in Australia: climate, energy labels, noise, filters and water tanks.
Researched and edited by the PouchMe team Updated 9 November 2026 Every fact linked to its source
This guide covers portable air conditioners, split systems and evaporative coolers, and what makers and the Australian Government's energy rating program say about them.
On a household air conditioner that carries the Energy Rating Label, look at the star rating and the noise figure.[1]
How to choose an air conditioner
Points to check before you buy. Each one cites the page it comes from.
- Know your climate zone. The Bureau of Meteorology divides Australia into climate zones, from hot humid summers in the north to cold winters in Tasmania and the alpine regions. Our suggestion: know your zone when choosing a type.[2]
- Evaporative cooling and dry climates. Seeley International says fresh air cooling performs well in dry climates, delivering 100% fresh air and lower running costs. Check your zone first.[3]
- Evaporative cooling can be fixed in place. Seeley International describes its Breezair brand as offering fixed evaporative whole of home cooling.[4]
- Decide if you need heating. The Australian Government's energy rating site says that, for every unit of electricity used, reverse cycle units can move some three to five units of heat into the room.[1]
- Read the energy label. Non-ducted household air conditioners must carry a Zoned Energy Rating Label. More stars mean a more efficient unit and lower running costs each year.[1]
- Check capacity and noise on the label. The label shows heating output at two outdoor temperatures and cooling output at one. It also shows noise in decibels, written dB(A). Decibels measure loudness, so a lower figure means a quieter unit.[1]
- Know which units are exempt from the label. Multi-split systems, which have several separate indoor units each with a separate control, and air conditioners with a rated cooling capacity of more than 30 kilowatts are on the list of exemptions from the Energy Rating Label.[1]
- Know the minimum efficiency rule. Air conditioners must meet Minimum Energy Performance Standards. Check the current requirements with the Australian Government's energy rating program.[1]
- Think about air quality. Air conditioner dust filters are not designed to remove smoke or germs, although some models have air purification filters, which can help. Keep filters clean and change them regularly so the unit runs efficiently.[5]
- Humidity and mould. Split systems dry the indoor air in cooling mode by condensing water out of it and draining it outdoors, and many have a dry mode as well.[5]
- If you are looking at a Haier portable unit, plan for water. Haier says it is normal for the tank to fill quickly when first installed, after a long break, or in high humidity. Once the room has lower humidity, the water will not accumulate much.[6]
- Look at the warranty. Daikin says warranty periods and coverage vary depending on the product and its application, so read the terms for the exact model you are considering.[7]
Common questions
How does the water tank work on Haier portable air conditioners?
Haier says its portable unit in cool mode is designed to evaporate the water continuously, so the tank should not need emptying. In heat mode on heat/cool models you may need to empty it occasionally. A Tank Full light comes on when it needs emptying. Haier also advises draining the tank before the unit is stored for a long period.[6]
Do air conditioners help with allergies and smoke?
Asthma Australia says dust filters in air conditioners are not designed to remove smoke or germs, but some models have air purification filters that can help, and that clean filters keep the unit working well. A separate air purifier with a HEPA (fine particle) filter can help clear dust, smoke, pollutants and allergens, but it can't help with the temperature (unless you opt for an air purifier/fan/heater combo).[5]
Where do evaporative coolers work well?
Seeley International says fresh air (evaporative) cooling performs well in dry climates, with lower running costs. Check which Bureau of Meteorology climate zone you live in before choosing one.[2],[3]
Are multi-split systems covered by the Energy Rating Label?
No. Multi-split systems, which have several separate indoor units each with a separate control, are on the list of air conditioners exempt from the label. Check the current rules with the Australian Government's energy rating program.[1]
Sources
- [1]Heating and cooling (checked 2026-11-09)
- [2]Climate classification maps, Bureau of Meteorology (checked 2026-11-09)
- [3]Blogs (checked 2026-11-09)
- [4]Breezair (checked 2026-11-09)
- [5]Could your home be making you sick? (checked 2026-11-09)
- [6]Haier - Portable Air Conditioner Water Tank (checked 2026-11-09)
- [7]Warranty | Comprehensive Warranty Coverage | Daikin (checked 2026-11-09)
How this guide was made
Drafted with AI assistance from the sources listed, then fact-checked and edited by the PouchMe team. PouchMe researches products from published information; we have not tested them ourselves.
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