Portable Air Conditioners Suck (Hot Air Into Your House)


Are you thinking of a portable air conditioner? Don’t. Step back. Put your wallet away.

I can’t think of a better way to waste time, money and energy than buying a portable air conditioner – although there are a couple of exceptions that have their place.

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Don’t Waste Cold Cash On The Wrong Sized Air Conditioner

people inspecting an air conditionerSweltering through a heatwave and desperate for a new air conditioner? Don’t rush into a decision before working out what size of unit you need – otherwise you’ll be blowing all your cold cash on hot air.

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Australian Consumer Alert: Portable Air Conditioner Scams

Air conditioner scam Australia.

Ads for cheap(ish) so-called “air conditioners” that look a little like small reverse cycle split system head units have been popping up all over the web. Save your money and your time — they won’t work as advertised for a very simple reason, and may pose fire safety risks. [Read more…]

How To Integrate Air Conditioning With Solar

An air conditioner and a solar panelIf you want to control your air conditioner properly with solar, it helps to understand how the thing actually works. As an ex-control systems engineer, this is right up my alley. Let’s break it down.

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Evaporative Cooling Vs. Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning

An Australian family in their air-conditioned home.

Like many home improvements, the type of air-conditioning that may be best suited for your house will depend on a number of factors, including if you have solar panels. See the pros and cons of the two main technologies, and other points to consider. [Read more…]

Reverse Cycle Not Keeping You Warm? Here’s What To Do.

Winter is here, and nobody is more aware of that than Australians with a struggling reverse cycle air conditioner (RVAC). If your system isn’t keeping you warm, here’s what to do to get it humming.

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Surviving 43°C: A Quick Fix for Struggling Air Conditioners

heatwave air conditioning
I know it sounds like clickbait, but honestly, there is one simple trick that will help your refrigerative air conditioner cope with very hot days.

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Air Conditioning In Australia: Time To Get Smart Says IEEFA

Smart air conditioning in Australia

Air conditioners sold in Australia need to meet minimum efficiency standards, but not minimum “smarts”. This should change says a new report from IEEFA. Here’s why. [Read more…]

Demand Response: SA Air Conditioner Regulation Change

Air conditioners and demand response - South Australia

From July next year, certain air-conditioner types newly installed or connected in South Australia will need to meet demand response capability requirements. [Read more…]

Air Conditioners Will Heat Your Home Cheaper Than Gas. Here’s Why.

Reverse cycle air conditioner vs gas heating

The best way to heat your home is with a reverse cycle air conditioner.  This is true whether your goal is to save money or save the planet.  In this article, I’ll explain no matter how crap your air conditioner is, you’re likely to be financially better off using it for heat instead of gas. [Read more…]

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