The Best Home Cooling Systems To Beat The Heat

October 16, 2020 - 6 mins read

Australian summers can get a little sweaty – long hot days and warm nights make it hard to stay cool. If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat, the best place to start is at home with the right heating and cooling system. From fans to air conditioners, there’s lots of ways to keep cool. If you’re ready to set up a home cooling system – or upgrade your current one – you’ve come to the right place!

Cooling your home during the Australian summer

Different types of cooling systems do different things, so when it comes to picking a home cooling system, it pays to do a little research. Your first thought might be to get an air conditioner, but there are other options for you to consider depending on your needs. Staying cool during a hot Aussie summer doesn’t have to be expensive– there are lots of ways to keep the temperature down without breaking the bank.

What are the different types of cooling systems?

The best home cooling system is the one that fits your space and budget (and keeps your home at the right temperature no matter what season). Not all cooling systems work in the same way, some purify the air while others take outside air and cool it down. There’s no ‘perfect’ way to keep your home cool, but let’s take a look at some popular options to get you started.

Air conditioners

If you’re new to heating and cooling, check out our Air Conditioner Buying Guide to brush up on all the lingo and information. But to give you a quick overview, air conditioners work by taking the warmer air from outside and cooling it down. Let’s take a look at two types of popular air conditioners: split systems and portable air conditioners.

Split systems

Split systems can be very energy efficient and are a great way to keep cool this summer. Like the name suggests, a split system has two parts: an exterior unit which draws air from outside into the system, and an interior unit which blows hot or cold air into a room.

If you live in a small apartment, the Fujitsu C3.5kW H3.7kW Reverse Cycle Split System can warm it up or cool it down in no time! With a 5 Star Energy Rating, this AC uses Human Sensor technology to detect movement in the room to control the temperature and limit energy consumption. Plus, when no movement is detected for 20 minutes the unit will automatically switch to the energy saving mode.

Another great option to consider is the Kelvinator C2.5kW H3.2kW Reverse Cycle Split System. It has great wireless connectivity that allows you to control temperature, modes and fan speeds via an app on your smartphone. Built-in inverter technology keeps the temperature consistent and minimises noise (so you can leave it on even while you’re sleeping).

If air quality is on your checklist, take a look at the Panasonic C2.5kW H3.2kW Reverse Cycle Split System & Air Purifier. Not only will this model keep your home cool in summer, it will also leave it feeling fresh thanks to the built-in air purifier. It features NANOE-X technology which helps to remove dust, bacteria, allergens and pollen and is approved by the National Asthma Council of Australia.

Portable air conditioners

For a cooling system you can take with you, check out the DeLonghi C2.5kW Portable Air Conditioner. It’s quiet, energy efficient and has a cooling capacity of 2.5kW.

The Olympia Splendid 3.5kW Portable Air Conditioner is another great option, with multiple operating modes including dehumidification, eco, silent and auto to suit your needs. This model features integrated Wi-Fi allowing you to customize the airflow from your smartphone.

Coolers

As the name suggests, coolers are designed to keep things cool and are available in a variety of options. You can use a cooler as part of your home cooling system in addition to an air conditioner, as it can often help with air circulation, especially when you’re trying to cool down multiple rooms.

Evaporative coolers

This type of cooling works by evaporating water and using a built-in fan to circulate the cool air. Our top pick for an evaporative cooler is the Dimplex 7L Evaporative Cooler. This model has great water capacity and multiple power settings, so you can control the temperature with just a few clicks. It’s also on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room as needed.

Pedestal fans

If more circulated air is what you’re after, a floor fan might just do the trick. The Sunbeam 40cm Pedestal Fan With Remote has six speed settings and tri-movement oscillation, so it reaches every corner of the room.

For a slightly bigger and more stylised fan, take a look at the Nordic 45cm Copper Pedestal Fan. Featuring a safety guard, adjustable tilt, and adjustable height, this gorgeous vintage inspired fan is solid and powerful, perfect to cool things down on those hot summer nights.

Desktop fans

If you work or study at home, a desktop fan is a must-have to cool down. Give your office a vintage feel with the Kambrook Arctic Antique Metal Desk Fan. Featuring three speed settings this fan will keep you feeling cool in style.

Another option is the GVA 40cm Desk Fan. It’s easy to use with 3 speed settings and has an adjustable tilt for optimal comfort. One of the key benefits of a desk fan is that it only cools the space you are using and with it being portable, you can also take it with you when you move from room to room.

Ceiling fans

For keeping whole rooms cool without using an air conditioner, you might consider installing a ceiling fan. The Mercator 140cm Clarence White Timber Ceiling Fan Light is our top pick. It’s simple to use, with three easy settings and quiet enough to leave on while you sleep.

Air purifiers

Air treatment appliances are all the rage these days and for good reason – clean air is better for our overall health and happiness, especially in the heat of summer. For a portable option, check out the Breville Smart Air Connect Purifier. This air purifier has an inbuilt HEPA filter to help minimise odors and smoke, and its 4-stage air purification helps to remove 99.97% of particles. This model also features Wi-Fi control allowing you to remotely run your purifier via the Breville Home Connect App.

Another model for the tech lovers to consider is the Samsung AX5500K Air Purifier with Wi-Fi. It has a 3-way airflow that helps to remove dust, mold spores, pollen and pet dander from the air in your home quietly and efficiently. Plus, you can monitor and control the air quality by using the SmartThings app!

For something a little different, Dyson is one of the best air purifiers on the market. Using an intelligent thermostat to stop heating or cooling your room once the set temperature is reached, this smart purifier is jam-packed with so many great features. Project purified hot or cool air around your whole room (not just in one direction) to help keep you comfortable and refreshed no matter the season.

How to choose the best home cooling system for your home

To find the best home cooling system for you, you’ll need to work out what spaces you want to keep cool. This will also help you narrow down your options, as smaller spaces generally require less power and energy to adjust.

Cooling the whole house

You can use a combination of different types of cooling systems throughout your house to maximise your efficiency in cooling and save a little cash on your electricity bill too. Here are a few tips:

• If you have ceiling fans, set them to reverse mode so it pushes the warm air downwards.
• Add a floor or desktop fan to different rooms to help circulate air when you’re in there.
• Close the doors to any unused room to keep cool air in places where you need it.

Cooling one room

You can apply the tips above to any room you want to cool as well. Another tip to utilise is to open your windows at night and take advantage of the cooler air. But for those really, really hot summer days, close all windows and curtains first thing in the morning and set any cooling system to a comfortable (not freezing) temperature.

Tips for preparing for the summer heat

To help you prepare for the coming summer months, here are our top tips:

• Clean your air conditioning unit: It is recommended to clean your split system every 12 months. The Good Guys offer split system air conditioner cleaning services so let us take care of the hard work for you! Plus, by having your system cleaned professionally can help to reduce your electricity usage bill by up to 28%.
• Set timers: Get to know your home cooling system’s settings. Set timers to turn on roughly 30 minutes before you wake up each morning and a little after you go to bed at night.
• Consider installing ceiling fans: On days that aren’t scorching, a ceiling fan can be enough to keep you cool and get the air flowing nicely.

Explore our entire range of cooling systems

If you’re still weighing up your cooling system options, we’re here to help. Visit The Good Guys in-store or online and check out our great range of cooling appliances. With Click & Collect, contactless delivery and professional installation available, we’ll take care of all the heavy lifting too! All you have you to do is sit back, relax and chill out.