We recommend air conditioners that score at least 80% overall.

This overall score is made up of cooling efficiency (40%), heating efficiency (40%) and airflow (20%).

Cooling efficiency scores are based on the model's AEER (Annual Energy Efficiency Ratio) – a measure of efficiency that factors in standby power consumption when the unit's not in use. Our scores are more precise than star ratings.

Heating efficiency scores are based on the model's ACOP (Annual Coefficient of Performance) – a measure of efficiency that factors in standby power consumption when the unit's not in use. Our scores are more precise than star ratings. "NA" (not applicable) means this is a cooling-only model.

Based on the range of airflow on the lowest to highest fan speed settings. Ideally, air conditioners should have a gentle airflow on low settings and a powerful airflow on high. The wider the range of airflows, the better the score.

Brand reliability is based on our 2020 member survey and shows the percentage of respondents owning that brand of air conditioner who reported no problems with it in the previous 12 months. "Not available" means we didn't get enough responses to score that particular brand.

Owner satisfaction is based on our 2020 member survey and shows how satisfied respondents who own that brand of air conditioner are with their purchase.

The recommended or typical retail price at time of publication. You can often get a better price by shopping around.

An estimate of how much each model will cost to run, based on a set amount of cooling and heating (for reverse-cycle models) or just cooling (for cooling-only models) per year, including standby power (based on an electricity cost of 30 cents/kWh). Your actual running costs will vary depending on how much you use the air conditioner, how well-insulated your home is, and more. 

Small (up to 4kW cooling capacity) models are good for a bedroom or study. Medium (4 to 6kW) models are good for a large bedroom or living room. Large (over 6kW) models are good for large, open-plan living areas.

Noise levels are supplied by the manufacturer. Where available, we show the noise on the quietest indoor fan setting. Noise levels are broadly comparative, but note that different manufacturers may measure these values slightly differently.

Noise levels are supplied by the manufacturer. They're broadly comparative but note that different manufacturers may measure these values slightly differently.

The rated cooling output of the air conditioner in kilowatts. The higher the number, the greater its cooling capacity and (in theory) the bigger the space it can effectively cool.

The rated power consumption (under set test conditions) for this model in cooling mode.

The rated heating output of the air conditioner in kilowatts. The higher the number, the greater its heating capacity and (in theory) the bigger the space it can effectively heat. "NA" (not applicable) means this is a cooling-only model.

The rated power consumption (under set test conditions) for this model in heating mode.

Star ratings are based on regulated standard testing. The more stars, the better; more stars means better efficiency, lower running costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The zoned energy label shows cooling star ratings for different zones: the cold zone covers southern Australia including Melbourne, southern WA, Canberra and eastern state mountain regions, and Tasmania. It also includes New Zealand. The more stars, the better the air conditioner is for cooling in these regions. This rating is not available ("N/A") for some older models that are still on the market but not registered with the new label.

The zoned energy label shows cooling star ratings for different zones: the average zone covers the middle zone of Australia including Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. The more stars, the better the air conditioner is for cooling in these regions. This rating is not available ("N/A") for some older models that are still on the market but not registered with the new label.

The zoned energy label shows cooling star ratings for different zones: the hot zone covers northern Australia including Darwin and Brisbane. The more stars, the better the air conditioner is for cooling in these regions. This rating is not available ("N/A") for some older models that are still on the market but not registered with the new label.

Star ratings are based on regulated standard testing. The more stars, the better; more stars means better efficiency, lower running costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The zoned energy label shows heating star ratings for different zones: the cold zone covers southern Australia including Melbourne, southern WA, Canberra and eastern state mountain regions, and Tasmania. It also includes New Zealand. The more stars, the better the air conditioner is for heating in these regions. This rating is not available ("N/A") for some older models that are still on the market but not registered with the new label.

The zoned energy label shows heating star ratings for different zones: the average zone covers the middle zone of Australia including Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. The more stars, the better the air conditioner is for heating in these regions. This rating is not available ("N/A") for some older models that are still on the market but not registered with the new label.

The zoned energy label shows heating star ratings for different zones: the hot zone covers northern Australia including Darwin and Brisbane. The more stars, the better the air conditioner is for heating in these regions. This rating is not available ("N/A") for some older models that are still on the market but not registered with the new label.

Whether this model is reverse-cycle (has cooling and heating modes) or is cooling only.

Refrigerant gases are usually R410A or R32. Both are hydrofluorocarbons but R32 has a lower global warming potential and should also give improved efficiency.

Country (or countries) of manufacture. Note that most products are assembled from materials and components sourced from many countries.

A 'powerful' or 'jet' setting that gives a quick performance boost.

A low fan speed designed to be particularly quiet. Some models have a quiet mode for the outdoor unit too; handy for running at night.

This allows the air conditioner to act just as a fan, without cooling or heating; useful if you just want a breeze in the room.

Sleep mode adjusts the air conditioner's output temperature and fan speed (usually in steps) so the temperature becomes more comfortable for sleeping and the air conditioner runs at lower power and more quietly.

"Yes" indicates that the model's sleep mode adjusts the air conditioner's output temperature in steps, so the change is gradual.

This feature detects whether anyone's in the room; if no one's there, the air conditioner switches to an economy mode to reduce power consumption. Some models also direct the air movement towards the sensed person, so as to not cool or heat unused areas.

Allows control of the air conditioner via your home wireless network and an app on your smartphone, so you can power the unit on or off when away from home, set temperatures and monitor energy use. It's not available for all models, but is built-in for some and an optional extra for others.

Demand Response Enabling Device (DRED), also known as PeakSmart. An air conditioner with this feature can be controlled remotely by participating energy companies to run in a power-saving mode in periods of peak electricity demand. It's not available for all models, but is built-in for some and an optional extra for others.