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During a hot summer when the temperature is soaring, your home should be a relaxing retreat from the outdoor heat. Help your household stay cool and safe this season with our guide to cooling options such as air conditioning, fans, and portable cooling units, plus tips to beat the heat affordably and sustainably.
Available in pedestal, box, desk, industrial and tower styles, portable fans can be easily moved and positioned for maximum effect. They're also ideal if you're in rented accommodation as you can take them with you when you move house.
Floor and box styles are unobtrusive, inexpensive and work well in small seating and dining zones of your home, boosting airflow just above floor level.
Pedestal fans are hard to beat if cost is a key factor, according to Arlec's Jane Troiano. "Adjustable height and oscillation features can give them great coverage, and as they consume less electricity than air conditioners, it makes them an all-day option for air circulation within a room," she says.
Tower fans are also budget-friendly and their space-saving design is ideal, especially in smaller living areas. They often have multiple speed settings, a timer and remote-control operation, so you can control the fan while in bed and set the timer to switch it off during the cooler part of the night. The fan blades are also typically encased, making them safer for households with young children.
These cooling units work by passing air over water-soaked pads. They evaporate the water and cool the air blown out from the appliance. Portable evaporative coolers don't suit every environment, though. "They work best in hot conditions with low humidity," adds Jane.
If air conditioning isn't an option and you're a homeowner, you may want to consider ceiling fans to help keep the rooms of your home cool in summer. "AC ceiling fans operate using an alternating current motor, while DC fans use direct current, which is more efficient, quieter and allows fans to have a greater range of speeds," says Jane. Other factors to consider before buying include fan size, number of blades, material and control options, such as remote, wall or via smart technology and an app. When choosing ceiling fans, select models with summer/winter modes for year-round comfort.
Ceiling fans are also a great way to boost the breeze in covered outdoor entertaining areas. Look for blades with ABS construction, which are durable and tropical rated.
Tip: All ceiling fans must be installed by a licensed electrician.
Split systems are the most popular type of air conditioner, with reverse-cycle models also able to warm your home in winter. Unlike fans, which simply move air, air conditioners provide more immediate and effective relief in hot conditions, as they work to cool the air temperature.
A key consideration is the aircon unit size, as getting the capacity right can have an impact on efficiency and running costs. Factors such as your home's location within Australia (tropical, temperate or cool zones), its orientation, room size, insulation and window placement will affect cooling needs. If you're unsure what size air conditioning unit your home needs, Bunnings can provide a Measure and Quote service, plus organize aircon installation.
To run your air conditioner the most energy efficient way, energyrating.gov.au advises setting the temperature a degree higher to save 5-10 per cent in power consumption. Program it to turn off when not needed and use it before extreme heat, so the unit doesn't have to work as hard. When a permanent installation is not possible, portable ACs are an alternative for spot-cooling.
Browse the range of cooling options at Bunnings Warehouse.
Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
