ON-THE-GO COOLING

“Portable air conditioners are compact and give you the freedom to have an air conditioner anywhere there’s a window and a power socket, without the need for complex installation, so they’re ideal for renters, bedrooms and smaller rooms,” says Colin Jones, category expert at Appliances Online, where prices start from $400 for a size to suit a small bedroom.

To run it, a portable air conditioner will cost between 24 and 29 cents an hour, says Jan Prichard, general manager of customer care at Origin Energy.

Impressive models to look out for include Dimplex’s new multi-directional portable air conditioner with built-in dehumidifier (which delivers cool air to all corners of the room, even on 43°C days) and De’Longhi’s super-quiet Pinguino Air-To-Air model (which combines both temperature and humidity control for greater comfort).