The red and blue boxes on the energy rating label for a reverse cycle air conditioner show the comparative energy consumption for the air conditioner. Refrigerative air conditioners Refrigerative air conditioners cool the air by a method of heat extraction called refrigeration. This type of air conditioning is effective in tropical climates where high humidity is present. Evaporative air conditioners Evaporative air conditioners cool by extracting humidity from the air. This method of cooling is only effective in dry climates such as found in Central Australia.
Evaporative units are much cheaper to run than refrigerative.
They are quieter if installed through the wall. Split unit These air conditioners are split so that the compressor and condenser are located outside and the fan coil unit inside. One advantage of split system air conditioners is they are usually very quiet. A ducted air conditioner can cool a whole house. A split ducted system has the fan coil unit located in the ceiling and usually has a large capacity for larger homes.