Each zone of a building should be controlled separately. The most efficient equipment possible should be used to minimise ongoing operating costs and energy use. Energy labels rate the energy efficiency of domestic gas heaters and electric reverse-cycle air conditioners, while modern wood heaters are tested for efficiency to Australian Standard 4012. For cooling in dry climates, evaporative cooling is far more energy efficient than refrigerative cooling, unless the building being cooled is designed and constructed to be very energy efficient. Running a ceiling fan when air conditioning is operating will save energy, as the fan provides comfort at a higher thermostat setting.
Open fires are generally very inefficient.
Use a properly designed wood heater where possible. Open fireplaces of improved design, which have insulated backs, double skins and dampers, are less inefficient than standard open fires. Providing an outside air inlet near a fireplace allows a fire to draw air from the inlet, rather than creating draughts as it draws cold air from a room. The use of key tag switches in accommodation units ensures that heating and cooling are used only when the unit is occupied. Success stories Coconut Beach Resort in Queensland's Daintree region does not have air conditioning in its luxury accommodation units.