20/03/2026
The Best Air Con Features to Look for in 2026 (and What’s Not Worth Paying For)
If you’re planning to upgrade your air conditioning in 2026, you’re in luck! This year’s systems are smarter, quieter, and more energy‑efficient than anything we’ve seen before. But with so many new features being marketed as “must‑haves,” it can be hard to know what’s genuinely worth the investment and what’s better left on the shelf.
Below is a breakdown of the features that deliver real comfort and efficiency, and the ones you can confidently skip.
The Best Air Con Features Worth Paying For
1. Smart Controls and App Connectivity
Smart air conditioners have evolved rapidly, and 2026 models, like the AirTouch 5, offer reliable app‑based control, scheduling, voice assistant compatibility, and even energy‑usage reporting. These features aren’t just convenient; they can also help reduce power bills by ensuring your system only runs when it needs to.
Many smart air conditioners also work with Alexa or Google Home and allow you to adjust settings remotely, making them ideal for Perth’s unpredictable hot spells or when you’re away from home.
More specifically, The AirTouch 5 is built on android operating system, meaning it is smart home ready and available to connect to a range of smart home products including being compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Make sure you always consult the manufacture documentation to ensure compatibility with your home and devices.
2. Inverter Technology for Massive Efficiency Gains
Inverter systems adjust their power output based on your home’s needs, meaning they run more efficiently and maintain consistent temperatures. This reduces energy consumption, cuts down wear on components, and helps lower your electricity bills.
Inverter-driven units can modulate their output rather than cycling on and off, which dramatically improves energy efficiency and temperature stability.
Models using dual‑inverter or smart‑inverter technology (like those tested by CHOICE) continue to lead the way in efficiency.
3. High Energy Ratings and Lower Running Costs
Energy efficiency is a major priority in 2026, especially with rising energy prices in WA, and a more environmentally conscious Perth. Review bodies like CHOICE now place heavy emphasis on annual efficiency ratios (AEER/ACOP), giving a clear picture of how much your system will cost to run year‑round.
Look for systems with strong cooling and heating efficiency scores, these are proven to save money over time. Ford & Doonan always recommend consulting manufacture documentation to confirm exact energy usage in which environments.
4. Quieter Operation Compared to Older Models
Many new air conditioners are quieter than their old counterparts thanks to updated compressor technology and redesigned airflow systems.
This is especially valuable for bedrooms, nurseries, and open‑plan homes.
5. Smart Zoning and Temperature Control
For ducted systems, smart zoning is becoming mainstream. Advanced zoning tech reduces wasted energy by cooling only the rooms in use, often guided by sensors and smart algorithms.
Commercial-grade systems in Perth now commonly use VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) zoning for precision temperature control, tech that is increasingly influencing residential systems too.
6. Eco‑Friendly and Low‑Impact Cooling Technologies
With sustainability at the forefront of a lot of West Aussie’s minds, 2026 systems increasingly integrate advanced refrigerants, solar‑ready options, and better heat‑pump technology to reduce their environmental impact.
These improvements are not just greener; they also support long‑term cost savings.
Features That Aren’t Worth Paying For
1. “Premium Add‑Ons” That Don’t Improve Performance
Many high‑end air conditioners advertise premium cosmetic trims, or “luxury casing designs.” These add to the price but offer zero functional benefit. Testing sources continue to emphasise efficiency and airflow as the metrics that matter, not aesthetics.
2. Oversized Capacity
Bigger isn’t always better. CHOICE testing shows that selecting an oversized system reduces efficiency, increases noise, and leads to temperature swings.
When the capacity of the air conditioner is too large, the air conditioning units often suffer from a problem called short cycling. This happens when the system cools or heats the area too quickly, causing it to shut off and restart too frequently. These rapid cycles don’t just waste energy, they can also lead to uneven cooling and increased wear on the unit’s components. Over time, this can shorten the lifespan of the system and could leave you with costly repair or replacement bills.
So, it’s not always best to just get the biggest system you can find. Correct sizing based on your home layout will always outperform raw horsepower.
The Bottom Line
2026 air conditioning is all about smart efficiency, quieter performance, and genuine comfort features, not the flashy add‑ons that don’t make a real difference.
When choosing a new system, it pays to focus on the features that truly improve day‑to‑day comfort, like smart controls and scheduling, high AEER/ACOP efficiency ratings, inverter or dual‑inverter technology, lower operating noise, proper sizing and zoning, and eco‑friendly refrigerants with solar‑ready compatibility.
By skipping the gimmicks and investing in a Ford & Doonan system that prioritises what actually matters, you’ll enjoy better comfort and lower long‑term running costs.
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