Bonaire Air Conditioner Review 

No customer reviews have been left yet
Bonaire Air Conditioner Review

Solar Choice is not affiliated with Bonaire or any manufacturer and provides independent, unbiased guidance for Australian consumers.

At a Glance: Bonaire Air Conditioner — Score 2.8 out of 5

Bonaire scores 2.8 out of 5 on the Solar Choice Air Conditioner Brand Scorecard. As a long-established Australian HVAC manufacturer, Bonaire has maintained a strong presence in the local market through decades of ducted heating and evaporative cooling products. However, its split-system air-conditioning range is a more recent addition to the brand’s lineup. If you’re comparing options for your home, consider exploring Solar Choice’s broader air-conditioning advice and quote tools to see how Bonaire compares with other major brands.

Brand Reputation & Reliability – 4 / 5

Bonaire has been operating in Australia for over 70 years with strong recognition in ducted heating and evaporative cooling. While the split-system range is newer, the brand itself is well established and trusted.

Australian Presence & Support Infrastructure – 4 / 5

The brand maintains national distribution, established service networks and reliable parts availability through Australian wholesalers and trained technicians.

Warranty Strength & Transparency – 1 / 5

Bonaire advertises a 7 and 5-year parts and labour warranty on its split-system air conditioners, depending on the range, though detailed warranty terms are not published online and are provided through the installer or warranty registration process.

Innovation & Technology – 4 / 5

Series 3 models include a wide range of features, including built-in Wi-Fi, 3D airflow, DRED support, Gold Fin protection, “I Feel” temperature sensing, uniform heating and cooling, self-cleaning functions and R32 refrigerant.

Customer Satisfaction & Review Consistency – 1 / 5

Public reviews for Bonaire split systems are limited, making long-term reliability harder to assess.

Overall:

Bonaire’s Series 3 is a well‑featured, locally supported option for households seeking reliable, mid‑range air conditioning with strong airflow and connectivity features.

Company Background

Bonaire is one of Australia’s oldest climate-control manufacturers, with origins dating back to the 1960s. The company built its reputation through ducted gas heating and evaporative cooling before expanding into reverse‑cycle split systems.

Today, Bonaire products are distributed nationally through HVAC wholesalers and serviced by an established technician network, ensuring wide support coverage. While its split‑system lineup is newer than its evaporative systems, having been released in mid 2024, the Series 3, it’s flagship model, aims to offer a competitive, feature-rich alternative in the mid‑market category.

Air Conditioner Range, Efficiency & Performance

Bonaire split systems include capacities from 2.6 kW to 8.2 kW, covering small rooms through to larger living spaces. All models use R32 refrigerant, a more efficient and environment-friendly cooling gas, inverter technology to maintain a stable temperature, with a standard set of comfort and efficiency features. Their Series 3 range acts as their flagship models, with newer smart features and benefits added.

Core features across the Series 3 range

  • Built-in Wi-Fi with app control
  • 3D airflow (vertical and horizontal louvers)
  • DRED capability
  • Self-cleaning function and Gold Fin coil protection

Performance Overview

  • 2.6–3.5 kW models deliver the quietest and most efficient operation, ideal for bedrooms and small rooms.
  • 5.2–8.2 kW models offer strong airflow for living areas but may produce higher noise levels at maximum fan speeds—typical for this capacity range.

Bonaire Series 3 – Model Comparison Table

The Series 3 is Bonaire’s core reverse-cycle split-system range in Australia, offering efficient cooling and heating with R32 refrigerant, built-in Wi-Fi and energy-saving features for year-round comfort

ModelCooling / Heating CapacityEffiency Star Rating (Average Climate)Indoor Noise LevelHow It Compares
CRC69110252.6 / 4.0 kW5.5 Stars Cool / 2.5 Stars Heat26 – 48 dBBest for small bedrooms; efficient and quiet for personal spaces.
CRC69110353.5 / 4.5 kW4.5 Stars Cool / 2.5 Stars Heat32 – 48 dBBalanced for bedrooms and studies; comfort and airflow features add value.
CRC69110505.2 / 5.2 kW3.5 Stars Cool / 2.5 Stars Heat31 – 50 dBGood for small living areas; performance typical for mid-sized units.
CRC69110717.2 / 7.2 kW3.5 Stars Cool / 2.5 Stars Heat36 – 54 dBSuited to medium living spaces; may run louder at high output.
CRC69110828.2 / 8.5 kW3.0 Stars Cool / 2.5 Stars Heat40 – 62dBLarge-capacity option; performance varies with room layout and installation.

For a more indepth look, refer to Bonaire’s product brochure

Bonaire Series 3 MK II – Model Comparison Table

The Series 3 Mk II is an updated version of Bonaire’s Series 3 range, with slightly larger capacities for small to large rooms. It focuses on simple, reliable cooling and heating.

ModelCooling / Heating CapacityEffiency Star Rating (Average Climate)Indoor Noise Level (High)How It Compares
STH026S1AI2.6 / 3.3 kW4.5 Stars Cool / 3.0 Stars Heat54 dBBest for small bedrooms; efficient and quiet.
STH035S1AI3.5 / 4.0 kW4.0 Stars Cool / 3.0 Stars Heat54 dBBalanced for bedrooms/studies; solid airflow.
STH053S1AI5.3 / 5.3 kW4.0 Stars Cool / 3.0 Stars Heat60 dBGood for living areas; typical mid-size output.
STH072S1AI7.2 / 7.1 kW3.0 Stars Cool / 3.0 Stars Heat64 dBSuited to medium living spaces.
STH082S1AI8.2 / 8.7 kW3.0 Stars Cool / 2.5 Stars Heat65 dBLarger room option with stronger airflow.

For a more indepth look, refer to Bonaire’s product brochure

Optima Multi-Split – Model Comparison Table

The Bonaire Optima Multi-Split range prioritises multi-room performance over smart features, with no Wi-Fi or app control stated in the product brochure. It’s a simpler option compared to the Series 3 and Series 3 Mk II split systems.

ModelCooling / Heating CapacityEfficiency Star Rating (Average Climate)Indoor Noise Level (High)How It Compares
CRC69201022.0 / 2.3 kWNot rated (multi-split systems are not individually star-rated)52 dBBest for small bedrooms; compact indoor unit with low airflow demand.
CRC69201272.7 / 2.8 kWNot rated52 dBSuitable for bedrooms and studies; slightly higher output with similar noise levels.
CRC69201353.5 / 3.7 kWNot rated54 dBBalanced option for medium bedrooms or small living areas.
CRC69201525.2 / 5.8 kWNot rated57 dBGood for living rooms; stronger airflow and higher capacity.
CRC69201707.0 / 7.5 kWNot rated62 dBLargest indoor unit; designed for large open-plan living spaces.

For a more indepth look, refer to Bonaire’s product brochure

How Much Does a Bonaire Air Conditioner Cost?

Bonaire Series 3 pricing sits in the mid-range for Australian split-system air conditioners:

Installed Pricing (Typical Ranges)

  • 2.6–3.5 kW: $1,900–$3,000 installed
  • 5.2 kW: $2,300–$3,600 installed
  • 7.2–8.2 kW: $2,900–$4,800 installed

This excludes rebates you may be eligible for through state schemes like the NSW Energy Savings Scheme, VIC Energy Upgrade Discount and the SA RePS Scheme.

Compare quotes from local, reputable Air Con installers

Bonaire Air Conditioner Warranty (Australia)

Bonaire advertises a 7-year parts and labour warranty on its Series 3 series, and a 5-year parts on its Optima series when installed by a licensed HVAC technician. This level of coverage is competitive for the Australian mid-market and provides long-term reassurance for residential buyers.

However, detailed warranty terms are not published online. The full conditions are typically provided after product registration via Bonaire’s warranty registration portal or through installer or dealer documentation supplied at installation. As with most manufacturers, coverage is expected to depend on correct installation, residential use, and basic maintenance, which homeowners should confirm at the time of install.

Pros & Cons 

ProsCons
Strong feature set for a mid-range priceLimited long-term split-system review data
Built-in Wi-Fi and 3D airflowNo clear warranty doucment published
Backed by an established Australian brandNo energy effiency ratings for the Optima series listed

Final Verdict

Bonaire’s split-system air-conditioning range offers a solid mix of local support, practical performance, and modern features at a mid-range price point. The Series 3 models stand out for their built-in Wi-Fi, strong airflow, and comfort features such as 3D airflow and self-cleaning, while smaller capacities are well suited to bedrooms and everyday residential use.

However, their range is relatively new, with limited long-term review data and no publicly available warranty document. While it may suit buyers who value Australian brand heritage and local support, those seeking proven reliability or advanced smart features may want to compare alternatives.

Compare quotes from local, reputable Air Con installers

Ciaran Ryan
Latest posts by Ciaran Ryan (see all)