Let’s face it—managing your home’s temperature used to be a pretty dull affair. But with today’s smart HVAC tech, especially here in Australia, things have taken a futuristic turn. Systems like Airtouch2 and Airtouch5 are reshaping how we think about home comfort, blending ease, efficiency, and some pretty slick features.
Still, with all these upgrades, it’s natural to feel a bit lost. Should you go with the reliable Airtouch2 or spring for the tech-packed Airtouch5? That’s where we come in—breaking it all down in plain, simple terms so you can pick what’s right for your space.
What’s the Deal with HVAC Airtouch Technology?
Before diving into the details, let’s quickly cover what Airtouch is all about. Imagine having one central controller that can manage different parts of your home’s air conditioning—cooling the bedroom while keeping the living room a bit warmer. That’s what Airtouch does.
It syncs with ducted systems and gives you total control through your phone or voice commands. Plus, it’s smart enough to avoid blasting air into empty rooms, saving you money on power bills. Whether you’re chilling in a small townhouse or a multi-zone mansion, Airtouch keeps things comfy—and efficient.
Airtouch2: Reliable, Simple, and Smart Enough
Think of Airtouch2 as the solid all-rounder. It’s not the flashiest model, but it gets the job done and does it well. It handles multiple zones, has app control, and works with voice commands—what more do you need if you’re after practicality?
Key Features:
- 8-inch wall-mounted colour screen
- Works with up to 4 ducted AC units
- Supports 16 zones—great for big homes
- App control to tweak settings remotely
- Basic voice assistant compatibility
For many Aussie families, it hits that sweet spot between affordability and function. No fuss, just straightforward comfort.
Airtouch5: Next-Level Control Meets Luxury
Now, if Airtouch2 is your dependable family car, Airtouch5 is the sleek electric upgrade—loaded with extras and built for the tech-savvy. With a bigger screen, sharper design, and deeper smart home integration, it feels more like a lifestyle hub than a thermostat.
Key Features:
- 10-inch high-def touchscreen
- Supports 4 AC units and 16 zones
- Individual Temperature Control (ITC) for each room
- Smart graphs and usage reports
- Google Assistant & Alexa support
- Automated schedules and geofencing
- Smart home compatibility (Z-Wave, IFTTT, etc.)
If you love having control at your fingertips—or by voice—Airtouch5 makes your home feel like something out of a sci-fi movie.
Design & Interface: What You’ll See Every Day
The first thing you’ll notice? That screen. Airtouch2’s display is perfectly fine, but Airtouch5’s 10-inch HD screen is just gorgeous. It’s smooth, intuitive, and feels more like a smart tablet than a control panel. If looks and user experience matter to you, this alone might tip the scales.
Zone Management: The More Precise, the Better
Both systems can handle up to 16 zones and 4 air conditioners. But here’s the kicker—Airtouch5 lets you control the temperature in each room individually, thanks to its ITC sensors. That’s a big win if you’ve got people in your home who can never agree on the “right” temperature.
In comparison, Airtouch2 adjusts zones in broader strokes, which may result in small hot or cold spots here and there.
App Experience: Remote Control, Reimagined
Both systems let you control things via mobile app, but Airtouch5 steps it up a notch. It offers real-time data, usage graphs, and a cleaner interface that’s just easier to navigate. Whether you’re away on a weekend trip or just too lazy to get off the couch, having that extra detail makes a difference.
Smart Home Integration: Talking to Your Tech
If you’re building a smart home, Airtouch5 is the way to go. It’s designed to fit into broader systems with ease, from Google Assistant and Alexa to third-party automation setups. You can literally just say, “Cool the living room,” and it’s done.
Airtouch2 does support voice assistants, but it’s more basic and not quite as flexible.
Saving Energy: Smarter Use, Smaller Bills
Both systems reduce energy waste by zoning usage, but Airtouch5 adds AI smarts to the mix. It learns from your patterns and suggests ways to save more—like running the system during off-peak times.
So if you’re eco-conscious or just tired of steep energy bills, that upgrade might just pay for itself.
Installation & Compatibility: Which One Fits Your Home?
Here’s some good news—both models work well with new builds and retrofits. Airtouch2 is a bit simpler to set up, especially in homes with standard layouts. Airtouch5, however, offers more flexibility, working with a wider range of brands and expandable features, perfect if you’re planning future upgrades.
Cost & Long-Term Value
Let’s talk money. Airtouch2 is more affordable upfront and still covers all the essential functions. But if you’re planning to stick with your HVAC setup for years to come—and you want to stay ahead of the curve—Airtouch5 brings more to the table in terms of value and future-proofing.
Who Should Choose What?
Airtouch2 is great for:
- Classic family homes with simple needs
- Older homeowners who prefer easy controls
- Budget-conscious users
Airtouch5 is ideal for:
- Smart homes packed with gadgets
- Builders designing modern, future-ready spaces
- Energy-conscious families wanting data and control
Airtouch2 vs Airtouch5: Side-by-Side
Feature | Airtouch2 | Airtouch5 |
---|---|---|
Display | 8-inch Colour Touchscreen | 10-inch HD Touchscreen |
Zone Support | Up to 16 | Up to 16 |
AC Units | Up to 4 | Up to 4 |
App Control | Yes | Yes (Advanced UI) |
Voice Assistant | Basic | Google Assistant, Alexa |
Individual Temperature Control | Basic (Zone) | Advanced (Room-level ITC) |
Smart Home Integration | Limited | Full Smart Home Integration |
Reporting & Graphs | No | Yes (Detailed Reports) |
Schedule & Geofencing | Limited | Yes |
Ideal For | Simple installs | High-tech, energy-efficient homes |
Why Partner with Zero Energy?
Whether you’re upgrading your current system or starting from scratch, you’re not in this alone. The team at Zero Energy has hands-on experience helping Aussies choose and install the right smart HVAC system—customised for their lifestyle, home, and budget.
From those first “What do I need?” questions to installation day and beyond, they’re with you at every step. It’s not just about tech—it’s about feeling comfortable at home, knowing your energy use is smart, and having a team that’s got your back.