Fans fly off shop floors in Victoria.

Down in Melbourne, where temperatures have been soaring past 30 degrees in the past month, the heat has been accompanied by a surge in cooling sales after a “rather average” season in 2015, according to David Barke Appliances owner, David Barke (pictured).

David Barke - retailer

“Split system air-conditioning units are flying with record customer inquiries and subsequent sales. Our installers are running hard to keep up but we have been able to complete most installations within 10 days which is pleasing.

“Fan sales last year were the lowest I can remember in a long time and it is great to see stock selling out as we find ourselves needing to place top up orders.

“There is plenty of heat predicted for the coming months and we are looking forward to a record year if the long-term forecasts are correct,” Barke said.

Meanwhile, Balaklava Electronics Leading Appliances, 95km north of Adelaide, South Australia, has seen a slow start to the summer season, according to store manager, Dylan Wembridge.

“Air-conditioning and fan sales have not been as strong as previous years. However, the end of December and most of January are typically quieter weeks due to the holiday season.

“Whitegoods have been performing well and TVs have been selling okay, but we hope for a longer heat wave to boost cooling sales. As a general rule, customers will not invest in an air-conditioner or fan unless there has been at least three consecutive days of hot conditions,” Wembridge explained.