Cooling the Inner West with Care: Energy Shop Australia’s Legacy of Comfort & Community

In the heart of Camperdown, where heritage façades meet contemporary city living, one business has quietly shaped the comfort of thousands of homes and community spaces. Energy Shop Australia, led by seasoned air-conditioning expert Richard Ferraria, has spent the past 40 years helping Sydney breathe easier — both literally and figuratively.

From red-brick terraces in Newtown to sleek apartments in Glebe, Richard has seen it all. And through it all, he’s remained committed to one core mission: delivering smart, sustainable, and deeply human climate solutions. “I installed my first Daikin unit 30 years ago, and that family is still a customer now,” Richard says. “It speaks to the reliability of the brand and the relationships we build.”

Indeed, Energy Shop Australia’s longstanding partnership with Daikin — spanning over 35 years — has kept it at the forefront of innovation. From early split systems to today’s energy-efficient, app-controlled models with advanced streamer technology, Richard has watched both the industry and customer needs evolve.

“People want air that’s not just cool but also clean,” he explains. “Indoor air quality has become a priority. Daikin’s advanced filtration systems reduce allergens, dust and pollutants — it’s about creating a healthier space, not just a cooler one.”

Environmental awareness is driving change too. “Consumers are actively seeking more eco-friendly systems, which allow them to lower energy bills while reducing their carbon footprint,” Richard says. “Automated systems that learn usage patterns or solar-powered cooling benefit both the customer and the environment.”

In the Inner West, where residents are as passionate about sustainability as they are about their neighbourhoods, this shift couldn’t be more welcome. But modern upgrades don’t always come easy — particularly in the area’s many heritage homes.

“Owners want to preserve the character of their homes while adding modern comforts,” Richard notes. “Striking the right balance between comfort and character is key. Compact, high-performance units are ideal where space is tight. Body corporate rules can limit external placement, so having an expert helps navigate approved alternatives.”

One of Energy Shop Australia’s proudest projects speaks to its heart as much as its technical skill: a multi-year partnership with a historic Indigenous community centre in Sydney’s Inner West. “The centre needed a reliable system due to the heavy daily use of its facilities,” Richard says. “It had to run consistently without frequent downtime or costly repairs.”

Over five years, Richard’s team has replaced a large portion of the existing infrastructure with 25 Daikin air conditioners and 30 Daikin air purifiers, transforming the building’s comfort and function. “This was more than just an air conditioning installation,” Richard reflects. “We wanted to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life for the people who rely on the centre every day.”

It’s this blend of technical precision, long-term thinking and genuine community care that makes Energy Shop Australia more than a business — it’s part of the Inner West’s fabric. 

In a world of quick fixes, Richard Ferraria and Energy Shop Australia offers something rare: legacy, loyalty and a local’s understanding of what makes a home, a heritage site or a neighbourhood centre truly thrive.

You can learn more at daikin.com.au.