Guide to the run air conditioning efficiently
How to save money on air conditioning?
Temperatures are rising every year, and so are the electricity prices! While we all want to stay cool in summer, using air conditioners can cost a lot. Luckily there are some ways to run your air conditioner better and also save on rising electricity prices. In this article, we discuss some tips to beat the heat and also pay less on energy bills.
Clean the filters
Dirty filters are the major culprit for an inefficient aircon - using an aircon with clogged filters can also be harmful for your health. If the filters are clogged your aircon will also have to work harder to cool your home. If your aircon is not cooling well, check the filters first. If the filters are dirty, clean them or replacing them if they are not the reusable kind. It is recommended to clean the filters at least once a month and replace the filters after 3 months.
Use economy mode
Your aircon has a lot of features that you are probably not aware of. Running your aircon in economy mode will make your compressor run slower, which means the unit will consume less energy. This feature comes in handy if you are using your aircon for long periods of time. So if you use the system all day and night, simply activate the economy mode. Viola, you will not only stay cool but also save some money.
Keep the doors and windows closed
Make sure the doors and windows are closed when the aircon is running to prevent leaks. Close the doors of the rooms that do not need to be cooled to prevent the hot air from flowing to the cool rooms.
If you have a multi-split system or a ducted air conditioner, use the zoning feature to cool individual areas.
Cover the windows with curtains or blinds
Blinds help to control the amount of sunlight entering your home. They also act as insulators and make it easier to cool your home. According to the Department of Energy, using blinds can reduce heat gain by around 45%. So make sure your blinds are down when you are using the aircon. Block the heat of the day using curtains or blinds to improve the efficiency of your aircon.
Insulate and seal your home
Did you know air leaks can increase your heating and cooling costs by up to 25%? The cold air can seep out through cracks between doors, and window seals making your aircon work harder to cool the home.
Draught proof your home by using a sealant, weather stripping, silicone stripping or caulk. The most common areas for draughts are gaps in windows, doors, and skirtings. Sealing these gaps will ensure your home remains comfortable throughout the year. The cool air won’t leak outside during summers and cold winter air won’t enter your home.
Set the temperature right!
In summers, set the thermostat to 21 - 25 degrees Celsius and in winters set it to 18-20 degrees Celsius.
You may also like to read : What Air Conditioning Temperature Setting is Best?
Preventative Maintenance
Regular maintenance by professionals can prevent unexpected breakdowns and also catch small problems early so they can be fixed.
It is recommended to get a cool-only model serviced at least once a year. For ducted systems and reverse-cycle air conditioners, at least two services in a year are recommended.
Set the timer
It can be tempting to keep the aircon running when you are not home so you can return to a cool home, but this can burn a hole in your pocket. Instead, use the timer feature so the aircon can turn on automatically before you come home. This will put less pressure on the system and also minimise your energy bills.
Replace your air conditioner
If you are using an old air conditioning unit, consider replacing it with a new, more energy efficient unit which can significantly reduce your energy costs. Look for the ZERL label and compare the energy-efficiency for different models and choose the one with higher ratings. If you are looking to install a new air conditioner or need repairs, give us a call on 1300 405 295 or complete our aircon service request form.
