Steadily rising temperatures see us reaching for the aircon remote, all while often disregarding other smarter and more energy-efficient ways to stay cool. With a few simple tweaks and habits, you can lower your energy bills without sacrificing your indoor comfort.
Whether it’s tweaking your thermostat, insulating your home or just keeping up with your routine air con maintenance, the following small usage and behavioural changes can make a big difference.
1. Stick to a Consistent Maintenance RoutineLike many major home appliances, servicing your aircon helps you to keep it running efficiently and save on energy costs. Here are a few key maintenance tasks that are well worth the time and effort sticking with:
- Regularly cleaning or replacing air filters: Dirty filters block airflow. Cleaning or replacing them reduces the strain on your air conditioner so it doesn’t need to work as hard.
- Checking the outdoor unit: If the external unit of your air con system has accumulated debris like leaves or dirt, clearing it away will improve its efficiency.
- Examine the coils: Regular cleaning of your air conditioner coils will stop your system from overheating, which typically results in it working less efficiently.
- Monitor refrigerant levels: Low refrigerant can strain your system and increase energy consumption.
2. Use a Licensed Aircon Technician
The above maintenance tasks are well within the scope of something you or I could do ourselves with a bit of DIY initiative. But other tasks, like air conditioner regassing, will require you to use a licensed aircon technician, like those from Mr Emergency Air Conditioning.
A qualified professional has the training and expertise to identify small issues early on and fix them before they require extensive (and expensive) repairs. They’re trained to conduct thorough inspections to get your air conditioner running at maximum efficiency with minimum energy consumption.
Whether replacing refrigerant gas or ensuring all internal components are in peak working condition, a licensed aircon technician will keep your system running efficiently.
3. Set Your Thermostat Just Right
Setting your thermostat to provide a room temperature that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and efficiency will help cut down your energy use over the summer.
A reasonable temperature that keeps you comfortable enough without driving your energy bills upward is 24-27°C. Each degree higher that you set your thermostat can help you cut your energy costs by up to 10%.
Installing a programmable or smart thermostat can make a big difference too. You can set your aircon to run less while you’re at work or out of the house, and really start to kick in just before you get home. It’s a simple adjustment that will make a noticeable difference to your energy bill.
4. Air Conditioner + Ceiling Fan = Better Energy Efficiency
Now, you might think that using two appliances instead of one might be less energy efficient. However, using fans in conjunction with your air conditioner can be a smart way to stay cool and reduce energy usage.
Ceiling fans are an effective and efficient way to circulate cool air throughout a room. Switch it on and you can set your aircon to a higher temperature without compromising comfort. Setting up a portable fan in the right spot can even make your room feel much cooler.
The trick is to use fans to push cool air throughout your room so your aircon doesn’t have to work as hard. This lowers your energy use and keeps your home more comfortable during those hot summer days.
4. Keep The Curtains and Blinds Shut
Closing your curtains and blinds during the hottest part of the day is a simple but effective way to keep your home cool.
Sunlight through the windows can quickly bring heat to a room, making your air conditioner work harder to keep a comfy temperature. By blocking out direct sunlight, especially in rooms that face the sun, you can drop the indoor temperature by a few degrees.
Blackout curtains or thermal blinds are good for this as they add an extra layer of insulation to the room. Even light-coloured curtains can reflect some of the sun’s heat. It’s a habit that will make a noticeable difference to your energy use.
5. Seal and Insulate Your Home
Speaking of adding insulation, sealing and insulating your home will help you keep cool air indoors and hot air out in the summer.
Use weatherstripping or caulk to close up small gaps around windows, doors and even powerpoints; this will help stop cool air from escaping. You’ll create a more energy-efficient home that stays cooler for longer because your aircon won’t need to work nearly as hard.
As for insulation, adding it to your walls, roof and floors helps maintain a stable indoor temperature by stopping heat from getting in. By getting your insulation and sealing up to scratch, you’ll reduce the load on your aircon and cut your energy bills.
6. Avoid Heat-Generating Activities During Peak Hours
Avoiding heat-generating activities during peak hours is a big help to your aircon.
Certain major household appliances can add unnecessary heat to your home. We’re talking things like:
- ovens
- stoves/cooktops
- dishwashers
Certain measures you might consider taking include cooking meals during the cooler part of the day like early morning or evening. It’s also worth using a microwave or slow cooker, as these generate less heat. You might also consider waiting until evening to run dishwashers and washing machines.
These small adjustments can reduce the heat load on your home. It’ll help your aircon to run more efficiently and lower your energy bills.
Stay Cool, Save Energy
This summer, don’t think you’ll need to break the bank to keep your home cool. With a few simple adjustments like adjusting your thermostat, using fans and sealing any drafts, you can keep your home cool and cut back on your energy use. A regular air conditioner service can also make a big difference.
With these helpful tips, you’ll stay cool, save costs and enjoy the summer without worrying about your energy consumption.