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Last updated on August 5, 2022

We all know it would be great to save money on your electricity bills, here are 10 ways to save on the running costs of your air conditioner! By utilising these tips, it will also put less strain on your unit, therefore, ensuring your system is reliable for the coming years.

10 Ways to Save Money on your Air Conditioning System

Keep all windows closed when operating your air conditioner

Keeping all windows closed during hot days when your unit is running will ensure maximum efficiency by keeping the cooled air consistently recirculating and not mixing with hot outside air. 

When doors and windows are open the air conditioner needs to adjust for the changes in temperature, this puts additional strain on the units efficiency and as a result the energy consumption of the system increases. 

Keep unused rooms closed off

Cooling the spaces you are only using will allow the system to condition the in use areas quicker and more effectively and will ensure the system is performing at its optimum capacity. Close off rooms that are not in use to allow the unit to concentrate on the areas you are using.

Keep all exterior doors closed

Allowing outside air to enter your conditioned space through exterior doors hinders the systems ability to maintain a constant temperature. The unit will ramp-up or cycle on more often and use additional electricity. 

Closing blinds and curtains will also assist in keeping the exterior heat from penetrating the home through windows and glass. 

Try to keep setpoint temperatures below 22 degrees during winter – 

it would be lovely to sit back in shorts and a singlet and dream you’re in the caribean whilst it’s frosty outside but your quarterly power bill is going to reflect the cost of a tropical holiday and you haven’t even left the country!

Maintaining a constant comfortable temperature is easy and affordable (you might just have to wear a few extra clothes inside)

Try to keep your summer setpoint temperature to 24 degrees or above. 

Generally, within the first four weeks of warm weather, your body is acclimatising and you’re able to be comfortable at 24 to 25 degrees (especially when its 40 degrees outside!)  Basically, the higher the temperature, the less power the system will consume.

Read More – 5 Factors To Consider Before AC Installation

Turn on your Air Conditioner before the heat of the day. 

By turning your air conditioner on earlier in the morning you can utilise the cooler overnight temperatures to assist your air conditioning unit to operate more efficiently throughout the day – allow your system to maintain a constant temperature before your home heats up, instead of waiting until your home is hot and making the system struggle to remove all the built up heat from your home.

Keep unnecessary lights and appliances off

Drawing additional power from around your home will increase the heat load the A/C will need to cover. A typical incandescent light bulb will output the majority of its energy as heat therefore if you have ten 100watt light globes switched on, you’re adding a whole kilowatt of heat to your home.

These appliances like your oven, T.V and lights will create additional heat within your home and require your air conditioner to work harder to maintain your selected temperature.  

Purchase a unit that is custom or appropriate for your needs

Selecting and installing a unit that is the correct size for your space will ensure that you are not using excessive electricity to condition your home. An undersized system will work harder and put additional strain on the unit to operate and is prone to breaking down or faulting out during extreme heat as it is not able to maintain the climate. 

Oversized units will cost you additional running expenses, not to mention they’re likely dearer to initially purchase. you can always hire an expert who can assist you with setup. 

Service your unit annually for preventative maintenance

Your AC unit needs to be serviced at regular intervals by licensed technicians to detect any flaw in its performance & efficiency. 

Regular maintenance will ensure smooth, optimal efficiency year after year. Without an annual service, you can overlook a small problems that your unit has developed and these can convert into larger and more expensive issues with time. 

If your unit has not been maintained in a while, it may be necessary to have a Chemical Clean and sanitise treatment performed on the system to remove all dust and biological growth to ensure its efficient operation.  

 

Use Functions Properly

If you’re located near the coast or regularly prone to high humidity levels in your area it is often a good idea to utilise the “Dry” function on your system. High relative humidity levels within your home can make you feel warmer and some people feel “sticky” or sweaty even when the temperature is at 23 degrees for example. 

The Dry function is an alternate cooling mode which alters the parameters and performance of the air conditioner which is better suited to removing moisture from the air and usually (not always depending on the conditions) consumes less power to do so. 

Keep in mind that temperature control is often compromised or difficult when utilising the Dry function – this depends on which brand and model A/C system you have.

Conclusion

These considerations play an essential role in determining the cooling efficiency of your air conditioning unit. Coalfields Climate Control is a leading service provider in the field of designing, installation, repair and maintenance of all air conditioning & refrigeration systems for residential and commercial buildings. We serve all areas of the Hunter Valley, Singleton, Cessnock, Newcastle and beyond. 

Posted onMarch 8, 2021

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