Australian summers are scorching hot. If you're in need of some relief, air conditioners area the perfect solution. But if you're not careful they will rack up your energy bill!
In this guide we're providing tips for reducing your energy usage when cooling your home with air conditioners.
Tips To Reduce Cooling Energy Usage
Did you know that heating and cooling appliances consume up to 50% of your family's energy usage? Choosing an energy efficient air conditioner is essential because it will save you money on your power bills. Below are our tips on how to choose the most energy efficient air conditioners and how to get the most out of them.
1. Energy Rating for Air Cons
When buying a new air conditioner, be sure to check the energy star rating. The more stars on the energy efficiency label, the greater the savings. Australian regulations require all air conditioners to display this star rating, making it a simple way to see if your appliance is cost-effective. Below is an example of one.
Look out for this energy rating lable when shopping.
2. Size of Air Conditioner
Another factor to consider when purchasing an air conditioner is its size. A unit that is too large for your room will use more energy than necessary and a unit that is too small will not be effective in cooling your space. Choosing the right unit will give you the best results. If you're unsure what size is best for your room, you can consider consulting with an air conditioning plumber.
3. Small Room? Consider A Portable Air Conditioner
If you live in a small room or apartment, you may want to consider portable air conditioner. These units are smaller in size and use less energy than split system air conditioners if used correctly. We recommend using them in rooms less than 20m2. If you're looking for one check out our guide on the best portable air conditioner units.
4. Choose the Right Setting
Energy efficient air conditioners have different settings that allow you to control the temperature and humidity in your home. When using your air conditioner, be sure to set it to the highest comfortable setting.
Setting an air conditioner one degree warmer than usual can save 10% on cooling costs. This saves money as your machine does not have to work as hard to attain your desired temperature.
Make sure your air con matches your room size.
5. Regular Maintenance
Just like any other appliance, your air conditioner needs regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. A dirty filter will increase energy usage, so be sure to clean it regularly. Also, make sure the ducts are free of dust and dirt as this can also reduce efficiency.
6. Compare Units With Facts
The Energy rating website provides a list of the most popular units and lists their energy rating next to each of them. So if you want to quickly compare energy consumption between different units we recommend checking out their comparison table here.
7.Close and Cover Windows
If possible, close and cover windows when using your air conditioner. This will help keep the cool air in and reduce energy usage.
8. Use a Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans can be used in conjunction with an energy efficient air conditioner to circulate the cooled air throughout the room. This will help you save both energy and money by not requiring as much cooling. This is due to the fact that covering a larger area necessitates less time cooling.
A ceiling fan is a low cost way to distribute cold air.
9. Insulation
Ensuring your home is properly insulated will help reduce energy usage as well. This is because it will keep the cool air in and the hot air out. This may be expensive at the onset, but the cost will be off set over time.
10. Cool Early
Running your air conditioner early in the morning before it gets hot will use less energy than running it during the middle of the day when temperatures are at their highest. This is because the higher starting tempreature, the more power is needed to cool down the room. Make sure you close and cover your windows to keep the cold in as soon as possible!
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can save money on your energy bill while keeping cool all summer long! Make sure to check out our other insights on how to save money with Australian household appliances.