26/07/2024
How to Use Your Air Conditioning System to Heat Your Home Effectively in Winter
Air conditioning systems have long been associated with cooling homes during hot summer months. However, most modern air conditioning systems are designed to provide efficient heating during the winter months. While some people may be hesitant to use their air conditioning system for heating, it can be an effective and efficient way to keep your home warm and comfortable in winter. In this blog post, we’ll provide tips and advice on how to best use your air conditioning system to heat your home effectively during winter!
Set Your Controller to the Right Temperature
Setting your controller to the right temperature is essential for effective heating. While it may be tempting to turn up the controller to a high temperature to warm up your home faster, doing so can actually lead to inefficiencies. When you’re feeling chilly, don’t just automatically crank up the heat. Ford & Doonan recommend that the temperature be set somewhere between 20°C – 23°C. This allows your unit to work efficiently, while allowing you to still be comfortable in your home. You can adjust the temperature up or down as needed to suit your preferences, but keep in mind that every degree you increase the temperature can increase your energy usage by up to 10%.
Use a Smart Controller
One of the easiest and most effective ways to control your air conditioning system for heating is to use a smart controller. Upgrading to a smart controller offers convenience and efficiency by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your routine, which can significantly reduce energy use during winter when your heating needs increasing. Additionally, a benefit of most modern air conditioning controllers is that you can download an app for your mobile phone and remotely control your air conditioner. This allows you to turn on/off the air conditioner, along with switching the fan speed too as shown below on the AirTouch 5. Perfect for improving efficiency and creating the ideal comfort!
Keep Your Air Filters Clean
Dirty air filters can reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning system and lead to higher energy bills. During winter, it’s especially important to keep your air filters clean, as a dirty filter can impede airflow and reduce heating capacity. Before winter starts, clean or replace your air conditioner’s filters to facilitate smooth airflow. A clean air filter will also improve indoor air quality and help prevent allergens and other particles from circulating in your home. Additionally, maintaining clean filters can reduce wear and tear on your system, preventing costly repairs and ensuring consistent performance no matter the season. We recommend cleaning your filter once a year, however, for homes with pets or high dust levels, consider more frequent cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Check out our simple and easy to follow DIY videos on how to clean the filter in your ducted or wall split air conditioner:
Keep Your Home Well Sealed
A well-sealed home will help keep warm air in and cold air out, which can improve the efficiency of your air conditioning system for heating. Inspect your home for any gaps or leaks that may be letting cold air in. Heat can easily escape through your windows and doors, so installing curtains are a great way to reduce this problem. Believe it or not, we lose around 40%* of the heat in our homes through the windows. Even by adding new, heavy-duty curtains can assist in keeping the heat in your home. Additionally, make sure that your home is also properly insulated. Good insulation will help prevent heat from escaping and keep your home warmer and more comfortable.
Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Warm Air
Ceiling fans can be an effective way to circulate warm air throughout your home during winter. Since warm air rises, ceiling fans can help push the warm air back down to the floor where it’s needed. Set your ceiling fan to run in a clockwise direction during winter, as this will push warm air down while keeping cool air up. This can help improve heating efficiency and reduce energy usage. Using ceiling fans strategically can also create a more balanced temperature throughout your home, reducing hot and cold spots and enhancing overall comfort.
Schedule A professional Service for Your Air Conditioning System
Regular servicing is essential for keeping your air conditioning system running efficiently and effectively, especially during winter. Schedule an annual servicing appointment with the Ford & Doonan service team to have your system inspected, cleaned, and tuned up. This can help identify and address potential issues before they become major problems, ensuring your system operates at peak performance. A regular service can also help to extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system, improve indoor air quality, and provide peace of mind knowing that your home will stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter season.
In Conclusion
By implementing these practical tips, you can ensure your air conditioning system heats your home effectively and efficiently during the winter months. Setting your controller to the right temperature, keeping your air filters clean, sealing your home properly, utilising ceiling fans and scheduling regular servicing are all essential steps to optimise your system’s performance. Not only will these tips help you stay warm and comfortable, but they can also lead to significant benefits, including improved energy efficiency, enhanced comfort, and prolonged unit lifespan!
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