29/01/2025
How to Save Money Running Your Air Conditioner This Summer
With Perth summer in full swing, staying cool and comfortable becomes a top priority. Your air conditioner can be a lifesaver during these scorching months, but it doesn’t have to lead to sky-high electricity bills. At Ford & Doonan Air Conditioning, we’re here to help you enjoy a cool and comfortable summer without overspending. Here’s how you can save money while keeping your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
1. Set Your Controller to an Energy-Efficient Temperature
One of the easiest and most effective ways to cut down on air conditioning costs is to set your controller wisely. The ideal temperature for energy efficiency in summer is between 22–24°C. Every degree lower than this range increases energy consumption by approximately 10%, meaning that setting your thermostat too low could significantly inflate your electricity bill.
Instead of setting the temperature too low, focus on maintaining a comfortable environment through a combination of cooling strategies. During the night, you can raise the temperature slightly, as cooler outdoor temperatures stops your home heating up. If you’re leaving home for a few hours, raise the temperature or reduce the fan speed to prevent unnecessary energy usage.
2. Keep Your Home Sealed to Prevent Cool Air Loss
A common mistake that leads to excessive energy use is letting cool air escape through doors and windows. When warm air enters and cool air escapes, your air conditioner has to work much harder to maintain the desired temperature. Ensuring that your home is properly sealed will improve energy efficiency and reduce the strain on your system.
Make sure all doors and windows are closed when your air conditioner is running. Close curtains, blinds, or shades during the hottest part of the day to block out direct sunlight. Use weather stripping and draught stoppers around doors and windows to prevent air leaks. If you live in a home with an open-plan layout, consider using curtains or partitions to contain cool air in the most frequently used areas.
3. Use a Programmable Timer or Smart Thermostat
Leaving your air conditioner running all day while you’re at work or out and about can be a costly mistake. A programmable timer or smart controller allows you to schedule cooling times based on your daily routine.
With a programmable timer, you can set the air conditioner to turn on just before you get home, ensuring that you step into a comfortably cooled house without wasting energy all day. A smart controller takes this a step further, allowing you to control the temperature remotely using your smartphone. Some smart systems can even learn your routine and adjust temperatures accordingly for maximum efficiency.
4. Clean Your Air Conditioning Filters Regularly
A well maintained air conditioning system runs more efficiently and consumes less energy. One of the most important maintenance tasks is cleaning or replacing your air filters regularly. Over time, filters accumulate dust and debris, restricting airflow and forcing your system to work harder than necessary.
To keep your air conditioner running smoothly, clean or replace the filters every 6 to 12 months. Additionally, scheduling a professional service at least once a year ensures that your system is operating optimally. Ford & Doonan’s expert technicians can check refrigerant levels, clean the coils, and perform any necessary repairs to keep your air conditioner in top condition. Check out our simple and easy to follow DIY videos on how to clean the filter in your ducted or wall split air conditioner:
5. Use Fans to Complement Your Air Conditioner
Fans don’t cool the air but can significantly improve air circulation. Ceiling fans, for instance, help distribute cool air evenly throughout the room, while portable fans can be used to target specific areas. By using a fan in conjunction with your air conditioner, you can distribute cool air more efficiently throughout your home as fans provide a wind effect, making it feel cooler, whilst using less electricity. This also allows you to set your controller a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort.
6. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning System
If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it may be operating inefficiently and consuming more power than necessary. Modern air conditioners are designed to adjust their cooling output dynamically, consuming only as much energy as needed.
Upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model can lead to substantial savings over time. Ford & Doonan offers a range of air conditioning systems that provide superior cooling performance with reduced energy consumption. Investing in an upgrade may have an upfront cost, but the long term savings on electricity bills make it a worthwhile investment. Upgrade your air here.
7. Use Zoning to Cool Only What You Need
If your air conditioning system has zoning capabilities, take full advantage of them. Zoning allows you to cool specific areas of your home rather than running the system throughout the entire house. This means you can turn off cooling in unused rooms, directing air to where its needed most.
For example, during the day, focus cooling in the living room and kitchen, then shift to the bedrooms at night. If your system doesn’t support zoning, consider upgrading to a system that does to maximise efficiency. Check out our previous post on how zoning works in a ducted air conditioner.
8. Take Advantage of Solar Power to Offset Cooling Costs
Electricity costs can be significantly reduced by harnessing the power of the sun. By pairing your air conditioner with a solar energy system, you can use renewable energy to power your cooling system during the sunniest (and hottest) parts of the day.
Ford & Doonan Solar offers custom solar solutions designed to reduce reliance on the grid and lower electricity bills. Installing solar panels can be a game changer, allowing you to run your air conditioner at a fraction of the usual cost.
9. Be Mindful of Energy Usage During Peak Hours
Electricity rates are often higher during peak demand periods, typically in the late afternoon and early evening. To avoid excessive energy costs, try to run your air conditioner earlier in the day to pre-cool your home, reducing the need for maximum cooling later.
If you have a smart controller, use it to gradually adjust the temperature throughout the day rather than making abrupt changes, which can strain the system. By planning ahead, you can spread out energy usage and prevent high electricity bills.
In Conclusion
By following these strategies, you can enjoy a comfortable and cool home this summer without the shock of high energy bills. Whether it’s setting your controller efficiently, sealing your home, using fans, or upgrading to a modern system, there are plenty of ways to reduce costs while maximising comfort.
At Ford & Doonan Air Conditioning, we’re committed to helping homeowners make smart choices for their cooling needs. Whether you need maintenance, an upgrade, or expert advice, our team is here to help.
Contact us today to explore our energy-efficient air conditioning solutions and discover how you can save money while staying cool this summer!
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