Advice and News •
It’s great that you’re keeping cool and comfortable in your own home with the help of your air conditioner. If there’s ever a time to reap the benefits of air conditioning now is the time, however it’s also the time to really think about how you are using the system. In addition to relying solely on your air conditioning consider other ways to stay cool, and be mindful when the unit is in use. This will go a long way to minimise the impact of running your system with your next electricity bill.
Here’s the H&H Air Conditioning Guide to Staying Cool Affordably this summer.
1. Seal Draughts, Close Windows and Doors
When you’re enjoying your air conditioner, seal off any rooms that are not in use. We can’t stress this point enough. Cool air is only effective if it stays in the area where it’s going to be enjoyed. It will also mean you won’t have to run the system for as long to reach the desired temperature, and your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature. Drawing blinds and curtains is also recommended in some circumstances.
2. Don’t Set and Forget
If you have a ducted air conditioning system, make sure set the air to be used in the zone where you are using. Consider using a programmable thermostat that uses the system continues to run at comfortable temperatures while using the least energy possible. New air conditioners come with a number of features including inverter technology to ensure the efficient use of energy, so if your system has these features use them! It goes without saying, that when you are out, it’s more efficient to turn the system off and an on again, rather than leave it running.
3. Set the AC to the right temperature
It recommended to set your air conditioner to 24°C as every degree cooler can add 10 per cent to an energy bill. If you think this may feel too warm before lowering the temperature, try moving the louvers of the system to the ceiling, as cool air falls, or sitting closer to the unit.
4. Clean Filters and Clean Debris
When air conditioning units are being used more often (i.e. during summer) filters will require cleaning more frequently to keep the system running efficiently. Soaking them in warm soapy water and then leaving to dry can quickly clean most filters. The steel fins of outdoor unit should be wiped clean, and any leaves and debris should be swept away so they don’t clog the system and to encourage maximum airflow.
Remembering these four simple steps can go a long way to reduce air conditioning bill shock. Air conditioners, while making great advancements in their efficiency are still one of the most costly household appliances to run so it’s important to carefully think about they are used.
For more advice about buying a new more efficient system to save you more than your current system, contact H&H Air Conditioning today on (07) 3276 1800 for our Brisbane office or (07) 5477 1777 for our Sunshine Coast sales and installation team.