As the cost of living continues to increase, more and more people are looking for ways to stay warm over winter without breaking the bank. In this guide on how to use split AC in winter, our team of experts share their tips on how to maximise the performance of your air conditioner. We cover the best AC settings for winter, the best AC temperature for winter in Brisbane and around Australia, and a few other tricks we’ve learnt over the years to help you get the most out of your split AC.
When it comes to how to use split AC in winter, the first thing to know is what setting to use. You have two main options when it comes to AC settings for winter: heat mode and dry mode. Below we cover the basics of each setting to help you choose the right one for your home.
Choosing the best AC temp for winter is important for ensuring your split AC runs efficiently. Generally speaking, the greater the difference between the outside temperature and the temperature you set on the AC, the harder the unit will have to work. The trick is to find the AC temperature in winter that keeps you warm, without overworking your unit.
The table below provides a guide to the best AC temperature in winter in each region of Australia. As you can see, in areas with warmer winters (like up here in Brissy) the ideal AC temperature in winter is a lot cooler than in areas like Canberra, that are prone to particularly cold winters. 17°C might not seem that warm, but if it’s only 12°C outside, it’ll keep you nice and toasty.
Location | Best AC temp for winter |
Greater Brisbane and Northern NSW | 18°C |
North QLD, North WA, NT | 17°C |
Central Australia | 17°C |
NSW, VIC, ACT | 20°C |
Southern VIC | 20°C |
Southern WA | 18°C |
South Australia | 20°C |
Tasmania | 21°C |
If you’re curious about the best AC temperature for summer, you can find more information in our full guide to ideal air conditioner temperatures.
Selecting the right AC temperature in winter will have the biggest impact on your air conditioner’s efficiency, and therefore your power bills. But it’s not the only factor to consider. Below are some more tips on how to use split ACT in winter to get the most out of your system.
The more cold air you let into your house, the harder your split AC will have to work to reach the desired temperature. When you’re running the AC, close doors to rooms you don’t need to be heated and only open windows and external doors during the warmest part of the day. You can also minimise the amount of heat lost through windows by keeping blinds and curtains shut while you’re running the AC.
Blocked AC filters are one of the most common reasons for poor split system AC performance. As dust builds up in the filter, airflow into the system becomes restricted, meaning your split AC has to work harder (and therefore use more power) for the same level of output. At Technicool, we recommend checking and cleaning your AC filter every 6-12 months to keep your air conditioner working at its best.
You can generally tell if your air con filter needs cleaning by looking out for the following signs:
Regular air conditioner maintenance is essential for keeping your split system AC running efficiently. At Technicool, we typically recommend you service your split system AC once a year. During a service, the technician will give your unit a complete once over by checking and cleaning the filter and condenser unit, inspecting and testing the motor and electrical components, testing the thermostat and checking the refrigerant levels.
Another important tip for optimising your AC in winter is to select a unit with the right output for the space you’re trying to heat. According to Choice, four factors determine what size reverse-cycle air conditioner you need:
Generally speaking, a 2-2.5kW unit is sufficient to heat and cool a small room of up to 20 square metres, whereas you’ll need something closer to a 5-9kW unit to heat and cool a larger 40-60 square metre room.
If you’ve implemented all of our winter AC efficiency tips and you’re still feeling the cold, or grappling with high power bills, it might be time to upgrade your air conditioner. We’re often asked about when you should replace an air conditioner. While it varies on a case by case basis, older AC units typically last around a decade before needing to be replaced, while you can expect to get 15-20 years out of a newer model. Some signs that you might need to upgrade to a newer model split system AC, include:
It’s not as warm as it used to be. This can suggest there’s a fault somewhere in the unit.
Higher power bills. Technological advancements mean that modern units are naturally more efficient than older air conditioners. Your system can also lose efficiency over time.
It needs more frequent servicing. If you continue having issues with your air conditioner, it’s a good idea to weigh up the cost of maintenance with the cost of a new unit—the results might surprise you!
If you’ve fully optimised your AC set-up but you’re still being hit with large power bills, it might be time to consider whether your home needs additional insulation. Insulation in the floor, walls or ceiling helps to maintain your house at a more stable temperature year-round, which means you can set your AC temperature in winter lower than you might otherwise have to.
If it’s been a while since you’ve had your air conditioner serviced, or you’re after more personalised advice about the best type of split AC to keep you warm this winter, the team at Technicool are here to help.
Technicool works with residential and commercial clients throughout Brisbane, offering a comprehensive range of air conditioning installation, maintenance and repair services. Contact us today to find out more or to book an appointment!
References
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