Trystan Casey
Air conditioners can account for up to 50% of your total household energy consumption, so it's important to use them efficiently. There are several ways to save energy when using an air conditioner, including cleaning or replacing the filters regularly, using a smart or programmable thermostat, and making use of natural ventilation and light. Other methods include using fans to distribute cool air, closing doors and windows, and using energy-saving modes. Inverter air conditioners are also designed to save energy by automatically adjusting their speed based on the cooling demand.
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What You'll Learn
Clean or replace your air filter regularly
Air filters play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency of your air conditioner. Over time, dust and debris accumulate in the filters, obstructing airflow and reducing the unit's cooling efficiency. Therefore, it is essential to clean or replace your air filter regularly.
Firstly, it is important to determine whether your air filter needs to be cleaned or replaced. You can do this by checking the filter. Hold it up to the light and if you cannot see through it, it is time to clean or replace it. Regularly checking your air filter will ensure that you maintain the efficiency of your air conditioner.
When cleaning your air filter, use a dry cloth to wipe away any dust or debris. It is important to never let water or damp air touch the filter. If your air filter is extremely dirty, you may need to replace it instead of cleaning it.
It is recommended that you clean your air filter every one to three months. Additionally, it is suggested that you avail of an aircon cleaning service every three to four months for a more thorough clean. By regularly cleaning or replacing your air filter, you can improve the airflow in your air conditioner, allowing it to operate more efficiently and saving you money on your energy bills.
In addition to cleaning or replacing the air filter, you should also remember to clean the condenser unit and schedule annual professional maintenance checks. These tasks will help ensure the smooth operation of your air conditioner and lower your cooling bills.
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Use fans to distribute cool air
Fans are a great way to distribute cool air and save electricity. They consume far less electricity than air conditioners, which can account for 40% to 50% of your total household energy consumption. By using fans in conjunction with your air conditioner, you can reduce your reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems.
Ceiling fans, for example, can create a wind-chill effect, making the room feel cooler. When set to run counterclockwise, they push air downward, allowing you to set your air conditioner to a higher temperature and save energy. Even on their own, ceiling fans are a cost-effective way to cool a room during mild weather.
Box fans or tower fans can also be used to achieve effective cooling and reduce the need for air conditioning. These fans oscillate from side to side, distributing air throughout the room. With adjustable speed settings, you can create a comfortable environment while optimising energy usage.
In addition to using fans, there are other strategies to save electricity when using an air conditioner. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing the air filter, is crucial to ensuring efficient airflow and reducing energy consumption. Getting your insulation checked yearly can also prevent cool air from escaping, reducing the workload on your air conditioner.
Another tip is to avoid turning on your air conditioner unless a certain temperature is reached. An indoor thermometer can help you monitor the temperature and develop a habit of using the air conditioner only when necessary. During cooler periods, such as at night or early morning, you can use the fan mode on your air conditioner to circulate air without cooling, further reducing electricity usage.
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Choose the right aircon unit size
The size of an air conditioning unit is an important factor in determining its performance and efficiency. An air conditioner that is too small will not be able to cool a room sufficiently or quickly, and will therefore run constantly, leading to higher energy costs. On the other hand, an air conditioner that is too large will cool the room too quickly, causing it to turn on and off frequently, which is also inefficient and could lead to breakdowns. Therefore, it is important to choose the right-sized air conditioner for your space.
To calculate the size of the air conditioner you need, you can manually calculate the area and cooling load of your home or room, use an online cooling load calculator, or speak to an industry professional. The cooling load and heating load calculators on fairair.com.au, offered by the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH), are recommended by CHOICE air conditioning expert Chris Barnes. These calculators allow you to factor in details such as room size, window size, shading, window coverings, insulation, and local climate, to get an accurate guide to the right air conditioner size.
It is also important to note that air conditioners come in varying cooling capacities, which affect their physical size. Cooling capacity is measured in BTU (British Thermal Units) or kW (Kilowatts). A higher BTU or kW rating indicates a higher cooling capacity. To determine the optimal cooling capacity for your air conditioner, you should measure the length and width of the room and multiply them. If you are planning to cool multiple rooms with a single AC unit, you should repeat this step for each room and then add the areas together. You can then match the total square footage of the rooms to the corresponding cooling capacity in BTUs. For shaded rooms, it is recommended to reduce the capacity by 10%.
While it is important to choose the right-sized air conditioner, it is also worth considering other factors that will affect your air conditioning capacity requirements. For example, if your room gets a lot of direct sunlight, you may need a higher horsepower unit to cool it efficiently. Similarly, if more than two people use the room, you may need a unit with a higher HP. By taking all of these factors into account, you can choose the right-sized air conditioner for your needs and maximise its efficiency.
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Block sunlight with curtains or blinds
Blocking sunlight with curtains or blinds is an effective way to reduce energy consumption and lower electricity bills. By regulating the amount of sunlight and heat entering your home, you can maintain a cooler indoor temperature and rely less on air conditioning.
To achieve this, consider installing reflective or blackout curtains, which are specifically designed to keep heat out. These curtains can block sunlight and reduce heat gain, making your air conditioner more efficient. Additionally, you can use shades or blinds to block sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. By combining curtains or blinds with other strategies, such as closing doors and sealing gaps to prevent cool air from escaping, you can further enhance the energy efficiency of your home.
Another strategy is to utilise natural light during the day by opening curtains or blinds. This reduces the need for artificial lighting, saving energy and cost. It is also beneficial to use energy-efficient lighting options, such as LED lights, which consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
To further optimise your energy usage, consider investing in a smart thermostat or AC controller. These devices can be controlled remotely through your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to adjust settings based on your daily routine and the weather. Programmable thermostats enable you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day, ensuring your air conditioner runs efficiently without wasting energy.
Additionally, maintaining your air conditioner is crucial for energy efficiency. Regularly clean or replace the air filters to prevent dust and debris buildup, which can obstruct airflow and reduce the unit's efficiency. By keeping your air conditioner well-maintained, you can ensure it operates optimally without using excessive energy.
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Use a programmable thermostat
Air conditioners can account for 40% to 50% of your total household energy consumption. Therefore, keeping them well-maintained and using the right technology and practices can significantly reduce your electricity bills. One of the best ways to save energy is by using a programmable thermostat.
A thermostat is an electronic device that controls the temperature in a building. Programmable thermostats allow you to manually adjust the temperature settings based on your daily routine. By setting your air conditioning to run at full blast when temperatures are highest during the day, and then reducing its intensity at night, you can maintain comfort levels while minimizing energy waste and lowering your air conditioning bills. During the cooling season, for every degree you raise your thermostat, you can save about 6% on your air conditioning bills. So, make a habit of adjusting your settings based on the weather and your daily activities.
Smart thermostats are a relatively new technology that allows for remote control of your HVAC system from your smartphone or tablet. They have features such as occupancy sensors, humidity sensors, Wi-Fi connectivity, and geofencing capabilities. Occupancy sensors can turn the air conditioning off when no one is home, while humidity sensors can turn it off when humidity levels are high. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to program settings from anywhere, and geofencing capabilities allow you to set specific temperatures for different times and days.
In addition to using a programmable thermostat, there are other ways to save energy when using air conditioning. Firstly, it is important to regularly clean or replace the air filter. A dirty or clogged filter blocks normal airflow and significantly reduces the efficiency of the unit, resulting in higher energy costs. Secondly, keeping doors and windows closed prevents cool air from escaping and warm air from rushing into your home. However, you can take advantage of natural ventilation in the early mornings and evenings to reduce your reliance on air conditioning. Thirdly, using fans in conjunction with your air conditioning can help distribute cool air more evenly, allowing you to raise the thermostat temperature and reduce energy consumption. Finally, strategic placement of your AC unit, zoning, and using energy-saving modes can also help enhance air conditioning efficiency and reduce electricity bills.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to reduce your electricity bill by using your air conditioner efficiently. Firstly, ensure your AC is well-maintained. Clean or replace the filter regularly, as a dirty filter blocks normal airflow and significantly reduces efficiency. Secondly, use a programmable thermostat that matches your daily routine. Set your AC to run at full blast when temperatures are highest during the day, and reduce its intensity at night. Thirdly, use shades, blinds, or curtains to block sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Finally, use fans to distribute cool air more evenly throughout your home, reducing the need for your AC to run constantly.
Regularly check and clean your air conditioner. Check the filter often by holding it up to the light. If you can't see through it, it's time to clean or replace it. Clean the filter every one to three months, and avail of an aircon cleaning service every 3 to 4 months. Also, clean the condenser unit and schedule annual professional maintenance checks.
Programmable thermostats allow you to set your AC to run at full blast when temperatures are highest during the day, and reduce its intensity at night. During the cooling season, for every degree you raise your thermostat, you can save about 6% on your air conditioning bills. So make a habit of adjusting your settings based on the weather and what you're doing at home.
Ensure the AC unit is not too big for the room. If you have multiple rooms, consider buying multiple smaller units instead of one large unit. This will allow you to use more efficient models and lower your overall electricity costs. Also, keep doors and windows closed to prevent cool air from escaping.
