Energy-Saving Tips for Your Air Conditioning System

With winter knocking on the door here in Australia, most homeowners will look to their heating solutions rather than cooling to make their homes as comfortable as possible. Reverse-cycle air conditioners are a common feature in many homes nationwide, offering an ideal year-round solution that keeps you warm during winter and cool in summer. But keeping your home cosy can come at a cost if your system isn’t running efficiently.

Energy bills are notorious for really adding up when you’re not paying attention, and no one enjoys opening a winter bill with a figure so high that it has you Googling “short-term loan options”. Thankfully, all it takes to stay warm this winter – without burning a hole in your wallet – is a few smart habits and a bit of maintenance.

Even just small changes to how you use and care for your air conditioner can make a big difference to your comfort – and your budget. Let’s take a look at just what you should do.

Understand how reverse-cycle air conditioners work

But before we do that, let’s first get an overview of how reverse-cycle air conditioning works.

Whether you have a split or a ducted system, reverse-cycle air conditioners are a bit like magic – perhaps just with more science and fewer rabbits. We all love the blast of cold air they provide in summer. When winter comes, however, they cleverly reverse their operation to provide our homes with much-needed warmth. They work by extracting heat from the outside air – even when it’s cold – and pumping it inside to warm your home.

Reverse-cycle technology offers a much more energy-efficient alternative to traditional electric heaters, which generate heat from scratch and typically chew through electricity.

Ultimately, knowing how your reverse cycle aircon system works enables you to use it more efficiently, simply by adjusting its settings to get the most warmth for the least cost. It’s not just about comfort – it’s about reining in those winter heating bills, too.

Set the right temperature

Setting your air conditioner to the right temperature in winter is one of the easiest ways to save energy, yet it’s where so many people slip up.

The million-dollar question, therefore, must be asked: What is the “right” temperature?

Yes, it can certainly be tempting to crank up the heating to 25°C on a chilly winter’s day. However, this results in your system working overtime and sends your electricity bill into orbit. As per Aircon Service Near Me, we recommend setting your heater between 18°C and 20°C for a comfortable and efficient home. The Australian Government’s Energy website suggests that every extra degree above 20°C can increase your energy use by between 5 and 10%. This effectively means you’re unnecessarily paying extra to sit around in a T-shirt indoors.

Dress appropriately, use a blanket if you must, and trust that your reverse-cycle air conditioner doesn’t need to transform your living room into a tropical rainforest.

Regular maintenance: Your AC is not a self-cleaning oven

Your air conditioner might seem like a low-maintenance hero, but make no mistake – it is definitely incapable of looking after itself. You’ll need to give it a little TLC once in a while so it can return the favour with ease.

Inside your system is an accumulation of dust, pet hair, and all the mystery fluff from daily life. This build-up chokes your system, affecting its efficiency and making it work harder than it should.

Depending on the type of filters your air conditioning system uses, you’ll need to clean or replace them regularly. Once a month during heavy use periods should suffice; this will keep air flowing properly and energy bills in check.

Don’t forget to check around the outdoor unit too; fallen leaves and general backyard debris love to set up camp there. Blocked vents inside your home are another common culprit, often hidden behind furniture or a badly placed laundry basket.

A little maintenance now can spare you from major breakdowns (and major expenses) later.

Always use a licensed air conditioner technician

Now, you may be tempted to try and save a few dollars by asking a mate or a “handy” neighbour to fix your air conditioner, but it’s a shortcut that can cost you far more in the long run.

Only a licensed air conditioner technician has the training, tools, and legal accreditation to properly service or repair your system. They’re able to spot small issues before they blow out into expensive disasters and make sure everything is running as efficiently as possible. A substandard DIY repair job could void your warranty, damage your system, or even pose safety risks.

A professional tradie might not come with a backyard discount or “mates rates”. However, they will bring expertise, insurance, and the comforting knowledge that your air conditioner won’t blow itself up mid-winter.

Use smart features to your advantage

Like most major household appliances in the 21st century, modern air conditioners have become smarter than ever. Using their features properly can make a real dent in your winter energy bills.

Instead of setting and forgetting, take a few minutes to get familiar with the clever tools already built into your system. They can include:

• Programmable timers: Set your air conditioner to coincide with your daily routine so you won’t be warming an empty house.
• Eco mode: It can be a great way to run your system efficiently. It uses just the right amount of energy to maintain comfort.
• Zoning capabilities: Direct warm air to only the rooms you’re actually using at any time, rather than wasting heat on empty spaces.
• Wi-Fi control: Check and adjust your air conitioner mode and settings remotely to avoid heating an empty home.
• Sleep mode: Automatically adjusts the temperature overnight for better comfort and energy savings.

Spending a few minutes setting up these features can save you a lot of money – and a lot of grumbling when the bill arrives.

Complement your AC with smart home habits

Even the best air conditioner can’t do all the heavy lifting by itself. Small habits around the house can make a big difference to how well your system performs – and how much you pay for it.

Dressing winter-friendly, with layers of clothing, is a great starting point. It’s certainly cheaper than turning up the heating. Block draughts around doors and windows with weather seals or the classic door snake, and keep curtains closed at night to trap the warmth inside. Make sure you don’t have any furniture blocking vents, and let the warm air circulate properly.

Using your air conditioner wisely, alongside some basic common sense, means you stay comfortable without turning your home into an all-you-can-eat buffet for your electricity meter.

Stay warm without burning through your wallet

Keeping your home cosy this winter doesn’t have to mean sky-high energy bills or an air conditioning system that sounds like it’s begging for mercy. With a few smart habits, regular maintenance, and a little help from a licensed electrician or air conditioning technician, your air conditioning system can run smoothly and efficiently all season long.

Setting the right temperature, using built-in features, and sealing up those sneaky draughts will all add up to big savings without sacrificing comfort. A bit of care now can also help your system last longer, which means fewer breakdowns and fewer panicked phone calls when the temperature drops.