Your air conditioning system will be getting a good workout during the summer months, so it’s normal to worry about electricity costs spiralling out of control. Here are some simple tips on how to save money on air conditioning and keep your home fresh and cool as the temperatures rise.
1. Install The Right Unit For The Space
If you’re currently in the market for a new air conditioner then choosing the right unit for the space can make a huge difference to your power bill. Too small and it will have to work extra hard to cool things down, too large and the air won’t dehumidify properly. A unit with a high energy star rating will save you the most money in running costs.
2. Turn It Off When You Go Out
Your air conditioning unit can certainly rack up the power bill over summer and it’s easy develop bad habits, such as leaving it running 24/7 when it isn’t necessary to do so. If you go out, turn your air conditioner off – it’ll be kinder on your pocket and only take about 20 minutes to cool down again when you get back. If you really can’t remember to turn it off, consider purchasing a unit with remote control functionality. Also, if you turn on your air conditioner on before the area gets too hot, it doesn’t have to work as hard to get down to the desired temperature.
3. Clean Your Air Conditioner
A dirty air conditioner is an air conditioner that has to work overtime. Less than half of the people who own air conditioners clean or replace the filter each year. A clean filter will help it to run more efficiently and do wonders for keeping your power bill down. Getting your air conditioner serviced regularly, especially before summer and winter seasons, can detect leaks, coil damage, blockages and faulty parts that could be churning through the electricity unbeknownst to you.
4. Keep An Eye on the Temperature
Did you know that for every 1°C you lower your air conditioner, you’re adding 10 percent to your running costs? Ideally the thermostat should be set to 24°C and not moved from this temperature. Check that your other heat emitting home appliances are kept well away from your air conditioner, it will have to work harder to cool the air directly around it otherwise.
5. Reduce Heat Absorption
There are ways you can reduce the heat in your house so you don’t have to rely solely on your air conditioning unit. Invest in block-out curtains, shutters and awnings to shade your windows and keep out the sun in the hottest part of the day. Getting the ceiling insulated will also help. And if you ensure that cool air doesn’t escape the rooms you’re using they’ll stay cooler for longer, so close open windows and doors, and try blocking gaps with doorway snakes. Installing effective insulation also helps to trap cool air and block out heat.
6. Ceiling fans and recirculation
A good way to distribute the cool air around the room is to install ceiling fans – again remember to turn these off if there’s no one using the room. If your air conditioner has an air recirculate setting, select this so you avoid using extra power to cool the warmer outside air that’s being drawn in.
