7 Tips to Save Money on Your Air Con Bill

Australia’s hot and humid summers mean your air conditioning must be in top shape. However, running your air conditioner can cost you big bucks if you are not careful.

How much does it cost to run your air conditioner over summer? Canstar Blue, a leading Australian research and rating agency, has calculated that the average reverse cycle air conditioner can cost an average of $60c per hour to run. This can add up very quickly and your running costs can skyrocket over the course of the summer months.

But don’t worry, all is not lost. Even if we’re in for a particularly sweltering summer, there are ways to keep your power bill down.

Here are seven tips to help you save real money on your air conditioning electricity bill this summer.

1. Set the Temperature Higher

Setting the temperature of your air conditioner slightly warmer can result in a huge saving in your electricity bill. On average, people tend to set their air conditioning temperature to between 21-23°C during summer. Raising this to between 24-25°C means you will still be comfortable, but your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to cool the room.

2. Invest in a newer and more efficient unit

One of the easiest ways to save on electricity is to invest in one with a good energy rating in the first place. All Australian air conditioners have a star-based energy rating system. The more stars an air conditioning unit is rated, the less energy it consumes. Older units tend to be less efficient, with newer units offering much better energy efficiency which makes them cheaper to run, saving money in the long term.

3. Only Cool the Spaces You Are Using

Some air conditioners allow you to control which areas of the house you cool. If you have a central AC system (or ducted air conditioner), use the zoning options to cool the areas of the house you most frequently use. If you’re just wanted to cool one medium-sized room, you don’t want your system trying to cool down large rooms not being used.

Ducted air conditioners are convenient, but you don’t want to be cooling rooms that are unoccupied. Another option is to invest in a single split system that only cools the room you are in.

Make sure you close all the doors to rooms you are not using. You can even take it a step further by lining the gaps under your room doors with towels to really ensure space is sealed. Your power bills will reflect the effort.

4. Make Sure Your House is Cool

A cool house means your air conditioner needs to works less hard in the first place during summer. Simple steps such as strategically placed trees and hedges, pergolas and other tactics to shade your house from the summer sun can make a huge difference.

You can also keep your curtains closed, install exterior blinds or blackout curtains to stop the heat penetrating your house. This will reduce your cooling costs.

5. Know Your Air Conditioning System

The right air conditioner for your property can be difficult to judge. Spaces with high ceilings or plenty of windows can be hard to cool. The size of the rooms needing cooling greatly determine the specific type of air conditioner you need. Having one too weak for the job will mean the machine will need to work harder, while a unit that is overpowered is wasted on a smaller and easier to cool space.

6. Get Your Air Conditioner Serviced

Getting the most out of your current air conditioner during summer could be as simple as getting it serviced by a professional. A specialist air conditioner technician will be able to spot any issues or inefficiencies in your units such as in their coils or fins. They will be able to clean the unit’s filters and condensers so that your air is clear of pollutants and so that the unit can function efficiently. This kind of service will reduce your running costs.

7. Save with Metropolitan Air Conditioning

An expert technician from Metropolitan Air Conditioning will be able to assess which type of air conditioner is right for your property, service and repair your current system and provide advice about how to get the most of your air conditioner to help you stay cool this summer.

What are the Most Economical Ways to Cool the House?

Here are a few extra tips on keeping your home cool without breaking the bank, some economical strategies you can employ along with the advice above.

So, here are six bonus tips to help you save money on your air conditioning bill:

1. Use ceiling fans: Ceiling fans are a cost-effective way to improve air circulation in your home. They help distribute cool air more evenly, allowing you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort.
2. Seal leaks and insulate: Make sure your home is well-insulated and sealed to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering. Proper insulation can significantly reduce the workload on your AC system.
3. Programmable thermostat: Invest in a programmable thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature when you’re not at home. You can set it to increase the temperature when you’re away and lower it before you return, saving energy.
4. Cheap electricity deals: Try to use your air conditioner or cooling system during off-peak times to reduce energy costs. Check your local network to find out the times to use off-peak electricity. You might also compare energy plans from other providers.
5. Regular maintenance: Keep your AC system well-maintained with regular filter changes and professional check-ups. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently and can reduce your electricity bills in the long run. Yes, we’ve already mentioned this, but it really must be emphasised and it applies to your heating costs in winter as well.
6. Cook smart: On hot days, avoid using the oven or stove, which can heat up your home. Opt for no-cook meals or use the barbecue outdoors to keep the kitchen cool. And it will help reduce your energy consumption.

By incorporating these economical cooling strategies into your routine, you can enjoy a comfortable home while keeping your air conditioning bill in check.

For more information, contact the heating and cooling experts at Metropolitan Air Conditioning.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.