How to cool your home efficiently
Thinking twice about turning on the cooling system due to rising energy bills?
Well, there is no need to suffer in heat. Here are some tips to help you stay comfortable during warm days and reduce costs at the same time:
Close the windows and doors
Unless you are using evaporative coolers, you should always keep all windows and doors closed when the air conditioner is on. As this keeps the hot air out and cold air in, your system does not need to work overly hard to keep the space cool, and avoids wasting energy.
Insulate and draught-proof your home
Insulating your ceiling, walls and floors can help you save up to 45% on your energy bills, so if you have not done so, you should definitely consider installing insulation. Also, ensure all gaps around doors and windows are sealed to prevent any loss of cool air from your air conditioner.
Set the thermostat correctly
No matter how warm you may feel, setting the thermostat to the lowest degree is not a good idea, and it will definitely cost you. The general recommendation is for your air conditioner thermostat to be set between 24°C and 26°C during summer. Every degree lower will increase running costs by about 10%, so, try to refrain from blasting the air conditioner at 16°C.
Use zoning systems
If you have a ducted air conditioning system, consider adding zoning to have a better control over the areas you cool. Alternatively, you can close the doors to the rooms that do not require cooling, or perhaps shut some of the outlets in unused areas.
Maintain your air conditioner
To keep your cooling system working as efficiently as it should, you need to ensure that it is always in a good condition. Clean the air filters regularly, and try to get the air conditioners serviced at least once a year. It is also a good idea to check all ducting to ensure it is free of air leaks. You don’t want cool air to be escaping to the roof space instead of going to the inside of your home.
Turn off the air conditioner
This seems like obvious advice, but you’ll be surprised how many people don’t do it. Turn off the air conditioner when you do not need it, or when you are leaving the house. It is much cheaper to turn the air conditioner off and then on again when you need it, than to let it run all day.
Use fans
When used in conjunction with your air conditioner, fans do a great job of circulating cool air around. This in turn makes the room feel cooler, without you having to lower the thermostat further. And as mentioned earlier, every degree you raise on the thermostat will save you money, so using a fan with your cooling system will definitely help reduce the energy bills!
At Total Electrics & Air-Conditioning, we offer a wide range of air conditioning systems in Melbourne, including split systems, ducted air conditioning, evaporative cooling, and add-on cooling systems.
To find a system that meets your needs perfectly, speak with our experienced customer service team today.
