As the weather cools and we dust off our heaters for the upcoming winter, we expect our energy bills to skyrocket. If you’re relying on your reverse cycle system or ducted heating to keep you warm this winter, a few simple aircon energy saving tips can help you stay comfy without burning a hole in your wallet.
Whatever heating and cooling systems you have in your home, improving their energy efficiency can make a big difference to your energy bill. Here are 10 of the most effective changes you should consider adopting for the best results.
1. Set Your Air Conditioner to the Right Temperature
Setting your air conditioner to the right temperature is one of the easiest ways to save energy and reduce your electricity costs.
For heating, aim for a cosy but sensible range of 18–20°C. Every degree above that can increase your energy usage by up to 10%, which adds up quickly on your electricity bill. It might be tempting to crank up the heat on cold mornings, but maintaining a steady ambient temperature is far more efficient.
If you have the feature on your air conditioner, using the eco setting can also help you save energy while keeping your home warm and comfortable all winter.
2. Use Reverse Cycle Aircon Wisely
Reverse cycle air conditioners are among the most energy-efficient appliances for winter heating, but it all comes down to how you use them.
Follow these tips to get the most out of your system:
- Stick to the recommended air conditioner temperature we discussed above.
- Use a timer to avoid running it overnight.
- Switch to the eco setting (if your unit has one).
And don’t forget to regularly clean or replace your air filters. Clogged dust filters can make your air conditioner work harder, which means using more energy and increasing your running costs.
A well-maintained reverse cycle aircon delivers hot air while keeping your energy bill low and your home warm.
3. Don’t Forget Your Ceiling Fans
Think your ceiling fans are just for summer? Think again! They can actually help keep your home warmer in winter.
If you set your ceiling fan to spin clockwise, it will gently push hot air back down from the ceiling. In doing so, it helps to maintain a consistent ambient temperature. This simple trick can take the pressure off your air conditioner, allowing it to use less energy to heat the room. It’s a clever and cost-effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce electricity usage.
Using fans with your reverse cycle air conditioning system can make a big difference to your comfort – and your power bill.
4. Seal Gaps Around Windows and Doors
Tiny gaps around windows and doors allow hot air to escape, which is a one-way ticket to making your aircon work harder and your electricity bill higher.
Sealing these gaps is one of the simplest aircon energy saving tips for winter. The following tools are great for blocking draughts:
- Weather strips
- Door seals
- Door snakes
It’s also worth checking for any air leaks that let cool air in.
Even small gaps can make your air conditioner use more energy, especially on a cold day. By sealing up your home, you’ll improve energy efficiency, reduce power consumption, and just generally enjoy a warmer house.
5. Close Doors to Unused Rooms
If you’re heating the whole house when you only need one or two rooms warm, you’re wasting energy and money.
Closing doors to unused or cool rooms helps your air conditioner focus its efforts where it’s needed most. This reduces overall energy usage and allows your air conditioning unit to reach the desired temperature faster. It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference to your power consumption and cut back on your electricity costs.
Whether you have a dedicated ducted heating system or a reverse cycle aircon, zoning off areas you don’t need can make a big impact on your heating costs.
6. Use Natural Sunlight
Harnessing the natural power of the sun is a free and effective way to warm your home and reduce your air conditioner usage.
Open your curtains during the day to let in direct sunlight, especially in north-facing rooms where the sun hits strongest. This raises the ambient temperature without extra energy use. Once the outside temperature drops in the late afternoon, close your curtains to trap the hot air inside and keep the cool air out.
Using less of your air conditioning unit reduces your electricity usage and improves your home’s energy efficiency. Plus, you’ll enjoy a warmer space for less.
7. Insulate for Better Heat Retention
Good insulation makes a huge difference to how well your home holds onto heat. Without it, your air conditioning must work overtime to maintain a steady ambient temperature (even more so on cold winter nights).
Wall insulation and ceiling batts act like a thermal blanket, reducing heat loss and improving your home’s overall energy efficiency. Even smaller measures like thick curtains, rugs on timber floors or blocking draughts can reduce your heating costs.
Less heat escaping your home means your reverse cycle air conditioner uses less energy to produce the same level of comfort. You’ll cut back on your electricity usage and reduce your power bill.
8. Clean Filters and Service Your Unit
We briefly mentioned it earlier, but it bears repeating: a well-maintained air conditioner runs smoother, uses less energy and lasts longer. And one of the easiest ways to be more energy efficient is to clean or replace your air filters regularly.
Dirty or clogged dust filters restrict airflow, making your air conditioning system work harder and use more power. Check your filters every few weeks during winter if you use your system daily. It’s also worth booking a professional service at least once a year to keep everything running smoothly.
Regular maintenance can help reduce your running costs and prevent your bill from creeping up.
9. Consider Solar Panels to Offset Electricity Use
If you want to save money on your electricity bill in the long term, solar is a bright idea.
By generating your own power, you can run your air conditioner throughout the day with clean, renewable energy instead of relying on the grid. This helps offset the electricity costs of heating your home, especially if you have a reverse cycle air conditioner running daily.
Pairing solar with other aircon energy saving tips will boost your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your power consumption. Over time, the savings can be significant, so solar is a smart and sustainable choice.
10. Smart Habits to Save Big
Every day habits can make a big impact on your energy usage and your bill. Here are some additional aircon energy saving tips to consider:
- Set your air conditioner to a consistent ideal temperature and don’t keep adjusting it.
- Dress warm indoors and use extra bedding to use less heating.
- Switch your air con off at the wall to avoid standby mode power consumption.
- Use cold water for laundry where possible.
- Keep furniture away from vents to allow proper airflow.
- Monitor your energy usage with a smart meter or app.
- Consider upgrading to an inverter air conditioner for greater energy efficiency.
With these small changes, you can be more energy efficient and save money on your heating and cooling.
Stay Warm, Spend Less: Make Your Aircon Work Smarter This Winter
You don’t have to break the bank to keep your home warm, no matter what the outdoor temperature might be. With a few simple changes and these aircon energy saving tips, you can be warm and comfortable while reducing your energy usage.
From setting the right aircon temperature to sealing gaps and using natural sunlight, every little bit helps. Using your reverse cycle aircon wisely, maintaining your unit and adopting smart habits can all make a big difference. Stay on top of your power usage this winter and warm up for less.