The Queensland summer arrives and like clockwork we all turn on our air conditioners to stay comfortable. Then we brace ourselves for the next energy bill! Constant aircon use can result in bill shock, so it’s always good to look for ways to bring costs down.
Air conditioner efficiency and finding the best temperature for your air conditioning unit is important. You want comfort without the hefty price tag of high energy bills.
Let’s explore how to maximise air conditioning efficiency by choosing the right temperature.
The Temperature Sweet Spot: 24-26°C
Here’s the big reveal: when the heat is on, it’s recommended you keep your air conditioner between 24°C and 26°C. That’s a sweet spot – it’ll keep you cool indoors, but your unit isn’t working overtime to bring the temperature down.
When you start dropping below 24°C, it starts to get a lot more expensive. Your energy usage increases by around 10% for every degree, which reflects on your energy bill.
Some people like to set their unit at 18°C because they think it’ll cool the room down faster. The truth is, your system is working super hard and you’re using more electricity. The cooling benefits don’t match the extra cost – stick to the sweet spot and your power bill will thank you.
Why Going Too Cold is Expensive
If the difference between the temperature inside your property and that outside is large, the system has to work harder and uses more energy.
For example, it’s a 34°C Brisbane day in December. An absolute scorcher. You’re over the heat and want to feel those winter chills, so you set the aircon to 19°C. The difference between the outside and the inside is 15°C – which is huge. Your system will struggle to maintain that temperature gap and will run constantly to keep the internal temperature down.
Change the setting to 26°C and the gap is then only 8°C, which is more manageable for your air conditioner. It won’t have to work as hard and will use less energy.
To keep costs down, don’t aim for icy internal temps. Comfort is the goal – which is why on hot days in our summer the sweet spot is between 24°C and 26°C.
Dealing with Humidity
Brisbane’s humidity is what really tests an air conditioner. Moist air holds heat and makes everything feel warmer. It also means your system has to remove moisture as well as heat.
Here’s a tip – if your home feels sticky, try switching to dry mode. It’s not as strong as full cooling mode, but it removes humidity more efficiently. Once the air dries out, 26°C can feel perfectly comfortable.
What About Night Aircon Settings?
The sun goes down and the temperatures generally drop with it. Your aircon breathes a little easier – you could even turn it off and use ceiling fans instead.
If it’s still warm enough to keep your system on at night, a good temperature to have it on is 26°C or 27°C. It’ll be nice and cool, and the difference between the outdoor temperature shouldn’t be too big.
Some systems come with sleep mode – this starts at your chosen temperature and raises it slightly during the night to save energy. You won’t notice the change, but you could notice the savings.
Other Ways to Boost Aircon Efficiency
You’ve got your most efficient temperature nailed down now. There are other steps you can take to keep making sure it doesn’t need to work as hard. The easier life is for your aircon, the less it costs you in energy bills.
Here’s what you can do:
– Keep the hot sun out of the interior by closing all windows and blinds.
– Close all your windows and doors to keep the cool air inside.
– Turn on all ceiling fans to get the cool air circulating.
– Aircon maintenance is important. Keep your filters nice and clean.
– Remove leaves and debris from the external air conditioning unit so it can operate freely.
– Get a professional electrician in for a regular air con service and checkup.
Smart Controls and Zoning
There’s no point in cooling a room if nobody is in it for hours on end. Most modern air conditioners let you schedule the hours you’d like them to run for. You can get it to start cooling just before you get home from work so it’s nice and comfortable for you when you get home. You can then set it to turn off when you leave for work – so it doesn’t matter if you forget.
Ducted air conditioning systems take it one step further. They set your house into zones, each one of which can be cooled independently of the others. You can set the lounge and dining to cool during the day and the bedrooms at night. You’re only using energy where it’s required.
You’ll find that if you’ve got an ancient air conditioner clunking away in the corner of your lounge, it’s not going to be very efficient. The technology has advanced a long way since then. Modern split systems and ducted units are designed for efficiency. They’ll adjust compressor speed automatically to keep the set temperature stable without using full power. You get consistent comfort.
When It’s Time to Service or Upgrade
All technology reaches a point where it needs to be repaired or replaced. If you notice any of the following and they’re impacting your air conditioner efficiency, it’s time to get an electrician in to assess your system:
- It takes ages to reach the temperature you set it at.
- The flow of air coming out of the wall unit is weak.
- Your energy bills are going up but you haven’t increased usage of your aircon.
- Warm air is blowing out instead of cool air.
They’ll be able to advise if it’s time for an upgrade. A more efficient inverter system could save on your power bill while keeping you cooler too.
Contact Voltora Industries to Talk Air Conditioner Efficiency
For an efficient air conditioning experience this year, stick to the recommended sweet spot air conditioning setting of between 24°C and 26°C. Also, follow our tips above and develop smart habits around aircon efficiency. Doing that, as well as keeping your unit in optimum condition with regular servicing by a professional electrician, will keep you comfortable and lower your energy bills this summer.
If you’re looking for a system service or upgrade, the Voltora Industries air conditioning electricians are here to help. Call Voltora on 1300 799 430 or book online to get your air conditioner checked before the hot days really kick in!
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