Energy costs are front of mind for most Melbourne households. The good news is that how you run and maintain your air conditioner has a real impact on its efficiency. Here are five practical ways to get more comfort for less. We are careful not to promise specific savings — every home differs — but these habits genuinely help.
1. Set a sensible temperature
Every degree matters. In summer, setting your system a couple of degrees higher, and in winter a couple of degrees lower, reduces the work it does without a noticeable drop in comfort. Around 24-25°C for cooling and 20-21°C for heating is a reasonable starting point for most homes.
2. Use zoning and scheduling
If you have a ducted system, use its zoning to condition only the rooms in use — see what ducted zoning really does. Scheduling the system to match your routine, rather than running it all day, is one of the simplest ways to cut waste.
3. Keep up with maintenance
A clean, well-maintained system simply runs more efficiently. Dirty filters and coils force the unit to work harder for the same result. Regular servicing keeps everything running as designed — our guide on how often to service your air conditioner covers the ideal intervals.
4. Help your home hold temperature
Your air conditioner can only do so much if conditioned air is escaping. A few low-cost steps make its job easier:
- Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day
- Seal draughts around doors and windows
- Keep doors to unused, un-zoned rooms closed
- Make the most of insulation, especially in the roof
5. Make sure the system is the right size
An incorrectly sized system will never run efficiently — too small and it runs flat out, too large and it short-cycles. If your system has always struggled, sizing may be the cause. Our guide on what size air conditioner your home needs explains what goes into getting it right.
If you would like your system checked over for efficiency, or you suspect it is not performing as it should, contact our team and we will take a look.
