Air conditioning in Brisbane is an essential part of any household. The downside is, it’s actually what makes up the largest part of your energy bills! While you may think you just have to suck it up and accept that that’s the cost of running your air conditioning, there are actually a few smart ways you can improve the efficiency of your air conditioning system.
If your aircon is running smoothly, you can drastically cut your energy costs and reduce wastage. These simple methods to improve your aircon efficiency are all no-cost DIY tips. Let’s take a look at how you can improve your air conditioning efficiency while still keeping your home at the optimum temperature.
How to Improve Aircon Efficiency
1. Turn The Thermostat Up
By turning the thermostat up one or two degrees in summer and down one or two in winter, you will help lower your energy bills. This is because your unit will not have to work so hard to reach the target temperature. If you have ducted air conditioning or a unit with programmable capabilities, change the unit to the desired temperature before you get home.
2. Clean Debris and Dirt from The Vents
If your air conditioning unit has vents clogged up with grime, the system will have to work much harder to move the conditioned air throughout your home. Vacuum out the vents regularly and ensure other obstructions like furniture aren’t blocking airflow.
3. Clean the Condenser Unit Outside
Your air conditioning system has an outside component named the condenser. The condenser has a coil on the rear of the unit which looks similar to a car radiator. This coil should be regularly checked for obstructions. Branches, leaves, plastic bags, and other debris can get caught in the suction through the coil and become trapped behind the unit causing the unit to overheat. Get a professional air conditioning specialist to check the inside of the condenser unit.
4. Change Your Filters
A build-up of dust and dirt on AC filters can seriously reduce the efficiency of your unit. Make sure you inspect and clean your filters on a regular basis. The frequency of filter cleaning is dependant on how often the system is used, however, every 6 months is a guide for most residential applications.
5. Close Your Blinds
On hot days, it is important to reduce the heat load entering your home. Harsh sunshine through windows is one of the largest contributors to heat load into the home. Keep your blinds closed during the day to help reduce the heat load into the home.
6. Keep Heat Producing Appliances Away from Your Thermostat
Appliances like ovens, kettles, fridges, and lamps give off heat. If they are too close to your AC thermostat, this will give a false indication of the actual room temperature causing the system to work harder. Your aircon company in Brisbane will be aware of this and install your AC thermostat away from heat-generating appliances.
7. Keep the Drain Line Clear
This can be a common reason that aircon owners call in a professional – when the drain line becomes clogged. With a little maintenance, clogs can be avoided. It is important to call an air conditioning Brisbane professional to maintain your air conditioning system at least annually in residential applications. As part of the service, Temper Troops will ensure that your drain line is not clogged.