Here in Australia, air conditioning has become an essential part of most households. With the rise in demand as well as technological advancements, smart and energy-efficient units such as ducted air conditioning by ActronAir have grown highly popular in the country.
But no matter whether you own a ducted air conditioning system or a split AC, maximizing the efficiency of your unit should be your top priority. By ensuring that your air conditioner runs as efficiently as possible, you can not only save money but also extend the lifespan of the unit. Here are some tips to help you out.
1. Maintain the Right Temperature Settings
The smaller the difference is between the outside temperature and your chosen temperature setting, the more energy you will save. Be it summer or winter, keeping the indoor temperature drastically different from outside is going to result in rising electricity bills, along with wearing away your air conditioner faster.
Ideally, try to maintain a temperature setting close to 24-26°C in summer. In winter, the recommended setting is between 18-20°C. This will keep your AC system functioning smoothly and cost-effectively.
2. Shut Off the Areas Not in Use
You can save a lot on your monthly bills by running your AC smartly. If you have a split AC system, try closing off the doors to the rooms you won’t be using. This will restrict the cooling or heating to only the areas you need at the moment, thereby saving energy. In addition, the air conditioner will be able to bring the indoor temperature to your preferred degree much faster too.
In case you have installed a ducted AC system, the process becomes much easier. You can use the zone settings to control which areas to heat or cool.
3. Regular Maintenance Is Important
Performing regular maintenance on your AC unit is crucial to keep it running efficiently. Make sure you clean the vents regularly to avoid dirt and dust build-up, which can slow down the airflow. Restricted airflow means the unit will have to work harder to heat or cool the house, leading to higher consumption of energy.
It is recommended that you hire a reputable AC maintenance professional to perform preventive maintenance on your unit. If your system began with a professional AC installation, you’ve already given it a strong foundation for long-term efficiency. These experienced professionals can easily identify and repair air conditioner parts that show signs of wear, thereby prolonging their lifespan.
4. Install Proper Insulation
Insulating your home against outside elements can actually boost your AC unit’s performance. With effective insulation, the warm or cool air (depending on the season) from indoors won’t be able to escape outside. Similarly, it will also restrict the outside air from intruding indoors.
You could also use home decor items to your advantage here. Rugs and carpets can balance the temperature of the floor in colder seasons. In summer, you could use curtains to block out the harsh sun from reaching indoors.
Keep Your Air Conditioner Efficient
These were a few tips that would help you utilize your air conditioning unit to its full efficiency. Follow them to keep the system running like new for years, while also saving considerably on your energy bills. Regularly reviewing your usage habits can further enhance efficiency and prevent unnecessary strain on the system. Investing in small upgrades, such as smart thermostats, can also help your air conditioner operate more effectively throughout the year.
