Phone: (03) 5482 1111
Heating and cooling is the biggest consumer of energy in a home, accounting for 39 per cent of the average Australian home's energy use. Cooling-only air-conditioners have star ratings generally ranging from 2 to 4.5 stars, although there are units as low as 1 and as high as 5.5 stars.
Below are tips for making sure your air-conditioner is more energy efficient:
An air-conditioner works best in the shade, so install it on the side of your house with the least sun. Remember airflow is crucial.
Changing the temperature will change your energy costs. If you are cooling a room, for example, lowering the temperature from 23C to 22C can increase running costs by 15 per cent.
In summer, set your unit for 23C to 26C (the dehumidifying effect of a refrigerated air-conditioner will make it feel cooler).
It is harder to cool when its hotter. So switch your unit on earlier and it will operate more efficiently.
If you are using a refrigerated air-conditioner keep windows and doors closed. However, airflow is required for evaporative airconditioners to work so windows and doors must be open.
Use your curtains to insulate; close them on both hot days and cold nights. Consider outdoor shading for your windows in summer it will be more efficient.
Hot air rises, and cool air falls. So if your unit has adjustable slats, angle them towards the ceiling when cooling, and towards the floor when heating.
