Air conditioning is an essential part of your home, but it can also be a huge energy drain. A 2022 survey by Canstar Blue, one of Australia’s best-known and respected comparison websites, says many Australian households (19%) have reduced their use of air conditioning to lower their electricity bills and save money. A third of the respondents also believe their air conditioning is the largest contributor to their high energy bills.
How much does it cost to run an air conditioner?
Let’s take a look at some numbers to have an idea.
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- Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner in a Room – On average, this type of air conditioner in a small room costs anywhere between $23 and $300 a year to run. A large room, such as a 40 sq m to 60 sq m room, will cost $64 to $300 per year. Of course, your energy consumption will depend on the size of the room and location.
- Ducted Reverse Cycle AC for a Whole House – For an entire house, this type of air conditioner is the most costly, ranging from $196 to $817 per year to run.
Note: This is for comparison only and should not be used as reference for your actual energy consumption.
Note that it may be slightly different due to differences in electricity usage rate, air conditioner’s capacity and the size of your room or commercial space being cooled.
The climate is also a big factor. For example, a ducted reverse cycle single-split system in Brisbane (hot climate zone) will need to work much harder and cost more, $817.01 per year, to cool than one in Melbourne (cold climate zone) that will cost only about $176.36.
How To Conserve Energy
Your air conditioners don’t have to be turned off especially if you live in Queensland. If you want to conserve energy, save money on energy bills yet continue using your air conditioning system, you can cut down on using other appliances and turn off lights when not in use.
How can I reduce the cost of using my air con?
There are also ways to reduce the effect your air conditioning system has on your power bill. Here are some:
- Get an Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner
If you are yet to purchase and install an air conditioning system, choose an energy-efficient one. Refer to the energy star rating—the more stars, the better. Or if your air conditioner is too old, it may be better to replace it with a new, more energy efficient one. You can contact us to learn more. We’ll be happy to give some suggestions.
- Choose the Right Temperature
You may have read some tips to set the temperature high to reduce energy consumption. However, it’s better to set your air conditioner to the right temperature. For example, the optimum temperature for cooling during the summer in Southeast Queensland and Northeast Queensland is 25° while it’s 21° to 23° in North Queensland.
What’s interesting is that setting your air conditioner to a degree lower in the summer increases your electric consumption by 10%. You can get an estimate by providing your AC’s cooling capacity, usual temperature setting, how many hours you use your AC every day and how many weeks per year here.
- Keep Your Air Conditioner Clean
A well-maintained and regularly cleaned air conditioner is more efficient than a poorly maintained one. And an efficient air conditioner consumers less energy to cool your space. On the contrary, a poorly maintained system will have to work harder to keep the indoor temperature comfortable.
Conserve Energy With Proper Air Con Installation
Did you know that the installation can affect your air conditioning system’s energy consumption?
Your air conditioner must be installed so that the air flow is away from the doors and windows. Doing so prevents recirculation of hot air back into the room.
Start energy conservation at installation! Contact us for HVAC design and installation. Our team has installed countless air conditioning systems in homes and commercial properties. We can make sure that your system will be installed properly at the best spot in your home, shop or office.