To keep your home cool and comfortable, you need a working AC. But if your unit isn’t running efficiently, it could be draining you dry when it comes to your energy bill. Inexpensively transform your air conditioning Sydney from a money-guzzler into a cost-cutter by following these simple hacks every summer.
Check that the fan is blowing in the right direction
Every cooling system has a venting system in place which blows air out of the room through either an exhaust hose or back into the room – depending on which way its fan is rotating. However many people don’t realise that this needs to be changed occasionally so what works best for one home may not work for another. Switching between the two is relatively simple and will cost you nothing.
First, shut off the power to your unit and unplug it from its wall socket. Then, disconnect the exhaust hose if it’s not already disconnected and unscrew the fan blade from the motor shaft. Check that the blade swings freely around – if another object is stuck at either end then it isn’t going to do a good job of distributing cool air throughout your house. Give it a little wiggle and see if anything falls out – this might be an insect or even part of a curtain that has been left in there by accident. Try switching around which side blows into or out of your room – depending on whether your home is hotter in summer or winter, one direction may allow the air to escape more efficiently than the other.
Clean or replace your filter once a month
When you’re cooking dinner and notice that the plates aren’t quite as clean as they usually are, it’s probably time to give them a good scrub and put them through the dishwasher again. The same principle works for your AC too – if its fan isn’t blowing as well as it should be then there could well be something stuck in its filters blocking airflow. This costs next to nothing and can quickly bring an otherwise struggling unit back up to speed, so check your filters every month and wipe them over with a cloth if necessary before putting them back into place.
Seal those windows
According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change, up to 30% of heat is lost through poorly sealed windows. If you live in a home with many different openings, this could mean losing so much heat that your AC struggles to compensate. A lot of people aren’t aware of just how easy it is to seal their windows either – all you need are some draft excluders that can be easily attached using strong adhesive pads or screws depending on the surface they’re being stuck onto.
If sealing your windows proves too difficult, consider adding insulation between panes in glass doors and checking for air leaks in exterior walls and chimneys (you’ll find both by inspecting around the seals) before the summer starts again next year.
Raise the temperature on your thermostat a couple of degrees
The Department of Energy and Climate Change also advises that you set your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re at home and 85 degrees when you’re away or sleeping to save energy. This may not be comfortable for everyone, but if you can gradually get used to higher temperatures over time then it could have a big impact on your yearly energy bill. You can even raise the temperature by a degree or two at a time so that you don’t notice the difference too much, and if you have a programmable thermostat then make sure to set it to these higher temperatures during the summer months.
Invest in an AC unit with an energy-saving mode
Some air conditioning units are more efficient than others, so it makes sense to invest in one which will pay for itself over time. These high-efficiency models use less power to produce a room’s worth of cooling, meaning that you can stay cool without spending as much on your electricity bills. Meanwhile, some newer models have built-in timers which stop them from running when nobody is home – or even automatically sense when somebody is approaching the room and turn themselves on before they get there. Different brands have different variations so check online what might be best for you.
Get your AC serviced once a year
It sounds obvious but if your unit isn’t blowing cold air anymore then it needs to fix the problem before you spend money on it. All AC units should be regassed at least once a year, but if yours is struggling then get it serviced as soon as possible to avoid investing in a brand new unit when there’s no need for a replacement.
Stop the bugs from getting in with a bug screen or insect control spray
Did you know that insects can contribute to an expensive AC repair bill? This is particularly true if your unit uses water, which many do to reduce humidity and condensation – both of which encourage the build-up of dangerous mould and mildew. These conditions can cause damage that forces your AC into emergency mode, driving up energy bills even further. To prevent this from happening, install a bug screen over your unit’s intake and exhaust vents or use an insect control spray to keep them at bay.
Plant some trees
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden then consider planting some tall trees nearby – preferably those with broad leaves as they provide natural shade. Not only will this keep your home cooler in the summer, but it will also stop the sun from shining directly onto your windows and heating your home during the winter months. You may not see the benefits straight away, but if you plant trees when your children are young then they’ll be able to enjoy the shade and cooling properties for many years to come.
