Clean Energy Future

Australians love their air-conditioners – but they are one of the most energy-intensive household appliances.

According to figures from Sustainability Victoria, the energy an average home air conditioner uses in just three hours is enough to power a fridge for a week.

So, with the warmer months fast approaching, now is the perfect time to brush up on some of the hints and tips on how to run your home air conditioner efficiently and effectively.

To ensure maximum efficiency and lower running costs over summer, households should set their air conditioner to between 25 and 27 degrees.

For every degree lower, expect your energy consumption to increase by between five and 10 per cent.

When placing thermostats in your home, make sure they are located in the most used rooms, away from any other sources of heat.

Using timers to make sure that you are only cooling rooms when you need to will also increase efficiency and reduce power bills.

Units that feature split systems and zoning controls also make it easier to cool certain parts of the home. Closing doors, blinds and curtains will also help your unit run more efficiently.

Proper and regular maintenance of your air conditioner is also vital. If your unit is not maintained properly, it can cost you more in energy bills and have a negative impact on the environment.

Always clean the filters on your chosen cooling system at the beginning and end of each season to ensure that it runs smoothly.

These are just a few of the many tips your households can use to ensure your home air conditioner runs efficiently over summer.

For more, visit the Heating and Cooling information on LivingGreener.gov.au or read advice on cooling in the Your Home Technical Manual.