Want to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Effectiveness?

With the tropical heat in this part of Australia, many businesses and homes are crippled by high energy bills bumped up even further by inefficient air conditioning systems. You don’t
have to turn off your air conditioning unit and struggle in the heat to cut those bills, though.

Here are 7 things you can do to make your air conditioner more effective and reduce those electricity bills without reducing your comfort level.

1. Have your air conditioning unit serviced regularly
   An engineer will ensure that coils are cleaned and replaced if necessary. Dirty or malfunctioning coils can cost an air conditioner as much as 10% of its efficiency. A service should also concentrate on coolant levels and airflow throughout the system. You may be able to clean coils yourself using a toothbrush, but you should take care not to damage them.
2. Change filters regularly
   Dirty filters make air conditioners work harder by restricting airflow. Changing or cleaning on a monthly basis will help your air conditioner maintain its efficiency.
3. Stop system leaks
   By ensuring your ducts are properly insulated, either with mastic tape or sealer, and then making sure the ductwork is professionally cleaned every two to three years you’ll further enhance air conditioner efficiency.
4. Keep the unit clear of obstructions
   Prune nearby plants and make certain that the unit has several feet of clear air space around it to increase free flow of air. Debris in the air conditioning unit is a major cause of unit inefficiency.
5. Raise your thermostat temperature and set your unit to ‘auto’
   Each degree you increase your thermostat temperature will save you several percent on your air conditioning bill. To reduce that bill further still, set to auto and stop turning your system on and off!
6. Use shade to cool your rooms
   Keeping sunlight out keeps your home cooler. Draw your curtains on south facing windows, and consider shaded landscaping in your garden which can also be used to protect your air conditioning unit from excessive heat (by some estimates this action alone increases air conditioner effectiveness by up to 10%).
7. Turn off your lights
   Lights are one of those un-thought of sources of heat. Make sure that all lights which are not needed are turned off – especially when there is no one in a room (children are notorious for lighting the whole house). As you can see, there are plenty of things you can do yourself to ensure your air conditioner is working as effectively as possible. By combining all of these things with regular maintenance work undertaken by an experienced technician, you’ll make certain that your air conditioning unit is working at maximum efficiency and lowest cost throughout the year.