Efficient Air Conditioning
Is there anything better than coming home to a perfectly chilled home and a perfectly chilled beer on a hot day? Considering some of the sweltering summers we experience here in Australia, it’s hard to beat air conditioning.
The cost can be something that puts the best of us off, though. Before you start training your kids to fan you all day to cool down, though, are you sure that the aircon is the bad guy here?
While aircons do use a fair amount of energy for heating and cooling, there are ways to improve their efficiency. In this post, we’ll discuss the cost of running your HVAC system and how to make it more efficient.
How Much Does Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning Cost to Run?
For starters, we’ll look at a reverse cycle 3.5 kW air conditioner vs. split system. How much power each system requires depends on how many watts it’s rated for.
A reverse cycle model comes in tops at around $0.35 an hour for a small room; this goes up to $0.95 per hour for a large space. Split systems come in at around $0.55 an hour for a small room. Ducted whole-house systems are the least efficient models and cost about $3.50 an hour to run.
What’s the Difference?
- Ducted systems cool the whole house. They’re helpful if you use all the rooms in the house.
- Split systems are a more modern invention. They’re installed on the wall and connected to a venting unit. They’re useful for cooling some of the rooms in the house.
- Reverse cycle models are the most up-to-date version. They draw energy from the heat in the air, thereby reducing power consumption overall.
How to Improve the Efficiency of Your Air Conditioner
Reduce the Temperature Difference
Unless you’re a polar bear, you don’t need to set the aircon at 18°. The higher the difference between the internal and external temperatures, the more energy the unit uses.
Get a Little Shady
Close your curtains to keep the sun out, and your HVAC unit won’t have as much work to do. Consider installing awnings on windows where the sun bakes down.
Proper Maintenance
Check the filters every three or four months. A clogged filter makes your HVAC a lot less efficient. Get a pro in to do an annual inspection. It’ll cost a few dollars but keeps your system in optimal condition. You’ll make the fees back in energy saved and a longer lifespan for the system.
Insulation
The more air that can escape, the harder the system has to work to maintain even temperatures. Make sure that your home is well-insulated.
Does your aircon need a little more attention? Then give us a call and let’s evaluate its condition.
