9 Aircon Efficiency Tips to Lower Your Energy Bills

Keeping your home cool in summer shouldn’t mean skyrocketing energy bills. If your aircon is working harder than it needs to, you could be paying more than necessary.

However, there is good news. A few simple changes can boost efficiency and lower costs without sacrificing comfort.

From setting the right temperature to regular maintenance and using fans wisely, small adjustments can make a big difference. Whether you have a ducted system or a split unit, these energy-saving tips will help you stay cool while keeping your bills in check.

Read on to discover how to maximise your aircon’s efficiency and save money.

1. Set the Right Temperature

Setting your aircon to the right temperature is one of the easiest ways to lower your energy bills.

From split systems and evaporative coolers to ducted AC systems, the ideal temperature for cooling is around 24-26°C in summer − cool enough to stay comfortable without overworking your unit. Every degree lower can increase your energy use by 5-10%, so resist the urge to crank it down too much.

If your aircon has a smart thermostat or timer, use it to adjust settings automatically. This way, your home stays cool when you need it, without running unnecessarily.

At night, try increasing the temperature by a degree or two, as your body naturally requires less cooling while sleeping. Pairing your aircon with ceiling or pedestal fans can also help circulate cool air, letting you raise the temperature without losing comfort.

By making these small adjustments, you can cut energy costs while keeping your home at a pleasant, consistent temperature all summer long.

2. Regularly Clean or Replace Air Filters

Dirty air filters are one of the biggest culprits behind an inefficient aircon. When dust and debris clog the filters, your system has to work harder to push air through, leading to higher energy consumption and reduced cooling performance.

Here’s why keeping them clean is essential:

• Improves efficiency – A clean filter allows air to flow freely, reducing strain on your aircon.
• Lowers energy bills – A clogged filter can increase energy use by 5–15%.
• Enhances air quality – Filters trap dust, pollen, and allergens, keeping indoor air cleaner.
• Extends your aircon’s lifespan – Less strain on the system means fewer breakdowns and costly repairs.

For best results:

✅ Clean or replace filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage.

✅ Check filters more often if you have pets or live in a dusty area.A simple filter change can boost efficiency and save you money.

3. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Regular aircon maintenance is key to keeping your system running efficiently and your energy bills low. Over time, dust and debris build up in the filters, coils and vents, making your aircon work harder to cool your home. This extra strain leads to higher energy consumption and costly repairs down the line.

To prevent this, schedule a professional service at least once a year, ideally before summer kicks in. A technician will clean the coils, check refrigerant levels, and inspect for any issues that could be affecting performance.

In between professional check-ups, you can keep your system in top shape by cleaning or replacing filters every few months and ensuring vents are free from dust and blockages.

A well-maintained aircon runs more efficiently, cools faster and lasts longer − all of which help lower your energy bills and save you money in the long run.

4. Close Doors, Windows and Curtains

Keeping cool air inside and hot air out is one of the easiest ways to improve your aircon’s efficiency and lower energy bills. If warm air is constantly seeping in, your aircon has to work harder and run longer, increasing energy use.

Here’s how you can prevent this:

• Shut doors to unused rooms – This keeps cool air where you need it and stops your system from cooling empty spaces.
• Keep windows closed during the day – Hot air can easily sneak in, making your aircon less effective.
• Use thick curtains or blinds – Blackout curtains or reflective blinds help block heat from the sun, keeping your home cooler.
• Seal gaps and leaks – Check for air leaks around doors and windows and use weather stripping to keep cool air inside.

By taking these simple steps, your aircon won’t have to work as hard, helping you save on energy costs.

5. Use Fans to Assist Cooling

Ceiling and portable fans are a great way to boost your aircon’s efficiency while lowering energy costs.

Fans help circulate cool air throughout the room, making it feel cooler without having to lower the thermostat. This means you can set your aircon at 24-26°C instead of a colder setting, saving 5-10% on energy use per degree.

For best results, use ceiling fans on a counterclockwise setting in summer to push cool air downward. If you’re using a pedestal or box fan, place it near a doorway or window to improve airflow.

Fans also help at night when temperatures drop. Instead of leaving the aircon running, try using fans to keep cool air moving, reducing overall energy consumption.

By combining your aircon with fans, you get more cooling power for less money, keeping your home comfortable without the shock of high energy bills.

6. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Model

If your aircon is more than 10 years old, it could be costing you more than necessary. Older units use more energy, struggle to cool effectively, and may require frequent repairs.

Upgrading to an energy-efficient model can lower your power bills and improve performance.

Here’s why it’s worth considering:

• Inverter technology – Adjusts cooling power based on the temperature, reducing energy use.
• Higher energy star ratings – The more stars, the more efficient your unit is.
• Eco-friendly refrigerants – Modern systems use refrigerants that are better for the environment and more efficient.
• Smart features – Wi-Fi connectivity, timers, and sensors help optimise cooling and save power.

When upgrading:

✅ Look for at least a 4-5-star energy rating for maximum efficiency.

✅ Consider the right size – A unit too small or too large will waste energy.

Investing in an energy-efficient aircon pays off with lower bills and better cooling.

7. Use Energy-Saving Mode or Timers

Many air conditioners come with built-in energy-saving features that can help lower your power bills without sacrificing comfort. If you’re not using them, you could be missing out on significant savings.

Here’s how they work:

• Energy-saving mode – Adjusts cooling cycles to use less power while maintaining a comfortable temperature.
• Timers – Allow you to schedule when the aircon turns on and off, preventing unnecessary use.
• Sleep mode – Gradually increases the temperature while you sleep, saving energy without making you uncomfortable.

To maximise efficiency:

✅ Set a timer to turn the aircon off when you leave home or before sunrise.

✅ Use sleep mode at night instead of running the aircon at full blast.

✅ Enable eco-mode if your unit has one − it reduces power consumption automatically.

Using these simple settings can cut energy use and keep your home cool without driving up costs.

8. Avoid Heat Build-Up Indoors

The less heat your home accumulates, the less work your aircon has to do − helping you save on energy bills. Everyday activities like cooking, using the oven, or running the dryer generate heat, making your aircon work harder to maintain a cool temperature.

To reduce this, try cooking in the evening when it’s cooler or opt for no-cook meals during the hottest parts of the day.

Appliances and lighting also contribute to indoor heat. Switch to LED bulbs, which produce less heat than traditional ones, and avoid running heat-generating appliances like dishwashers during peak hours.

Keeping blinds or curtains closed during the day helps block out direct sunlight, preventing indoor temperatures from rising. If possible, install heat-reflective window films or use blackout curtains to further reduce heat gain.

By minimising indoor heat build-up, you’ll keep your home naturally cooler, meaning your aircon won’t have to work as hard − saving energy and money.

9. Take Advantage of Natural Ventilation

Harnessing natural airflow can cool your home for free and reduce your reliance on air conditioning. When used strategically, fresh air can help lower indoor temperatures and cut down on energy bills.

Here’s how you can make the most of it:

• Open windows in the evening – Let in cool night air to naturally lower indoor temperatures.
• Create cross-ventilation – Open windows on opposite sides of your home to improve airflow and remove trapped heat.
• Use exhaust fans – Kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans help pull out hot, humid air.
• Ventilate early morning – Open windows before the day heats up, then close them to trap cool air inside.

To maximise cooling:

✅ Use window or attic vents to help release hot air.

✅ Combine with ceiling or pedestal fans for better air circulation.

By embracing natural ventilation, you can stay comfortable while saving on energy costs.

Every Small Change Helps

Lowering your energy bills doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort – it’s all about using your aircon efficiently.

By setting the right temperature, keeping filters clean, using fans, and taking advantage of natural ventilation, you can stay cool while cutting costs. Simple habits like closing curtains, using energy-saving modes, and scheduling regular maintenance make a big difference. If your unit is old and inefficient, upgrading to an energy-efficient model can lead to long-term savings.

Every small change adds up, helping you reduce energy waste and keep your home comfortable. Start implementing these tips today and enjoy cooler air for less money.

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