How to Reduce Your Aircon Bill This Summer: A Complete Guide

Summer heat can make your air conditioner work overtime, and that often means higher energy bills. But keeping cool doesn't have to break the bank.

By making a few smart changes to how you use your air conditioning system, you can stay comfortable and save money at the same time.

From adjusting your thermostat to sealing up drafts, there are simple steps that can make a big difference in your energy usage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical tips to reduce your aircon bill this summer without sacrificing comfort or cool air. Let’s get started.

Optimise Your Thermostat Settings

One of the easiest ways to cut down on your aircon bill is by adjusting your thermostat settings. Keeping your home cool doesn’t mean setting your system − whether it’s a split system or ducted air conditioning − as low as possible.

For optimal energy savings, set your thermostat to around 24-26°C (75-78°F). Each degree lower can increase your energy use by 5-10%.

Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices allow you to set schedules so your aircon runs less when you’re away or sleeping. You can even control them remotely from your phone.

Small changes like raising the temperature slightly during the day can make a big difference in your summer energy bills while keeping your home comfortably cool.

Regular Maintenance for Peak Efficiency

Keeping your air conditioner in top shape is essential for reducing your energy bills. Regular maintenance helps your unit run efficiently, meaning it doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool.

Here are a few key maintenance tasks to keep in mind:

• Clean or replace air filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your aircon work harder. Clean or replace them every 1-2 months during heavy use.
• Check for blockages: Make sure the outdoor unit is free of debris like leaves or dirt that can block airflow.
• Inspect refrigerant levels: Low refrigerant can lead to poor cooling and higher energy use.
• Schedule a professional service: A yearly tune-up from a technician ensures your system runs efficiently and catches any potential issues early.

And if you’re having a new system installed, make sure it’s the correct sized unit for the area you wish to cool.

Maximise Natural Ventilation

Take advantage of natural ventilation to keep your home cool without relying on your air conditioner all the time. On cooler mornings or evenings, open your windows to let fresh air circulate through your home. This can give your aircon a break and reduce energy use.

You can also use fans to help move air around, creating a nice breeze that makes your space feel cooler. Ceiling fans or portable fans work well, and they use far less energy than running the air conditioner.

By using natural ventilation whenever possible, especially during the cooler parts of the day, you can reduce your reliance on air conditioning and keep your energy bills down this summer.

Seal and Insulate Your Home

Proper sealing and insulation can significantly reduce the workload on your air conditioner, helping you lower your energy bills. By preventing cool air from escaping and keeping hot air out, your air conditioning system doesn’t have to work as hard.

Here’s how you can improve your home’s efficiency:

• Seal gaps and cracks: Check around windows, doors, and any other openings for drafts. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal them.
• Insulate your ceiling space (or attic) and walls: Proper insulation helps maintain a stable indoor temperature by reducing heat transfer.
• Use door draft stoppers: Place these under doors to block cool air from escaping and hot air from creeping in.
• Check ductwork for leaks: Leaky ducts can waste energy by letting cool air escape before it reaches your living spaces.

Close Curtains and Blinds

Did you know that up to 30% of unwanted heat comes from your windows? By using curtains or blinds, you can block out a lot of that heat and keep your home cooler without cranking up the air conditioning system.

During the hottest part of the day, close your blinds or curtains to stop sunlight from pouring in. Thick, thermal curtains or reflective blinds work especially well to reduce heat gain.

If you want to let in some natural light, consider using light-coloured blinds that reflect sunlight rather than absorb it. These simple adjustments can make a noticeable difference in keeping your space cool, which in turn reduces the workload on your air conditioner − and lowers your energy bill.

Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, especially your air conditioner, can make a big difference in your energy bills. Modern appliances are designed to use less power while still providing excellent performance.

Here’s how you can benefit:

• Upgrade to an energy-efficient aircon: Look for units with a high Energy Star rating, which indicates better energy performance.
• Choose the right size: A unit that’s too small will overwork, while one that’s too big will cycle on and off, wasting energy.
• Use energy-efficient fans: Ceiling fans or portable fans use less power and help circulate cool air, allowing you to raise your thermostat slightly.
• Replace old appliances: Older models tend to use more energy, so consider replacing them with newer, energy-efficient options to save in the long run.

Limit Heat-Producing Activities

Reducing the heat generated inside your home can help your air conditioner run more efficiently and lower your energy bill. Simple adjustments to your daily routine can make a big difference.

Here are a four tips:

1. Cook during cooler hours: Use the oven or stove early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid heating up your home.
2. Switch to LED lighting: Traditional bulbs generate a lot of heat. LEDs use less energy and produce minimal heat.
3. Avoid using heat-generating appliances: Try to limit using appliances like dryers and dishwashers during the hottest parts of the day.
4. Air-dry clothes: Instead of using the dryer, hang clothes to air-dry indoors or outdoors, reducing indoor heat and saving energy.

Take Advantage of Off-Peak Energy Rates

Many energy providers offer off-peak rates, which means you can save money by running your air conditioner during certain hours when demand is lower. Typically, off-peak times are in the evening or early morning, when fewer people are using electricity.

If your provider offers these rates, program your aircon to cool your home during off-peak times, and use fans or natural ventilation during peak hours to stay comfortable.

Another way to benefit is by pre-cooling your home before peak hours hit. This way, your house stays cooler for longer without needing to keep the aircon running continuously. Check with your energy provider to learn more about off-peak rates and make sure you’re set up to take advantage of these savings.

No Need to Break the Bank

Reducing your aircon bill this summer doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. With a few simple changes, like optimising your thermostat settings, taking advantage of natural ventilation, and using energy-efficient appliances, you can keep cool without driving up your energy costs.

Regular maintenance by a professional technician, sealing up drafts, and limiting heat-producing activities will also make a big difference. By following these tips, you’ll not only save money but also help reduce your environmental impact. Stay cool, save energy and enjoy a comfortable summer without the stress of high energy bills.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.