10 easy ways to reduce your air conditioner’s energy bill costs
There’s nothing better than a gloriously hot Australian summer. Except perhaps coming home to a super comfortable air-conditioned room after a day enjoying the sun. The same goes for winter, after a chilly commute there’s something special about warming up and getting cosy.
The problem is, if you’re not careful during peak seasons, overusing your split system air conditioner could add a few dollars to your energy bill. To stay comfortable without breaking the bank follow these 10 air conditioning tips to reduce your energy bill.
1. Maintain before busy seasons
Your split-system air conditioner should be serviced once a year by an Authorised Toshiba service agent – before heavy use seasons like winter or summer is usually the best time. The service agent will make sure your filters are clean and that your unit is running as efficiently as possible, while fixing any problems they identify.
2. Shade to stop the heat and the cool
Don’t make your air conditioner do all the work! The cheapest way to cool your house is to shade the windows that get the most sun – particularly northern and western facing ones. While outdoor shades are better, drawing the curtains or blinds will help too.
The same goes for winter. Draw your curtains as soon as the sun goes down to stop warm air leaking out of them and you’ll find your home much easier to heat.
3. Make the most of energy saver modes
Does your air conditioner have an energy saver mode? Toshiba’s split systems have a setting called eco-logic, which achieves energy savings of up to 25% compared to standard settings without sacrificing comfort. Tapping this little button may be the easiest way to quickly slash your energy bill.
Want to save even more power? Toshiba’s power select feature lets you adjust between 100%, 75% and 50% of the unit’s power to customise your energy usage.
4. Save while you sleep
Are you sweating between the sheets in summer? Or waking up shivering in winter? Leaving your air conditioner on is a great solution but it can increase your energy bill. Switching on Toshiba’s ‘comfort sleep’ mode will compensate for lower night-time temperatures to keep you comfortable while reducing energy usage.
5. Seal the gaps
If you’ve got gaps in windows, doors or joins in your home, your air conditioner will have to work much harder to heat or cool your space while air leaks out. The easiest way to solve the problem and save on energy is to buy filler, caulk or insulation strips and neatly fill the gaps yourself. If you’re not sure what you’ll need, hire a local handyman to help you out.
6. Make the most of timers
The Toshiba split-system air conditioner range all have timers which you can use to automate your air conditioner and save on energy. If you usually come home at 530pm in winter and blast the heater, try setting it at a low setting 30 minutes before you walk in the door. Or if you go to bed at 10pm, try setting the timer to shut off at 11pm – every little bit counts.
7. Use the barbie and the clothesline in summer
Your dryer, stove and hob all generate large amounts of heat which can make it harder for your air conditioner to cool down. If you’ve got a barbie and a clothesline, using these instead will help you keep your home cool and your energy costs low over summer.
8. Set the temperature right
In the middle of a chilly winter, try not to crank your split system thermostat up to 28 degrees. Instead, try and set the temperature 8-10 degrees above what the outside temperature is (or a bit more if it’s particularly chilly).
The same goes for summer – while it might be tempting to run it at 18 degrees, this can use more power than if you were to set it at 22 or 23. Using more reasonable temperatures will also help ensure you stay comfortable and don’t have to turn your unit down after getting too hot or cold.
9. Give the fans a spin
If you’ve got a ceiling or floor fan, turn it on in both winter and summer when you’re running your air conditioner. These do a great job of helping to circulate the air from your unit to make it work more effectively and efficiently.
10. Clean the filter
If dust and debris build up in your split system air conditioner’s filters, it can make it less energy efficient. To avoid that happening, simply clean your air filters once a fortnight:
- Open the air inlet grille.
- Remove the air filter.
- Vacuum or wash and then dry the filters.
- Reinstall the air filters and close the air inlet grille.
The whole process should take a few minutes but it could save you hundreds of dollars over the life of your air conditioner.
Are you ready to stay comfortable all winter or summer without breaking the bank? While these tips can help, you’ll need a high quality, efficient air conditioner to maximise your comfort and savings. Browse the full Toshiba Air range online here.