Energy-efficient heating and cooling
In our recent blogs, we have been looking at the most efficient heating and cooling methods for your home. People are often surprised to learn that consumer and comparison website Canstar Blue identified reverse cycle air conditioning as one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool your home.
If a qualified professional assesses and designs the split system or ducted air conditioner layouts, you can be assured that your energy use is effective and efficient. Additional measures such as insulation, solar panels and double-glazed windows will also decrease your air conditioner’s energy consumption.
However, there are other steps you should take, after installation, to ensure that your reverse cycle air conditioning system continues to provide energy-efficient heating and cooling.
tips to maximise the efficiency of your reverse cycle air conditioner
We had a chat with Kerry, the owner of Power Trip Services and asked him for some tips to maximise the life of reverse cycle air conditioners and keep them heating and cooling efficiently.
Tip 1 – Run your air conditioner in HEATING mode for an hour once a month during summer.
According to Kerry, this rarely known hack works to keep the mould in the air conditioners coil at bay. The heat reduces humidity and condensation that builds up when the unit is run for long periods in cooling mode. Mould spores thrive in humid environments, so this little tip will not only create more healthy air for your family but also reduce maintenance costs for the unit/s.
Tip 2 – Avoid the temptation to set the temperature too low in summer or too high in winter..
When the ambient temperature outside increases in the warmer months think 28 degrees or more, and you set the air conditioner to a chilly 18 degrees it’s going to work extra hard to cool the space. It’s also unachievable to sustain low indoor temperatures meaning your air conditioning unit will be running in overdrive trying to get there, chewing through the power.
Key outtake: You don’t need to set it to 18 degrees. 24°C is a very comfortable temperature for most people during summer. And by setting it higher, the air conditioner doesn’t need to work as hard,this reducing your energy bills.
According to the Australian Government, increasing the temperature on your air conditioner by only 1 degree, or reducing it by 1 degree in summer, can increase your energy usage by up to 10%.
Conversely, during winter, never set the air conditioner temperature to heat higher than 21 degrees celsius.
Kerry’s advice here is that it is unlikely your air conditioner will ever go above 21°C in a winter environment but will constantly be working on trying and doing so. Therefore, if your goal is energy efficiency (and not having a huge power bill) reduce the load on the components – and the energy it consumes – by capping the temperature at 21°C. Your family will still be comfortable, and so will your bank balance!
If you’d like further reading, we discuss the best temperature for air conditioning during winter in Australia in our blog post here.
Tip 3 – Don’t allow air to escape through cracks and under doors.
It may seem obvious, but the air conditioner will need to work harder to cool and heat during both summer and winter if there are drafts and spots where air can escape.
Your air conditioner has worked hard to get your room to the perfect temperature, don’t waste its efforts (and your energy bill) by allowing that air to escape!
Use heavy curtains with pelmets, under door draft stoppers and positioning of furniture to reduce air loss. Keep windows and doors closed.
Tip 4 – Use the timer feature on your reverse cycle air conditioning unit.
The timer on modern reverse cycle air conditioning units is a huge benefit! The temperature fluctuates throughout the day, so set your timer so that the air conditioner only operates during the coldest and hottest parts of the day and turns off when nobody is home.
If you want to come home or wake to a comfortable temperature, set it to operate just before people are due to wake up or arrive home.
Tip 5 – Regular servicing maintenance.
One of the most important things to keep your reverse cycle air conditioner heating and cooling efficiently is good maintenance. You must clean air filters at least once every two months to avoid dust and debris clogging them up. It also has the added benefit of healthier air for your family to breathe.
Additionally, keep reflectors free of dust.
The process to clean your air filters differs from model to model. If in doubt, you can check manufacturers websites for instructions or call your installer for advice.
Also, fans, filters, coils and reflectors can accumulate dust and debris, resulting in damage to internal components. So, as well as regular air filter cleaning, you should always have a professional service your system every 12 months. This makes sure that all parts and components are operating correctly and maximises their operating efficiency.
If you are a heavy user of your reverse cycle air conditioner, it may benefit to service it twice per year, in both autumn and spring, to prepare for the coming season of heating and cooling, respectively.
Call your professional for advice if you notice that your air conditioner is noisy, leaking, or doesn’t seem to be cooling or heating properly. All of these symptoms indicate that your air conditioner may not be operating at its full capacity and prevent energy-efficient heating and cooling.
The electrical and air conditioning specialists at Power Trip Services go above and beyond to tackle any complex installation or electrical issue you throw our way.
We are leaders in our profession in North Brisbane because we use our resourcefulness and ingenuity to deliver high-quality and affordable solutions every time. Our qualified technicians can even design your ducted air-condition in-house!
Not only do we pride ourselves on quality workmanship, but our outstanding service standards and promise to treat your property with the utmost respect. This sets us apart from our competitors.
Call Power Trip Services today on (07)3385 5833 or request a quote here.
