Make the Most of Your Air Conditioner

Air conditioners are some of the most prized possessions of any Australian household and no wonder. In the heat of summer, temperatures can easily rocket to 30-40 degrees Celcius.

Whether you’ve just purchased a brand new air conditioner or are looking to make the most of the older model you have, here are a number of ways you can make the most of your air conditioner. Keep reading or give our experts a call on 0438 597 286.

 

Regular Air Con Maintenance

Keeping your air conditioner well-maintained is one of the most important steps to making the most out of your air conditioner.

Here are some important things you need to do to make sure your air conditioner is running smoothly:

• Regularly clean and replace the air filter so that it doesn’t have to work harder to send out cold air.
• Seal any leaks or gaps around the air conditioner, as this will stop any air from escaping as soon as it is produced.

 

Place The AC In The Correct Position

When it comes to making the most out of your air conditioner, the location of it is incredibly important. Make sure that the air coming out of the air conditioner has a clear path.

Your home could be hotter than it needs to be because there is furniture blocking the pathway of the air. If you can, make sure that the air conditioner is placed in the shade, as this will both prevent it from overheating and will also ensure that it is not taking in hot air.

 

Shut All Doors & Windows

Although you may be tempted to let the air in if there is a breeze outside, don’t. This will only bring hot air in from the outside which will both heat up your house and will mean that your air conditioner will have to work twice as hard to cool down the house.

Make sure all doors are closed where possible, except in the spaces where you need the cool air. You should also close any curtains or drapes, as this can stop the heat from the sun radiating into your house.

 

Get A Programmable Thermostat

If you regularly forget to adjust the thermostat when you are leaving the house, or want to turn the air conditioning on before you get home, you should invest in an air conditioning system that has a programmable thermostat.

A programmable thermostat allows you to control it from your phone. Not only will this reduce your overall heating and cooling costs, but it will also make sure that your house is cold when you get home.

 

Keep It Turned On

When the weather gets cooler during the summer, it might be tempting to switch off your air conditioning system to save money, but this isn't as cost-effective as you might think.

If you wait until it's unbearably warm to turn your air conditioner on, the system will need to work even harder to remove excess humidity and cool your home down. Instead, it's better to leave your air conditioning unit on but turn up the temperature to approximately 25°C or higher.

 

Use Ceiling Fans

Installing ceiling fans in your home to supplement your current air cooling system can reduce the amount of energy you use to keep your home cool. Ceiling fans can also push the cooler air down towards the ground and draw warm air upwards so that you can stay cooler for longer.

If you choose to install ceiling fans in your home, it's important to make sure that they are spinning in the proper direction to keep your home as cool as possible.

 

Keep It Out Of The Sun

Keeping your air conditioner away from the glare of the sun and in a shady spot is essential. If your air conditioner is in the sun, it will need to work twice as hard to cool your home.

You can't keep your home cool with a hot air conditioning system! If you have an air conditioning system installed above your windows, you might want to consider moving it, as this spot will get the most sunlight.

 

Remove Any Debris

If you live in an area that experiences stormy weather, you've probably had to deal with debris and dislodged branches littering your yard. This debris can cause significant damage to your air conditioning system and can impede its performance, so make sure you check your compressor unit after inclement weather or storms and remove any hazardous debris.

If you have any plants or bushes planted near your compressor, keep them trimmed back regularly to give them ample breathing space.

 

Use Hot Appliances Sparingly

The heated appliances in our homes (such as the tumble dryer or oven) are essential, but it's a good idea to avoid using them during the hottest hours of the day.

Instead, consider using these appliances in the late evening or early morning. You could even dry your clothes outside or use the barbeque to cook your dinner if the weather is pleasant.

 

Insulate Exposed Ductwork

Properly sealing any exposed ductwork that runs through un-airconditioned areas is essential to make sure that none of the conditioned air leaks.

You can use specialised UL 181-rated duct sealing tape of the correct thickness, but it's also a good idea to make sure that you ask your local air conditioning maintenance company to check the ductwork during your next scheduled check.

 

What To Do When Temperatures Skyrocket?

At the peak of Australian summertime, temperatures can reach a level where it is incredibly hard to do anything.

When that time comes, here are some ways you can beat the heat:

• Turn off any appliances that generate heat (like the oven), which will allow the AC to run better.
• Take cold showers so the hot steam doesn’t offset the AC.
• Close off any rooms you are not using to make sure the AC doesn’t have to cool as much space.

 

Get in Touch With Our Air Conditioner Installation Experts!

If you're wondering how else you can maximise your air conditioner usage in your home, call the experts at Zane Dick Electrical today! We offer professional advice and affordable air conditioning installations. Get a free quote today!