Getting the most from your airconditioner

With the rising cost of electricity it is important to know how to use your split system air conditioner efficiently. Here are just a few tips on getting the most from your air conditioner:

• Adjust the slats on your air-conditioner so they face downwards for heating and upwards for cooling
• Shut doors to close-off rooms which you’re not using.
• Clean the outdoor air-conditioner unit regularly, we recommend every 12months.
• Clean the filters on the indoor unit regularly, we recommend every 12months.
• Install ceiling insulation to help trap the cool air in summer and warm in winter.

DURING WINTER

• 18-21C is the most efficient temperature range to run your air-conditioner at during Winter. remembering each 1C increase can add up to 10% to your heating costs
• Don’t start your unit on a high temperature — it’s more efficient to turn it on earlier at 21C and let it slowly warm the room
• At night, close blinds or curtains to reduce heat loss
• On sunny days, open your blinds and curtains to allow warm sunlight in, especially north-facing windows

DURING SUMMER

• Turn your air-conditioner on early during very hot days, rather than waiting until the room gets too hot.
• You can contact your electrical supply company to find out when the off-peak times for electricity use are. Use your air-conditioner timer to turn the unit on during those times and off during the peak times.
• Close your blinds and curtains during the day to keep heat out
• When you first enter a hot house, open doors and windows to flush out the hot air before switching on your air-conditioner
• 22-24C is the most efficient temperature range to run your air-conditioner at during Summer. Each 1C decrease can add as much as 10% to your cooling costs.