Tips & Resources

Ways to Reduce your Air-Conditioning Usage

When you decide to turn on the air-conditioner it will run most efficiently if:

• The refrigeration system is maintained and in good order.
• Ducting is well insulated and kept clean (check your ducting for cleanliness and that there are no air leaks).
• Only the rooms that are used are cooled.
• The roof insulation is in good order.
• The doors and windows are closed.
• Exhaust fans seal when not running.
• Windows have curtains drawn or closed to help regulate temperature.
• Fans are used to circulate air.
• Temperature is not set too cold.
• Filters are kept clean.
• Use the timer function on your system so that the air-conditioner is not left running (set the timer to turn off at a suitable time in the evening).
• Don’t run the air-conditioner all the time during the cooler months, instead open doors and windows.
• Natural ventilation is the healthiest and cheapest way to cool your home. It helps to remove heat and cools your body through evaporation.
• If your condenser is in the hot sun look at ways to shade it, this will help its cooling efficiency.

Contributed by: Annie Guthrie