You need to run an air conditioner to maintain indoor temperatures during summer. But do you fear the cost of running an air conditioner?
If yes, then here we are going to demystify the cost of running your air conditioner, break down how much it costs to run an air conditioner and provide excellent tips for increasing efficiency and saving on energy bills.
Understanding How Much Does It Cost To Run An Air Conditioner In Australia
Firstly, to achieve efficiency and savings in running an air conditioner, it’s necessary to understand the factors that contribute to energy consumption.
Size Of Air Conditioner:
The size of the air conditioner is measured in tons or kilowatts (KW). Depending on climate, room size, and insulation of the area, you’ll need a bigger size air conditioner to meet your temperature needs. You can refer to an air conditioning sizing chart for a general estimate.
You can also use an online air conditioner size calculator provided by the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) or consult a professional to guide you about the size of the unit accurately.
Size Of The Cooling Area:
The size of the cooling area greatly influences the cost of running an air conditioner. A 1–1.5 ton air conditioner can efficiently cool a room of 150–200 sqft. The bigger the area of the room, the bigger the size of the air conditioner, and it will consume more electricity. Hence increasing the overall cost.
Type Of Air Conditioner:
Different types of air conditioners are available in the market, and they greatly vary from one another in energy consumption. The same size of various types of air conditioners will consume the following watts per hour.
Energy Star Rating Of The Unit:
The energy efficiency of the air conditioner is calculated as the energy star rating of the unit. A 1-star unit will consume more electricity than a 3-star AC to achieve a similar temperature. 5-star air conditioners are the most energy-efficient units that consume minimum energy to achieve desired temperatures.
Now that you know the factors that contribute to the additional costs of running an air conditioner, it is clearer and easier to make the right choices and control energy consumption. Now you can get the answer to how much does it cost to run an air conditioner.
You can get help with air conditioner service from Surrey Air Heating and Cooling.
10 Tips For Enhancing Air Conditioner Efficiency And Saving On Energy Cost
Here are some easy-to-do things that will help your air conditioner control temperature more efficiently and significantly reduce energy costs.
Change The Air Filter Every 6 Months
The air filter is the basic component that cleans the air going into the air conditioner. It stops dust, hair, pet dander, and all other contaminants from entering the internal components.
If the filter isn’t clean, the contaminants make their way into the system, damaging the mechanical system.
Seal The Leaks And Insulate
The answer to how much it costs to run an air conditioner changes if you seal the leaks and improve the room’s insulation. Sealing the gaps, cracks, and leaks within the AC unit or building’s envelope reduces leakage of conditioned air.
This reduced air leakage prevents energy loss, reaches the desired temperature quickly, and maintains it for a longer period. Sealing the leaks and improving insulation protects the air conditioning system from excessive strain.
Keep The Drain Line Clear
Drain lines are crucial to remove condensation and do not allow water to accumulate within the AC unit. If there are traces of water in the drain line, it causes metallic parts to rust, affecting the performance significantly.
It also pushes the AC to work harder while consuming more energy. Keeping the drain line clear ensures performance and savings.
Keep The Vents Unblocked And Clean
Both the exhaust and indoor vents are important to maintain the flow of air. They expel warm air outside and redirect cool air into the rooms. If vents are blocked or dirty, the air conditioner won’t be able to regulate the room temperature. There will be a decrease in the system’s efficiency, and it will consume more energy to reach the desired temperature.
Seal The AC Ducts
Ductwork, synthetic or metallic, is an important component of the air conditioner to circulate air around the space. If ductwork is not intact, conditioned air is rapidly lost, reducing the temperature comfort and stressing the system even more.
Sealing the AC ducts ensures no air is lost, resulting in efficient cooling without stressing the system.
Learn more about split system service.
Insulate The Room
Insulating the room completely prevents loss of conditioned air. Keeping the windows and doors closed while the AC is on is the first step in insulating the room. It helps to achieve the desired temperature quickly and maintain it for a longer period, lowering energy consumption.
You can enhance insulation by using air-blocking rubbers under the doors or covering the windows with insulating window covers.
Set The Optimal Temperature Settings
Using the optimal temperature settings and setting AC to moderate temperature have a great impact on reducing energy bills. Experts recommend keeping the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher when using the AC.
If you set the temperature lower than 78 degrees, energy usage increases by as much as 8%. The optimal settings let you enjoy a comfortable temperature at a lower cost.
Use Programmable Thermostat
You must add a programmable thermostat to your air conditioning system to bring great cost savings and energy efficiency to your spaces.
They allow to set specific temperature schedules and automatically follow the settings to provide desired temperatures at the right times without using excessive energy. This feature helps to provide temperature efficiency and prevent energy consumption for excessive cooling when not needed.
Use The Right-Sized Unit For Your Room
It is recommended to use the right-sized unit according to the room’s size. Using a too-big or too-small air conditioner unit has a profound impact on energy consumption and temperature control.
A big-sized AC for a small room will reach the desired temperature quickly and turn on and off more frequently, consuming more energy. Similarly, a small-sized unit will consume more energy to provide the desired temperature for a big room.
Keep The AC Off When Not In Use
People often keep the AC on to get constant cooling. It obviously increases the energy bills. Keeping the AC off when not in use and using programmable thermostats increases temperature efficiency and brings savings on energy bills.
Cover The Outdoor Unit
Covering the outdoor unit saves it from dirt, leaves, or any other objects. Dust and debris have a great impact on system efficiency and cause it to use more energy. Shading the outdoor unit in summer also helps it to work more efficiently.
Invest In Energy Efficient Units
Always consider buying an air conditioner unit with good energy star ratings, as they consume less electricity. They may cost more and seem to be an unnecessary expense to begin with, but they bring cost savings in the long run.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance from trained professionals helps all the components of the air conditioning system to remain in good health. With regular scheduled maintenance, the AC will work efficiently, providing adequate temperature control without using more electricity.
Click here to contact our experts to schedule maintenance services. We guarantee high-quality services at affordable prices in Melbourne, Australia.
Conclusion
How much does it cost to run an air conditioner is the first question to arise when you think of staying cool during the hot summer days. Understanding the factors that contribute to more energy consumption will help you achieve savings and temperature efficiency.
Tips like insulating the doors and windows, covering outdoor units, selecting the right sized AC unit, using programmable thermostats, and regular maintenance efficiently increase thermal comfort while saving on energy bills.
With these tips in hand, you will never worry about how much does it cost to run an air conditioner!
