The summer season is upon us, bringing scorching heat and the unwelcome increase in electricity costs. Luckily, you can use several energy-efficient cooling tips to create a more budget-friendly home. Yes, it's possible to reduce your AirCon bills! 

Here are our 10 top tips showing you ways to cut air conditioning expenses.

1 - Choose the Ideal Temperature

Most of us might not realise this, but the temperature setting on your AirCon unit significantly impacts its energy consumption. It's normal to assume that setting the AirCon to the coldest temperature will cool the room faster, but that's not true. Instead, this forces your unit to work harder, consuming more electricity.

Studies show that using your AirCon at 25 to 27 degrees Celsius instead of 18 degrees can help you save as much as 30 per cent on your electricity bill. This adjustment won't impact your comfort but will have a noticeable effect on your electricity usage. Next time you want to cool down while saving, remember this efficient cooling tip to reduce your AirCon bills!

2 - Use Sleep Timers and Fans

One common mistake we make is leaving the AirCon on all night, resulting in hefty electricity bills. But with an intelligent strategy, you can sleep well without worrying about the cost. Most modern AirCons come equipped with sleep timers or auto restart functions. However, suppose you have an older unit without these features. In that case, replacement AirCon remote controls allow you to access these features.

Set the sleep function to turn off your AirCon an hour or two after heading to bed. By then, the room would have cooled enough, and you could use a fan to circulate the cold air. Using a fan is an excellent cost and energy-saving alternative to running the AirCon continuously. This strategy is a real game-changer for cost savings.

3 - Maintain Your Room's Temperature

Maintaining your room's internal temperature can significantly reduce air conditioning costs. Simple steps, like using heavy curtains, blinds, or shades, can help block the sunlight, preventing your room from heating up during the day. This reduces the load on your AirCon and helps maintain a cooler temperature.

Also, look for gaps around your doors and windows. These can let in warm air and let out the cool air from your AirCon. Sealing gaps with insulation can help keep the cool air in and the hot air out, helping you to achieve a cooler room without overworking your AirCon.

4 - Keep Your AirCon in Top Condition

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your AirCon unit efficient and reliable. Clean filters ensure smooth airflow and directly impact the cooling ability of your AirCon. A neglected or dirty filter can increase your AirCon energy use, reduce cooling efficiency, and reduce the air quality inside your home.

To reduce your AirCon bills, clean your AirCon filters at least once a month. Moreover, proper AirCon servicing once or twice a year, especially before summer, ensures your AirCon delivers its best and most energy-efficient performance.

5 - Invest in Energy-Efficient AirCon Units

If you're considering buying a new Air Conditioning Unit or replacing an old one, consider investing in an energy-efficient Air Conditioner. These are designed to use less energy without compromising cooling performance.

Inverter AirCons, for instance, adjust their speed based on the heat load in a room. This technology not only provides better cooling but also reduces power consumption significantly. Studies show that inverter AirCons can cut your electricity costs by 30 to 50 per cent, making them an ideal choice for those looking to reduce their AirCon bills.

6 - Use Lighting Wisely

Believe it or not, your home's lighting plays a leading role in maintaining your room temperature and directly affects your AirCon's performance. Incandescent or halogen bulbs emit a lot of heat, which can contribute to warming up your room and switching these off when not in use or replacing them with energy-efficient alternatives like LED lights can lower your room temperature. Not only will this strategy reduce your energy consumption, but it also supports your other cooling strategies for cost savings.

7 - Unplug Devices When Not in Use

It's not only the light bulbs. Other electronic devices and appliances around your home also contribute to heat generation. These gadgets still draw power and produce heat even when not in use. Unplugging these devices when not needed or using smart power strips can make a noticeable difference in maintaining your room temperature and conserving energy.

8 - Optimise Your AirCon Usage

Utilising your AirCon during the cooler hours of the day (early morning or late evening) can help reduce your AirCon bills. During these times, your unit won't need to work as hard to maintain the desired temperature, leading to lower energy consumption.

9 - Bring Nature Inside

Adding indoor plants can contribute to a cooler home environment. Plants naturally release water vapour during transpiration, which can help reduce your home's temperature. They're an excellent, eco-friendly way to complement your AirCon use, contributing to a fresher, cooler air and improving overall air quality.

10 - Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are an excellent way to enhance your AirCon's effectiveness. They help circulate the cool air in the room, allowing you to raise your thermostat setting by a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. Fans consume less electricity than air conditioners, making them a practical addition to your efficient cooling techniques to save money on AirCon bills.

Conclusion

Keeping your home cool during the sweltering summer months doesn't need to cost you an arm and a leg. By implementing these practical and energy-efficient cooling tips, you can enjoy a comfortable indoor climate while significantly lowering your air conditioning costs. Always remember, every degree of temperature and every watt of power saved contributes to reducing your AirCon bills and benefits the environment. It's a win-win situation, don't you agree?