Skip to content
Mouritz

Air conditioning

4 ways to cut back on residential air conditioning usage and still stay cool

Matt Mouritz · Director

We invest in our residential air conditioning systems to increase the levels of comfort in our homes. This is necessary during the cooling months, but are we using our systems too much? An air conditioner can use a lot of energy and using it excessively can cause premature wear and tear. Let’s take a look at four ways that we can reduce our air conditioning use and still stay cool.

1. Take care of yourself:

When the weather gets hot, it’s even more important to take care of yourself to stay cool. Strenuous outdoor work should be avoided, and if it’s unavoidable, you need to take plenty of breaks. Always wear lighter clothes for air circulation and choose light colours to reflect the sun away from your body. Drink adequate water and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Never leave a child or animal in your car and check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives.

2. Give the air conditioner a break:

Reduce the workload of your air conditioning system during the times when it needs to work the hardest. Turn off the air conditioner at night and open up the window to keep the bedroom cool. Use shades, curtains, and blinds to keep the sunlight out of your rooms. Don’t use heat generating appliances during the day and use fans to circulate the air. Take a break from your home, visit the pool for a swim, but don’t forget about any pets that are left at home.

3. Turn the temperature up:

This sounds like crazy advice, but turning the thermostat right down doesn’t cool your home any faster. A temperature of 78 degrees F is ideal for most people, and this can be adjusted to taste. When you leave your home, turn the temperature up by 5 or 10 degrees, and you will save money on your energy bill.

4. Increase efficiency:

There are ways to increase the efficiency of your air conditioner to lower your energy bills, ensure that it’s working as intended and decrease the likelihood of a breakdown. Firstly, change the air filter every month, this will improve airflow and ensure that the system is not being overworked. Secondly, schedule an annual service visit for your home prior to the next cooling season to ensure that your equipment is working. Finally, if you do notice a lack of cooling performance and any strange noises, call a technician immediately to correct the problem before it gets any worse.

If you’re in the market for residential air conditioning systems, contact us here at Mouritz. We offer to supply, install and service a wide selection of heating and cooling equipment for both domestic and commercial customers. We offer local, high quality residential air conditioning repair and servicing at an affordable price. Our sales team is standing by to discuss your needs in greater detail and to answer any questions you may have.

Enquire now

 

Matt Mouritz · Director

Matt is a director at Mouritz, a Perth based air conditioning and solar specialist. He shares straightforward advice on choosing, running and looking after cooling, heating and solar systems, with a focus on what actually works for Perth homes and our local climate. When he is not writing, he is helping customers find the right setup for their home and budget.

More articles by Matt Mouritz →

Browse solutions

Choose the best next step for your home

Ducted reverse cycle

Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning heats and cools your whole home from one system, so you don’t need separate heating and cooling. Zone control sends air only to the rooms you’re using. We work out how many zones you need from the size and layout of your home and how you use it.

Ducted evaporative

A ducted evaporative system from Mouritz cools your home with fresh outside air, and its main advantage is low running costs. It’s cooling only, and works best with a few windows or doors open so the cooled air can flow through the house.

Split systems

A split system heats and cools a room or area, so it suits homes that don’t need whole-home air conditioning. Each one has an outdoor unit and an indoor wall-mounted unit. Split systems work for one room or several, and keep purchase, installation and running costs low.

Solar

A solar power system from Mouritz gives you more control over your energy use and helps reduce your power bills. We design and install panels around your home and energy needs, and battery storage lets you use stored power when you need it. Buying air conditioning too? We offer extra discounts when you buy both together.

Ducted gas heating

Ducted gas heating from Mouritz warms your whole home through ducts and vents, with zoning so you only heat the rooms you need, which can help reduce your energy bills. Installation can be more involved than other heating systems, but you get even, efficient warmth throughout the house.

Service & repairs

Regular servicing keeps your air conditioning running efficiently, which saves on energy costs. Our experienced service team responds promptly to breakdowns and maintenance issues. We recommend servicing most systems once a year.

Air conditioning & solar advice

Get expert advice and a quote

Talk to the Mouritz team about the right system for your home. Local, expert, and obligation-free.