How to Improve Your Air Conditioner Efficiency

Air conditioning tends to be the part of the house that nobody notices, until something goes wrong. While it’s important to have your air conditioning system serviced and maintained regularly, there are also a number of things that you can do as a household to make your air conditioner run more efficiently. 

How to use your air conditioner efficiently

Several factors impact how efficiently your air conditioner runs, but luckily, most of them are within control. A few small tweaks to your household behaviours can make a huge difference. 

How often you run your system

How often you use your air conditioner will definitely affect how efficient it is. But while you might imagine turning it off frequently to reduce its usage will increase its lifespan, you might find the opposite. Air conditioners use a lot more energy when they are turned on. 

By keeping your unit running, you’re avoiding these surges. An air conditioner is also able to use its energy more efficiently if a constant temperature is maintained, rather than having to work hard to cool down a hot room each time you turn it on. 

As temperatures drop, it does make sense to turn your system off at night, which could cut your usage and your bill significantly. 

The temperature you run your system at

The temperature you run your system at has a big impact on its efficiency. If you’re looking for maximum efficiency, the highest level that’s comfortable is the one that’s best for your machine. We recommend a temperature of between 20-24 degrees C, with 21 being the ideal setting. This will depend, however, on personal preference, regional variations and the insulation of your home. 

External temperature

Which brings us to one of the factors that you can’t control – the outside temperature. One of the biggest impacts on the efficiency of your air conditioning unit is how hard the temperature outside is making it work. Remember, most air conditioning units work by cooling outside air. The hotter the air is, the harder the machine has to work, which reduces its efficiency. This is not a factor that you can change, but it’s worth bearing in mind. 

Home insulation 

How well insulated your home is will make a difference to how efficient your air conditioning system is. A well insulated roof, or effective insulation in your walls or floors will prevent the hot air from outside from entering your home as easily, which reduces the workload of your air con, increasing its efficiency. 

While improving home insulation can be a more involved process than simply turning the temperature of your air con up, it will make a big difference in the long run. 

How to improve air conditioner efficiency

There are several easy ways to improve your air conditioner’s efficiency at minimal expense. 

Turn the temperature up

As we mentioned earlier in the article, turn the temperature up if you want to improve the efficiency of your system. Having the system as high as is comfortable will reduce bills and increase efficiency. Maintaining a constant ambient temperature is much more efficient than having to constantly keep adjusting it to suit your whim. 

Stop turning it off

Leaving the air con running regularly rather than flicking it on and off also decreases its workload. As we mentioned, when you turn your air con on, it has to work very hard to hit the ground running and rapidly cool the room. If the system is left running at an ambient temperature, when you adjust the setting, it doesn’t have to expend quite so much energy to hit the temperature that you want. 

Clean it regularly

Cleaning your air conditioner and ensuring its filters are dust-free is an important way to maintain its efficiency. You can clean your air conditioner yourself using a soft cloth and warm water. 

How often should I clean it? 

We recommend that your air conditioner should be thoroughly cleaned by a professional every 12 months – with its filters being dusted and wiped clean every few weeks for optimal performance. 

Regular maintenance 

Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure the lifespan and efficiency of your air conditioner. 

How often should I have it serviced? 

We would recommend a service and maintenance of your system every 12 months so that any smaller issues can be picked up before they become larger problems. Springtime – after your air con has received its heaviest usage – is often the best time to have it serviced. 

Signs that your air conditioner might need checking

While it’s useful to have a general service and maintenance plan in place for your air conditioning system, there are also various signs that will alert you to the fact that your air conditioner might need some attention. 

Strange noises

Strange noises are a sign that something may not be working properly within your system. Banging or clanking could indicate a loose component, while leaks or debris may lead to a buzzing or bubbling sound. Your air conditioner should be relatively silent, so any noises that are out of the ordinary should be investigated at once. 

Strange smell

Strange smells are another sign that things might not be running as smoothly as they could be. Chemical or eggy smells could indicate a refrigerant leak, while mould or mildew are a sign that bacteria and condensation might have built up inside. 

A burning smell is also something to be concerned about. This could indicate overheating components or a malfunctioning fan. Again, it’s important to get these issues checked as quickly as possible. 

Lack of air

The most obvious sign that your air conditioner is not working efficiently is a lack of cold air coming out. Once you’ve ensured the system is on, and there are no obvious blockages, it may be time to call in external help. 

Are modern air conditioners more efficient?

Modern air conditioners are considerably more efficient than older models, due to improved design, smart features and government regulations. That said, the most efficient kind of air conditioner is a well-maintained one. Mouritz has a team of experienced technicians who have extensive knowledge of every type of system and can make sure your air conditioning is up to scratch. 

Are inverter air conditioners more efficient? 

Inverter technology has definitely improved the efficiency of air conditioning and many modern air conditioners utilize it. Unlike older units that operate at a fixed speed and cycle on and off, inverter compressors can adjust their speed based on the cooling demand, which leads to more consistent temperatures, reduced energy consumption and higher energy savings.  

Contact us 

If you have any questions about air conditioning systems or would like to talk to someone about installing, upgrading, servicing or maintaining your system, please contact our friendly team and we’ll be happy to help.