How Do I... Make My Air Con Work its Best on Stifling Hot Days?
An air-conditioning expert reveals how to get the most from your air conditioner when the temperature soars
Georgia Madden
22 February 2018
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning design and decorating questions. Here, John Bourke, national product manager at Fujitsu General Australia, reveals how to maximise your air conditioner’s cooling potential on searing hot summer days.
What’s the most efficient way to run the air in a heatwave?
Choose an air-conditioning system with a built-in timer that switches the machine on before the household wakes up and the outdoor temperature starts to rise. That way, the system can remain on a low setting and provide optimal cooling with minimal energy consumption.
Choose an air-conditioning system with a built-in timer that switches the machine on before the household wakes up and the outdoor temperature starts to rise. That way, the system can remain on a low setting and provide optimal cooling with minimal energy consumption.
What temperature should I set it to?
When the temperature soars, it’s tempting to set the air-conditioning unit to a lower temperature. But setting it too low doesn’t necessarily cool the room faster, and can put pressure on the unit by making it work harder to achieve the desired temperature.
To create a comfortable environment while minimising energy consumption, we recommend setting the temperature no lower than 23°C.
When the temperature soars, it’s tempting to set the air-conditioning unit to a lower temperature. But setting it too low doesn’t necessarily cool the room faster, and can put pressure on the unit by making it work harder to achieve the desired temperature.
To create a comfortable environment while minimising energy consumption, we recommend setting the temperature no lower than 23°C.
What else can I do?
Keep the cool air in the rooms you’re actually using by closing doors and windows. Minimise the amount of direct sunlight coming through the windows by closing the windows and blinds.
Make sure the room is properly sealed; fill any small gaps and cracks around windows with sealant, and seal drafts under doors with weather strips or draft stoppers. Hold off using heat-generating appliances, such as the oven or dryer.
Keep the cool air in the rooms you’re actually using by closing doors and windows. Minimise the amount of direct sunlight coming through the windows by closing the windows and blinds.
Make sure the room is properly sealed; fill any small gaps and cracks around windows with sealant, and seal drafts under doors with weather strips or draft stoppers. Hold off using heat-generating appliances, such as the oven or dryer.
How can I prepare my air con for a heatwave?
A poorly maintained air conditioner will have to work harder to cool your home than it needs to, which increases energy consumption and adds to your power costs. Preparing the air-conditioning unit ahead of summer will ensure the unit performs its best, especially when the temperature soars.
If the unit is used daily, remove dust from the filters with a vacuum cleaner or wash in mild detergent and warm water monthly. Vacuum the louvres, and dust along the indoor-unit grilles with a damp cloth. Refer to the manufacturer’s operating manual on how to access, remove and clean the filter for your particular indoor unit.
Keep the outdoor unit free from debris and obstructions so as not to limit airflow. Have your air con professionally serviced every one to two years, depending on usage.
A poorly maintained air conditioner will have to work harder to cool your home than it needs to, which increases energy consumption and adds to your power costs. Preparing the air-conditioning unit ahead of summer will ensure the unit performs its best, especially when the temperature soars.
If the unit is used daily, remove dust from the filters with a vacuum cleaner or wash in mild detergent and warm water monthly. Vacuum the louvres, and dust along the indoor-unit grilles with a damp cloth. Refer to the manufacturer’s operating manual on how to access, remove and clean the filter for your particular indoor unit.
Keep the outdoor unit free from debris and obstructions so as not to limit airflow. Have your air con professionally serviced every one to two years, depending on usage.
Will switching on a fan help?
Yes. Switching on a pedestal or ceiling fan while the air-conditioning unit is running can circulate the cool air, which can help you reach the desired room temperature faster and reduce the air conditioner’s energy usage.
Yes. Switching on a pedestal or ceiling fan while the air-conditioning unit is running can circulate the cool air, which can help you reach the desired room temperature faster and reduce the air conditioner’s energy usage.
Thinking ahead, what else can I do to optimise my air-conditioning?
Have your home insulated. A well-insulated home keeps the cool air inside and the heat out, and allows the air-conditioning system to work more efficiently.
Have your home insulated. A well-insulated home keeps the cool air inside and the heat out, and allows the air-conditioning system to work more efficiently.
Boost this with external shading. If you have the outdoor space, create shade with well-placed trees and awnings. Having a well-shaded home will limit the amount of direct sunlight hitting your home, which helps maintain an even indoor temperature and allows the air-conditioning unit to reach the desired temperature quicker without putting pressure on the system.
Your turn
How do keep your home cool when the temperature soars? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Looking for more expert advice? Don’t miss: Pro Panel: How to Design a Home That Boosts Wellbeing
How do keep your home cool when the temperature soars? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Looking for more expert advice? Don’t miss: Pro Panel: How to Design a Home That Boosts Wellbeing
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Rosie - I just amended my first sentence. It needed a bit of explanation.
Except the edit didn’t work. So ..
It’s probably best set on cooling, at 24C. If that’s not comfy enough on a hot day, try increasing the fan speed before lowering the temp. The greater air movement will make it feel cooler. Running the fan at a higher speed will be more cost effective than running the unit on a lower temp.
If you have solar power, set the air conditioner at 24C about 10 am as the sun starts to do "it's magic". Then the house is cool for the evening at less cost to you.