When people think air conditioning, they often think hot summer days and sky-high energy bills. But actually, modern systems can save you money. From boosting efficiency to lowering heating bills, today’s air conditioning technology can cut costs for both homeowners and businesses.
Let’s look at how air conditioning can save you money on both heating and cooling.
Energy Efficient Design
Early air conditioning units were wasteful and always running on maximum power regardless of demand. Modern air conditioning systems use something called inverter technology, where the unit adjusts its output based on demand.
So when your air conditioning has reached your desired temperature, it will run at a lower speed instead of constantly turning off and on. Not only does this make your indoor temperatures more consistent but can also reduce electricity usage by up to half.
Benefits of modern air con systems include:
- Reduced energy bills
- Quieter operation
- Lower running costs
Air Conditioning Can Heat Your Home, and Save You Money
Heating with air conditioning is actually one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your property warm.
Many newer air conditioning systems are air-to-air heat pumps. Unlike traditional heaters, heat pumps work by absorbing outdoor heat and transferring it inside your home.
Heat pumps are great because they can generate 3–4 times more heat than they use in electricity. So for every 1kW of electricity, you could get 3–4kW of heat. This makes heating your home with an air conditioning unit much more efficient than:
- Electric radiators
- Fan heaters
- Older electric boilers
Smart Features Avoid Waste
Modern air conditioning systems come with smart controls and wi-fi connectivity, meaning you can accurately regulate your temperatures and avoid wasting energy.
Look out for features like:
- Programmable timers so you don’t heat/cool unnecessarily
- Smart sensors to detect room occupancy
- Control of your air conditioning from your smartphone
Smart thermostats mean you only spend money on heating and cooling when you need to.
Maintenance Reduces Running Costs
Air conditioning that isn’t maintained will end up needing to work much harder. Not only does this use more energy, but it can also cause your system to wear out quicker, potentially resulting in costly repairs.
Performing simple tasks such as replacing filters and having your annual service can improve efficiency. Well-maintained units use lower amounts of energy and are less likely to break down.
Optimal Temperature Settings Matter
It may surprise you, but turning your air con down just one degree can make a huge difference to your energy bill.
For cooling:
- Set your temperature to 24-26°C when at home
- Use night mode or eco mode to lower cooling at night
For heating:
- Keep the thermostat steady
- Turning it on and off forces it to use more power
- Don’t set your heating too high
The smaller the difference between outside and inside temperatures, the cheaper it will be to run your air conditioning.
Don’t Forget About Insulation
No matter how efficient your air conditioning system is, it’ll cost you more money if it’s not retaining the heated or cooled air.
So ensure you have adequate insulation, seal any gaps around windows and doors, and use blinds and curtains to keep extreme temperatures at bay.
Summary
Modern air conditioning units save you money because they’re becoming more and more energy efficient. Modern air con uses inverter technology and smart controls that let you heat and cool your home without wasting electricity. Using air conditioning to heat your home can also be much cheaper than using electric radiators or old boilers. By maintaining your system and optimising temperatures, you could slash your energy bills while still staying comfortable year-round.