On those blistering hot summer days, there’s nothing I love more than relaxing at home with a cold drink and the air conditioner keeping me cool. But let’s be honest – enjoying that comfort can sometimes come at a cost, especially when the electricity bill arrives. During my time as National Product Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Australia, I’ve learned a few tricks to stay cool at home without breaking the bank, and I want to share them with you.
Getting the Temperature Just Right
I’ve found that the key to staying comfortable and saving energy is setting the air conditioner to just the right temperature. For me and most people, somewhere between 22°C and 23°C is ideal. On days when I feel like pushing the savings further, I’ll bump it up to 24°C or 25°C – a small adjustment that makes a big difference in energy consumption without sacrificing too much comfort.
Additionally, it’s important to note that heat naturally flows from warmer to cooler areas. Heat from a hot room will move to cooler air-conditioned spaces within your home, so I take steps to minimise the load on my air conditioner:
- Shut all external doors and windows when the air conditioner is on.
- Close the doors to unused, warmer rooms to keep the cooled air in the spaces I actually use.
- Curtains and blinds are a lifesaver for blocking out heat and direct sunlight – especially on west-facing windows in the afternoon.
- I’ve also taken the time to seal gaps around windows and doors, which helps stop the cool air from escaping.
Keeping My Air Conditioner in Top Shape
One thing I never overlook is cleaning the filters on my air conditioner. Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing the unit to work harder and consume more energy, so I make it a habit to regularly clean my wall mounted air conditioning unit – especially when I’m using the system daily during summer.
Here’s what I would recommend:
- For split system air conditioners: Filters are usually removable and easy to clean. Simply follow the steps in your user manual or check out this Mitsubishi Electric how-to video for guidance.
- For ducted air conditioning: Locate the filter in the return air vent, this should be removed for cleaning periodically. Vacuum surface dust and fluff regularly, or consult your installer for more information on how to clean it.
During summer, when I use my air conditioner daily, I make sure to clean the filters every couple of weeks. Professional servicing is also recommended to ensure the system stays in top condition. The manufacturer of your system can advise you of your local service agent, who can do a more thorough clean and check the system over in more detail. Mitsubishi Electric provides a Find a Stockist tool to locate service technicians near you.
Timing My Air Conditioner Use for Maximum Efficiency
I’ve learned that timing is everything when it comes to saving energy with my air conditioner. Here’s what works for me:
- Starting early: On days when it is going to be very hot, I turn the air conditioner on in the morning, before temperatures peak. This keeps my home cooler throughout the day without overloading the system. Newer inverter systems will ramp up and down during the day to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- Using Wi-Fi control: I love the convenience of pre-cooling my home remotely with Wi-Fi control. On especially hot days, I schedule my air conditioner to turn on before the house heats up, so it’s perfectly cool when I arrive home.
- Leveraging solar power: Since I have solar panels, I run my air conditioner during the day when my panels generate the most power. This helps offset energy costs and makes my cooling routine more sustainable.
An extra tip for homeowners with solar PV is to utilise your power generation during the day to offset the power consumption of your air conditioner.
Extra Energy-Saving Tips That Work for Me
Here are a few extra things I do to maximise efficiency and reduce costs:
- Use a ceiling or pedestal fan in tandem: Fans can help distribute cool air, so I can raise the temperature on my air conditioner a degree or two without feeling the difference.
- Turn off unused electronics: Appliances and devices generate heat, so I unplug anything I’m not using to keep the room cooler.
- Inspect insulation: Proper insulation in walls and ceilings helps maintain indoor temperatures, which means I don’t need to run my air conditioner as often or as hard.
How I Stay Cool Without the Shock of High Bills
By following these tips, I’ve managed to keep my home comfortable all summer long without dreading the electricity bill. Small adjustments like setting the right temperature, keeping the system clean, and running it strategically really add up.
If you’re ready to make the most of your air conditioner, check out the range of Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning options – they’ve made a big difference in my summer cooling routine!
» Atesh Mani is the National Product Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Australia, with a background in product management, engineering, and technical support. He’s passionate about blending technical know-how with smart strategies to bring innovative HVAC solutions to life.
