Enjoy a cool and comfortable summer with your heat pump/air conditioning unit by optimising its energy efficiency. While we often brace ourselves for higher energy bills in winter, summer can also bring unexpected costs, especially when trying to keep your home cool. In New Zealand, space heating and cooling are among the biggest energy consumers, so it's smart to focus on energy efficiency as the temperatures rise over summer.
Air conditioners/heat pumps are popular and cost-effective solutions for maintaining a comfortable home environment. While opening windows and doors is a simple way to cool down your space for free, mastering the efficient use of your air conditioner during the hottest days is key. When used properly, cooling your home with an air conditioner can consume the same or even less energy than heating it.
Don't let your summer power bills skyrocket. We've gathered some practical tips to help you enhance your heat pump's cooling efficiency and stay cool and comfortable all season long.
Keep Your AC Unit Running Smoothly
After a period of heavy use in winter, it's the perfect time to get your heat pump ready for the warmer months ahead.
Annual Service
Every year, make sure an HVAC professional checks the following:
- Inspect and clean filters, grills, vanes, and covers
- Examine and clean fan blades or scrolls as needed
- Test and ensure proper drainage of the condensation line
- Inspect all electrical wiring
- Verify the unit heats and cools effectively
- Check both indoor and outdoor units for levelness, good mount condition, and any unusual noises or vibrations
- Test for leaks around joints and flare fittings
- Clean both evaporator and condenser coils
- Ensure the thermostat is functioning correctly
Monthly Inspection
Keep Air Filters Clean
Each month, take a moment to check and clean your air filters. Summer brings a lot of pollen, which can hitch a ride into your home on shoes, clothes, and pets, clogging up your filters. This makes your unit work harder to keep things cool.
Clear the Outdoor Unit
Make sure the area around your outdoor unit is free from plants, debris, and shrubbery.
Optimise Your Air Conditioner Settings
Using the right settings on your air conditioner during summer is key to cooling your home efficiently without significantly increasing your power bills. Adjust a few settings to make your cooling efforts more energy efficient.
Not all heat pump settings deliver the best cooling results. For instance, the 'auto mode' on your AC is less efficient as it toggles between heating and cooling to maintain a constant temperature. Stick to the cooling mode for a steady flow of cold air.
Also, pay attention to airflow direction. For optimal cooling, set the louvres to point upward or horizontal, allowing cold air to sink from the highest point and cool the room.
Sometimes, it's not just the heat but the humidity which can make your home feel hotter. Use the dehumidifier setting (waterdrop symbol) on your AC for about 30 minutes to dry out the air, making your home feel cooler.
Ideal Temperature Settings
For peak efficiency, set your air conditioner between 20°C and 22°C. Lowering the temperature won't cool your home faster but will make your unit work harder, using more power.
Keeping a consistent temperature while the AC is on and turning it off when not needed will save on energy bills. Contrary to popular belief, running your AC 24/7 uses more power than turning it on and off as needed. Use a scheduled timer on your controller or your D-Mobile app if your AC has Wi-Fi control to turn it on 30 minutes before you get home, ensuring a cool and comfortable environment upon arrival.
Efficiently cooling your home this summer can be as simple as tweaking a few settings on your air conditioner.