November 20, 2012

Air conditioning can account for up to 40 per cent of many homes’ electricity bills each summer, according to Ergon Energy.

With summer temperatures climbing across regional Queensland, Ergon Energy is reminding customers to take control of their air conditioner use.

“It can cost up to $500 a year to run a typical lounge room air conditioner,” Ergon spokesman Paul Jordon said.

“While we are all looking for relief from the summer heat, if you don’t use a little bit of ‘energy sense’ with such appliances, the bill shock can be a very unwelcome consequence.

“Customers have told us about their bill shock following previous summers and we want to help people avoid this.”

Mr Jordon said in many cases it was air conditioner usage that caused this summer spike in power bills.

“Many customers do not realise the impact that cooling appliances can have on the household electricity bill,” he said.

“While a ceiling fan will generally cost around two cents or less per hour to run, an air conditioner can cost 10 to 25 times that amount.”

However, according to Ergon Energy, air conditioning did not need to break the bank. Some simple tips, including setting the temperature at 25 degrees, can help make the air conditioner less of a hit on the hip pocket.

Ergon Energy’s top six ways to save on air conditioner costs include:

  • Set the air conditioner to 25°C. It’s the most comfortable and energy-efficient temperature setting for summer. Each degree an air-conditioner is set below 25 degrees will typically add about 10 per cent to its running costs.
  • Close windows and doors in areas you want to cool. And remember to close blinds and curtains, too. It keeps the heat out of your home and makes your air conditioning more efficient.
  • Use a fan and open up your home to create cross-breezes instead of switching on your air conditioner. Fans are always friendlier on your hip pocket than switching on your air conditioner. Ceiling fans cost about 2 cents an hour to run, compared with air conditioners which, depending on the size, can cost between 13 cents and 55 cents an hour to run.
  • Turn off your air conditioner when you’re out. Leaving your air-conditioning on wastes energy and costs more to run.
  • Clean the filter pads on your air conditioner regularly. This helps to ensure the air conditioner runs efficiently. An efficient air conditioner will cost less to run.
  • Install ceiling insulation with a minimum rating that suits your location to keep the heat out of your home. This well help to ensure your air conditioner can work more efficiently.