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air conditioning tips to save energy

Air Conditioning Tips to Save Energy and Reduce Cooling Costs 

Posted on February 9, 2024

As we all know, summers in Christchurch can be scorching. We’re not complaining, of course, but after a sun-soaked day out, coming home to a sweltering home isn’t our idea of relaxation! Plus, trying to sleep when temperatures soar is an exercise in futility and it can often leave you tired and running on low the following day. That’s where an air conditioning unit can be a real lifesaver. 

Benefits of Using an Air Conditioning Unit

There are many benefits to using an air conditioner to cool your home during summer, but here are the top three reasons that appeal most to homeowners.

1. Safer, Cooler Rooms

Installing an air conditioning unit in or near your bedroom means you can fall asleep in cool, calm bliss without needing to leave windows and doors open. This will keep your bedroom quieter and safer during the night. 

2. Cleaner Air

Air conditioning units that have top-notch filter systems allow cleaner air to be circulated throughout your home. This can significantly reduce the likelihood of allergies and asthma during summer—perfect for anyone suffering from hay fever right about now!

3. Fewer Insects

From droning flies to pesky mosquitoes, summer is known for its annoying insects. If you’re always opening up your doors and windows in an attempt to cool down your home, you’ll be welcoming in an army of creepy crawlies. An air conditioning unit allows you to keep your house cool without letting in any unwanted visitors.

air conditioning tips to save energy NZ

The Cost of Running an Air Conditioning Unit in Christchurch

Some people are hesitant to go ahead with an air conditioner installation because they believe it will dramatically increase the running costs of their home, especially in summer. But you’d be surprised at how energy-efficient many heat pump units are—especially if you use them right. 

Mitsubishi Electric in particular has set a new standard in super energy efficient heating. Their next generation EcoCore Technology is designed to use less power than ever before!

With mindful usage and a few strategic air conditioning tips to save energy, you can seamlessly balance comfort and cost-effectiveness while keeping your air conditioning unit in top shape.

Book In Regular Maintenance Checks

Air conditioning units in Christchurch's variable climate benefit greatly from regular upkeep. Clogged filters strain the unit, reducing its efficiency and increasing energy consumption, so to keep your unit working efficiently all year long, schedule annual maintenance checks to ensure filters are clean and the system is running optimally. Local professionals experienced in air conditioner installation like our team at DC Installation Services can help you out here with expert maintenance and repairs!

Optimise Your Thermostat Settings

Smart thermostat usage is key to energy conservation, and programmable thermostats are your best friends here. Most modern heat pumps often include programmable thermostats that allow tailored settings to optimise energy usage without compromising comfort. 

For example, Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps come with built-in Wi-Fi Control so you can pre-heat or cool a room no matter where you are. If you’re on the way home, running late, coming home early, or even when you're in a different country, Wi-Fi Control means you'll always arrive home to total comfort regardless of what New Zealand's unpredictable weather is doing outside!

Consider Ducting to Regulate Whole House Temperature

Ducted central teat pump and air conditioning systems are designed to provide central heating or cooling to your home so that a constant temperature is maintained throughout the whole house. These systems are ideal for installing in new homes (and can even be retrofitted into existing homes) as a cost-effective and energy efficient solution for year-round comfort. 

Mitsubishi offers an innovative Electric Ducted Central Heat Pump and Air Conditioning system that’s whisper quiet. With only the grilles visible, it’s the perfect unobtrusive solution for heating or cooling multiple rooms at the same time. It’s optional Wi-Fi Zone Control also means that you can programme and control up to eight individual zones! Built-in sensor functions monitor the temperature, brightness, and occupancy of the room to maximise energy efficiency.

Another great option from Mitsubishi Electric is the Lossnay Heat Recovery Ventilation system. Most ventilation systems allow valuable heat to escape, but Lossnay recovers heat from the outgoing stale air and brings fresh filtered air in. The recovered heat is then used to pre-warm the incoming fresh air, resulting in a healthier, drier and warmer home.

air conditioning tips to save energy - Seal Air Leaks and Insulate

Seal Air Leaks and Insulate

To maximise the efficiency of your air conditioning unit, ensure your home is properly insulated and any air leaks sealed to prevent cool air from escaping. When installed properly, insulation can significantly reduce the workload on your system, enhance its longevity, and cut energy costs - so you might want to call in the professionals for this one! For a quick fix, blackout curtains can also work wonders to keep cool air inside your home, as they provide an easy barrier against air escaping out of old window seals.

Monitor Your Usage

One of the best air conditioning tips to save energy is to regularly monitor your usage. Many modern units come with energy usage monitoring features; as well as controlling your air conditioning unit from an app on your phone, you can also monitor your usage over a period of time. Analysing this data will help you understand your consumption patterns and how you might be able to adjust your usage for better efficiency.

Choose Energy-Efficient Units

Many air conditioning units these days are pretty efficient with their energy usage, but they’re not all made equal. When choosing an air conditioning unit, look for high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings and consider heat pumps, which work efficiently for both cooling and heating, making them ideal for Christchurch's climate.

Upgrade Your Existing Unit

If your air conditioning unit is outdated or constantly requiring repairs, it might be time to upgrade. It’ll be more cost-effective in the long run to invest in a new, energy-efficient model that features better technology. For more air conditioning tips to save energy, information on the latest air conditioning units in Christchurch and to explore suitable replacement options, get in touch with our friendly team!

As Christchurch's residential heat pump specialists, we’ve worked with thousands of local customers to help them choose the right air conditioning or heat pump unit for their homes. 

Because we’re a family-owned and operated business, we’re able to provide our services at competitive prices. We offer a free quote and a no-obligation site inspection, and if you’re happy, we can book your installation on the spot. 

If you’re looking to keep you and your family cool this summer, give us a call on 0800 324 678 and we’ll get you sorted!

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