Saving Energy while using air conditioners

Shut windows and external doors when operating the air conditioner.

Minimise the area being cooled or heated by shutting doors to unused rooms.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for filter cleaning.

The temperature of a heated room in winter should be between 18-21°C.

The temperature of a cooled room in summer should be about 23-26°C.

Each 1°C increase/decrease of the thermostat setting could save in the vicinity 10% on your energy usage.

Reduce the amount of heat entering the building by shading windows and walls, insulating ceilings and walls and sealing draughts.

Open up windows and external doors if the outside temperature is lower than the inside temperature, instead of using the air conditioner.

Install the air conditioner (or outdoor unit of a split system) on the shady side of the building (or shade the air conditioner itself); make sure the air flow around is not restricted.

When a hot day is expected, turn on the air conditioner early rather than wait till the building becomes hot (it operates more efficiently when the outside air temperature is cooler).

If the air conditioner has adjustable louvre's, adjust them towards the ceiling when cooling, and towards the floor when heating (as cool air falls, hot air rises).

   Selecting a energy efficient air conditioner.