Perth summers are long, hot, and unforgiving. When your air conditioner runs day after day, electricity costs can rise quickly if the system is not used efficiently.
From working in Perth homes year-round, we consistently see the same issues driving high air conditioning bills. The good news is that you do not need to sacrifice comfort to save money. Small, practical changes can significantly reduce running costs throughout summer.
Below are eight proven ways to lower your air con costs while keeping your home cool.
1. Set your air conditioner to the most efficient temperature
One of the biggest factors affecting air conditioning costs is the temperature setting.
For cooling, the most efficient range is 24 to 26°C. Every degree set below this range can increase running costs by around 5 to 10 per cent. Setting your system lower rarely improves comfort, but it does increase power usage.
Once the room feels comfortable, there is no benefit in pushing the temperature down further.
Want to learn more about running air conditioners efficiently? Check out our in depth guide, click here.
2. Use ceiling fans to reduce air con workload
Ceiling and pedestal fans are inexpensive to run and help circulate cool air more effectively.
Using fans allows you to raise the thermostat by one or two degrees while maintaining the same level of comfort. Over time, this reduces the load on your air conditioner and lowers power consumption.
Fans cool people, not rooms, so they should be switched off when the space is not in use.
3. Cool only the rooms you are actually using
Cooling unused areas is one of the most common causes of unnecessary energy use.
Close doors and vents to spare bedrooms, studies, and unused areas so cooled air stays where it is needed. Split systems are designed to work best when focused on defined zones rather than entire homes.
Understanding the different air conditioning installation options can help ensure your system layout suits your home and avoids inefficient cooling patterns.
4. Block heat before it enters your home
The less heat that enters your home, the less work your air conditioner needs to do.
Simple measures that make a noticeable difference include closing blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day, installing blockout curtains on west-facing windows, and sealing gaps around doors and windows.
Think of your home as an insulated container. Keeping heat out reduces the need for constant cooling.
5. Keep your air conditioner clean and well maintained
A poorly maintained air conditioner uses more energy to deliver the same level of cooling.
To keep running costs down, filters should be cleaned or replaced every one to three months during summer. Outdoor units should be kept clear of dust, leaves, and debris. If cooling performance drops or the unit becomes noisy, professional servicing is recommended.
Routine maintenance improves efficiency and extends the life of the system.
Think it’s time to clean your air con? Check out our expert guide.
6. Reduce indoor heat from household appliances
Many everyday appliances generate heat, which your air conditioner then has to remove.
Where possible, cooking should be done in the early morning or evening. Air fryers or outdoor barbecues produce far less heat than ovens. Dishwashers and dryers should be run at night when outdoor temperatures are lower.
Reducing indoor heat helps your air conditioner cycle less frequently.
7. Upgrade older systems to reduce long-term running costs
If your air conditioner is more than ten years old, it is likely far less efficient than modern systems.
Older units can use up to 30 per cent more electricity, particularly during prolonged summer use. Modern inverter split systems are designed to maintain consistent temperatures while consuming less power.
If you are considering an upgrade, reviewing current air conditioning pricing can help you understand costs upfront and the long-term savings potential.
Interested in brands we supply and install? Click here to learn more.
8. Install the right size system for your space
Incorrect sizing is a major contributor to high air conditioning costs.
A system that is too small will run constantly and struggle in extreme heat. A system that is too large will cycle on and off inefficiently, wasting energy and reducing comfort.
If you are unsure what size unit suits your room, the split system calculator provides a useful estimate based on room size and usage, helping you avoid costly mistakes before installation.
Click here to see what size air con you need with our split system size calculator.
Stay Cool Without the Expensive Power Bills
Reducing air con costs is about using your system more efficiently, not turning it off and suffering through the heat. Setting the right temperature, using fans, blocking heat, and maintaining your system all contribute to lower running costs over summer.
If your air conditioner struggles during extreme heat or your power bills continue to rise, it may be time for professional advice. You can contact our team to discuss the best solution for your home, including system sizing, installation, and energy-efficient options.
Choosing the right system and having it installed correctly delivers better performance, lower energy bills, and reliable comfort throughout Perth’s hottest months.
