Did you know that in 2020 Australians spent a total of $3.6 billion on aircon usage, with 1.7 million of us leaving the air conditioning on even when we’re not home (Finder)? It’s no surprise that we dread receiving the energy bill, especially after the hotter and cooler months.

The cost of running air conditioning varies from household to household due to many factors such as insulation, the energy efficiency of the system and the size of the house. Keep reading to discover how much air conditioning costs to run, keeping in mind it will vary based on your circumstance.

Average Cost to Run a Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner in a Room

Summer Average	Winter Average
It can cost up to $0.95 per hour to run a reverse cycle aircon for cooling purposes, depending on the size of the room.	It can cost up to $0.36 per hour to run a reverse cycle aircon for heating purposes, depending on the room size, insulation, etc.

Factors That Affect Air Conditioning System Running Costs

Specifications

The model and brand of your air conditioner and its energy rating.

Size of Area

Larger areas may require a more powerful or ducted air conditioning system; the system needs to be the right size for the area you are heating or cooling.

Insulation

The effectiveness of the insulation in a home plays a huge part in the AC running costs, plus it contributes to your impact on the environment.

Climate

For example, New South Wales’ summers are not as hot as Queensland or in South Australia.

Thermostat Temperature

How to Lower Your Air Conditioner Costs

Run Your Air Conditioner Economically

]You might be shocked to find out that cooling and heating make up about 40% of household energy use in most Aussie homes. Therefore, running your AC with optimal settings can be very cost-saving (Origin). By turning your aircon one or two degrees higher than usual, you can save up to 10 to 20% on overall energy costs.

Insulate

Make sure your property is well insulated. This will help to keep the heat out during summer and trap the warmth inside during winter. In summer, consider using blinds and curtains when your air conditioning is running to keep the hot sun out. Then, when the sun sets, open up your house again and let the cooler airflow in.

Zoning

This may seem like an obvious fix, but you should only cool or heat the rooms that are being occupied. In 2020, Australians wasted a whopping $97 million on air conditioning empty houses and buildings! (Finder)

Regular Maintenance

As time goes on, your AC will show signs of wear and tear. This is why a regular service schedule can help to prevent inefficiency, saving you money by ensuring your system is clean and operating as efficiently as possible.

If you’re interested in further information on AC systems, please see our other blogs:

• Advantages of Home Air Conditioning Zoning
• Air Conditioner Buying Guide
• How Air Conditioning Keeps Your Air Quality Safe

Central Coast Air Conditioning

Central Coast Air are your local AC experts, providing high-quality split system and ducted system solutions for households on the Central Coast NSW. We proudly supply and install Daikin and Fujitsu air conditioners and accessories to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the cooler seasons.

For more information on air conditioning installations, services, and repairs, contact us on 02 4365 2677 today!