Air Conditioning

One of the most efficient forms of heating is a reverse cycle air-conditioner.

Reverse cycle air-conditioners (RCAC) combine refrigerative cooling and dehumidification, as well as very efficient heating. With a RCAC you have one unit providing the combined effects of both a home air-conditioner and a heater.

Benefits of a reverse cycle air-conditioner

The most obvious benefit of RCAC is that the one appliance can be used for heating or cooling purposes. Other benefits include:

  • quiet operation
  • wall mounted so it is away from small hands 
  • a constant temperature (good for asthma sufferers, babies and the elderly)
  • filtered, pollution-reduced air
  • because there are no open flames, it’s safe for families with children

A reverse cycle air-conditioner works by transferring heat, making it more energy-efficient than normal electric heating. This not only helps our environment, but can also reduce your electricity bill.

Buying a reverse cycle air-conditioner

Think about the overall costs when choosing your cooling appliance. A unit with a higher purchase price and installation cost could deliver the lowest operating costs, making it cheaper in the long run.

Consider the following factors when making your choice:

  • The energy star rating (the more stars, the more energy efficient).
  • The size of the area to be cooled.
  • The direction that your room faces, whether the room is insulated and the size of any windows in that room.
  • The amount of time that you will use the appliance each day.
  • The cost of the appliance.
  • The cost of installing it.
  • The running costs, usually expressed in terms of cents per energy unit used (kWh).
  • How long you expect the appliance to last.

Overall, your air-conditioning specialist or electrical appliance retailer will be able to help you work out the right unit for your specific needs. It is important to note that purchase prices and installation costs vary according to different locations and suppliers.

21 ways to use your air-conditioner more efficiently

      General tips

  1. Adjust the louvres on your air-conditioner so they face downwards for heating and upwards for cooling.
  2. Close off areas which are not being used.
  3. Clean the outdoor air-conditioner unit regularly. Dirt can decrease the unit's efficiency.
  4. Have your filters cleaned regularly.
  5. Install ceiling insulation.
  6. Ensure that your roof space is adequately ventilated. During summer, your roof space can reach temperatures over 50°C.
  7. Install the outdoor air-conditioner unit on the shady side of your home and make sure there is adequate ventilation.

    Winter tips

  8. Set the temperature as low as you comfortably can. Generally this is between 18-21°C. Each 1°C increase can add as much as 10% to your heating costs.
  9. Don't start your unit on a high temperature. It is more efficient to turn it on earlier at 21°C and have it slowly warm the room.
  10. At night, close blinds or curtains to reduce heat loss.
  11. On sunny days, open your blinds and curtains to allow warm sunlight in, especially north-facing windows.
  12. Install draught-stoppers.
  13. Dress appropriately so that you don't have to set your temperature higher than needed. After all, putting on a jumper costs far less than heating your house.
  14. If possible, use ceiling fans at low speed or on winter setting to circulate warm air.

    Summer tips

  15. Turn air-conditioners on early on very hot days rather than waiting until your home or workplace becomes hot.
  16. Close blinds and curtains during the day to keep the heat out.
  17. Add a boxed pelmet over existing curtains, and close the gaps at the bottom and sides of the curtains, to help reduce the heat that creeps through windows.
  18. External window shading is more efficient than curtains and blinds.
  19. If you come home to a hot house, first open your doors and windows to flush out the hot air before switching on your air-conditioner.
  20. Cool the house at night by opening your windows if possible.
  21. Set temperature as high as you feel comfortable. Generally this is 24°C and above. Each 1°C decrease can add as much as 10% to your cooling costs.

If you would like to learn more about reverse cycle air conditioning, you can email, phone or write to us.

Other Tips for Saving Energy and the Environment

To work out the approximate costs of running various apppliances you can use our Energy Calculator.

For other useful energy saving information go to the following:

©2006 Synergy, 228 Adelaide Terrace, Perth WA 6000 Australia. ABN 71 743 446 839. All Rights Reserved.
Address: http://www.synergy.net.au/Residential_Segment/SmartWays_To_Save/Air_Conditioning.html
Modified: 1/09/2008