In a world heating up year after year, Australia knows the full brunt of extreme weather – baking hot summers and icy cold winters are becoming the norm. With this shift, air conditioning has transitioned from a luxury to a staple for comfortable living.
But there’s the paradox. Some of the air conditioners we are coming to depend on, are also the very things that contribute to the rise of the temperatures to begin with. And to top it off, are becoming increasingly expensive to run. This may have you wondering ‘Are we doomed to accept this endless and expensive cycle forever?’
Luckily, the answer is no. World leaders in providing innovative and energy-efficient air conditioning solutions like Midea, are here to help you break the cycle.
Throughout this blog, we’ll dive into the specifics of how you can utilise your AC’s full potential, understand the nuts and bolts of efficient operation, and adopt practices that will lead to a sustainable reduction in both energy use and cost. From basic to advanced tips, we’re here to guide you toward a cooler, more cost-effective tomorrow.
1. Choosing the Right AC System
The quest for energy-efficient, cost-saving air conditioning starts with purchasing the right system. Here are a few of the most overlooked insights that will help you make an informed choice when purchasing your next AC unit.
The Right Fit for Your Space
When it comes to AC units, size does matter. If you’re looking to save money and reduce carbon emissions, it is crucial to select a system that fits your space perfectly. For a comprehensive home heating and cooling solution, a ducted AC system may be the right choice. However, if you only need to heat and cool, wall-mounted split system air conditioning would be the more suitable option. An oversized unit can lead to excess energy consumption as it cycles on and off too frequently. Conversely, an undersized system can strain to maintain the desired temperature, ramping up your power usage and your bills. Midea offers a diverse range of air conditioners which ensures you’ll be able to find an efficient match for your household’s specific needs.
Understanding Your Air Conditioning System
Not all air conditioners are created equal, but thankfully, you can use a metric called SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) to measure how much cooling an air conditioner can deliver for each unit of energy it consumes. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is. This efficiency can mean less electricity usage and lower utility bills. Midea’s air conditioners come with high SEER ratings, ensuring that you get the most cooling for your dollar. These high-efficiency units are designed to provide maximum comfort while using less energy, aligning a commitment to energy conservation with cutting-edge technology.
Professional Installation
Once you’ve picked out the perfect air conditioner unit, whether it be a wall mounted split system or ducted air conditioning for your home, you’ll want to get it professionally installed. Even the best air conditioners can suffer a huge efficiency loss if not installed correctly. Other consequences of improper AC installation can be poor air cooling and quality, unwanted humidity, and even be a potential fire hazard. Some things are better left to the professionals, and air conditioning installation is definitely one of them.
2. Smart Usage for Smart Savings
Smart usage of your air conditioning system is not just about staying cool; it’s about maximising efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Here are our top tips to help you save – in both the money and energy department.
Master the Thermostat Settings
It’s important to note that cranking the temperature up super high, or super low, will not necessarily heat or cool your home faster. Instead, your unit will remain on longer until it has reached the desired temperature. With this in mind, it’s imperative that you master the use of your thermostat correctly. It is recommended that you set your AC units temperature to a cosy range of 18oC to 20oC in order to significantly cut your energy bills down. In fact, for every degree that you raise the thermostat above this comfort zone, you could see a 10% increase in energy use.
Timely Temperature Adjustments
Most modern air conditioners, including those from Midea, come equipped with built-in- timers, granting you the ability to switch off your unit or adjust the temperature at a pre- designated time. This feature allows you to manage your energy consumption more effectively – particularly useful for those times when you’re asleep or away from home. Additionally, by programming your AC unit to operate in tandem with peak and off-peak energy rates, you can enjoy a comfortable home environment while also taking advantage of lower rates, leading to a massive saving on your energy bill.
Embrace Eco Mode
To enhance energy efficiency, make use of the Eco Mode feature found on modern air conditioners, including those from Midea. This setting optimises the operation of your AC by adjusting the cooling and heating cycles, reducing energy consumption while maintaining a comfortable atmosphere in your space.
Midea’s iECO mode exemplifies this feature perfectly. By activating iECO mode, your Midea air conditioner operates more economically over an eight-hour period, which can result in significant energy savings of up to 60%, without compromising on comfort.
So next time you’re fiddling around with your air conditioner remote, remember Eco Mode. It’s an easy step that can have a lasting impact on your energy bill and your environmental footprint.
3. Maintain Your Machine
Like any well-oiled machine, air conditioners require regular maintenance to operate at peak efficiency. It’s a common oversight, but think of it this way – you wouldn’t ignore the maintenance needs of your car, as it could lead to more serious and costly problems down the road. The same logic applies to your air conditioning system.
Neglecting the upkeep of your AC can have several consequences. Dust and debris can accumulate in the filters and coils, obstructing airflow and significantly reducing the system’s efficiency. This not only hampers the unit’s ability to cool or heat your space effectively – it also puts additional strain on the system. The harder your AC has to work to achieve the desired temperature, the more energy it consumes, leading to higher energy bills and greater environmental impact.
Furthermore, inadequate maintenance can shorten the lifespan of the unit, resulting in costly repairs or even premature replacement. A system clogged with dirt and contaminants has to work much harder, increasing wear and tear on its components. This can also have a detrimental effect on air quality, circulating pollutants throughout your home, which can be a health concern for you and your family.
To avoid these pitfalls, its advised to schedule annual maintenance for your air conditioner, much like a yearly service for your vehicle. A professional service technician can check the system’s refrigerant levels, ensure electrical components are in good order, and clean the air filters and coils.
Don’t wait until your air conditioner show signs of trouble. Proactive maintenance is the smart approach to ensure that your system not only keeps you comfortable but also operates in a manner that is eco-friendly and won’t cost you an arm and leg down the line.
As Australian households strive to balance a desire for affordable comfort with our collective responsibility to the planet, Midea’s 50 years of experience and innovative solutions rise to the occasion. By harnessing our energy-efficient features and practicing eco-friendly habits, we can all contribute to a cycle that favours both our wallets and the world around us.
Together, we can make smart energy use and sustainability a norm, not the exception. With the right mindset and the right technology, we can cool our homes without warming the planet. Because when we do, we ensure that the air conditioners we rely on today, leave a habitable world for generations to come.
