Tips for Efficiently Using Your Heat Pump and Air Conditioner in Summer
Energy bills may spike in winter, but summer's cooling needs can also drive-up energy use. With heating and cooling being major energy consumers in New Zealand homes, it’s essential to stay energy-efficient even during the summer.
Heat pumps are popular and cost-effective for heating and can also cool your home in the warmer months. Opening windows and doors works well, but knowing how to use your heat pump efficiently on hot days is key. Properly used, a heat pump or air conditioner can cool your house using the same or even less energy than in heating mode.
We’ve put together some tips to improve your heat pump’s cooling efficiency in the summer:
Monthly Inspection to Maintain your AC Unit for Peak Performance
Clean the Air Filters: check and clean air filters monthly. Summer brings a lot of plant matter into your home via shoes, clothes, and pets. This can clog up your filters quickly, making your unit work harder to keep your home cool.
Clear the Outside Unit: ensure plants, debris, and shrubbery are not too close to the outside unit. Unobstructed airflow is essential for optimal performance.
Keep the Outside Unit Cool: place the outdoor unit in a cool, dry location. The hotter the unit gets, the harder it works to pump cool air into your home.
Using the Right Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Settings
To cool your home effectively without overspending, it's essential to use the right settings on your air conditioner and heat pump. Configuring your heat pump for maximum efficiency can make a significant difference during the hottest months.
Avoid using the 'auto mode' on your heat pump, as it switches between heating and cooling to maintain a constant room temperature, which can be less efficient. Instead, use the cooling mode exclusively to keep cool air flowing.
Take a look at adjusting the airflow direction settings. Pointing the louvres upward or horizontally helps cold air sink from the highest point, ensuring the room cools more efficiently.
If you have a ducted central heating or cooling system at home, ensure that all the vents are open. While it might seem counter-intuitive, closing vents forces your air conditioner to work harder to maintain cool temperatures, leading to higher energy bills.
Temperature Setting in Summer
For maximum efficiency, set your air conditioner to between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius during summer. Setting it lower won't cool your home any quicker but will make the unit work harder and consume more power.
Maintain a constant temperature while the air conditioner is in use and turn it off when not needed. Contrary to popular belief, running your air conditioner 24/7 does not save power. Leaving it on when you're not home will likely use more energy than turning it on and off as needed. Consider using a timer or app-controlled device to cool the room before you arrive.
Keep the Cool Air In
Cooling your home works similarly to heating it, but in reverse – you want to keep the cool air in!
Close Windows and Doors: Keep them shut and pull down blinds or close curtains when the sun is streaming in.
Manage Cooling Areas: Close off areas you're not using, so your air conditioner doesn't work harder to cool down unoccupied rooms.
Appliance Usage: Close the kitchen off when cooking large meals. Turn off computers and TVs if not in use, as they generate heat.
Bathroom Management: Close the bathroom door if someone's showering and keep it closed (with the window open) while the room cools down. Bathrooms get hot and humid, which is challenging for your air conditioner.
Insulation: Good insulation helps keep your home cooler in summer as well. Insulate at least the floor and ceiling if you haven't already.
Cooling your home more efficiently in the summer can be as easy as changing a few settings on your air conditioner or heat pump. If you’re looking to implement sustainable energy solutions around the house, our dedicated in-house team specialises in designing and installing solutions that are fully customised to meet your specific needs.
We’re here to support you every step of the way. Reach out to us here or view our heat pump solutions.