The perfect temperature to set your air conditioner in winter to stay warm without soaring power bills
Reverse cycle air conditioners are the most cost-effective way to heat the home, but that doesn’t mean you should run them at high temperatures all winter.
There is actually a specific temperature experts recommend setting your air conditioner at to keep yourself and your home comfortable without using too much electricity.
Combine heating from your air con with warm clothes and thick curtains to maximise efficiency. Getty Images/iStockphoto
It’s worth trying because every degree your system goes above outside temperatures increases the cost by five to 10 per cent.
The perfect temperature range for your air conditioner in winter is 18 to 20 degrees.
“As much as you can dress for the weather and then heat on top of that, reducing the degrees will really have a positive impact on your bills,” Dani Alexander, CEO, UNSW Energy Institute told nine.com.au.
“In summer we’d say you cool down to 24 or so, but in winter you’re heating up to 18 to 20 degrees because that’s a degree of comfort that delivers a good economic outcome.
“It’s not too expensive and it doesn’t put as much pressure on the electricity network if everyone is heating at the same time.”
The 18 to 20 degree temperature range might not sound warm enough for some, but it will be if you’ve set your home up to hold heat better and are dressing for winter.
For those whose homes don’t have adequate insulation, that means closing thick curtains when the air conditioner is on, adding rugs to cold hard floors and using draught stoppers and tape around doors. Closing the doors to other rooms also helps the heat remain in the room you’re using.
“Don’t forget you can also employ a ‘heat the person, not the room’ strategy with a heated throw, and the humble electric blanket is an energy-efficient alternative to turning on the heater in the bedrooms,” Kel Lupis, home energy efficiency specialist with the CSIRO, said.
Running heaters overnight or while you're not in rooms is unnecessary, the experts say. iStockphoto
If you feel cold while waiting for the air conditioner to warm the room, try slippers, a dressing gown or a fleece-lined jacket, as pre-heating a space more than five minutes before you’re in it isn’t generally recommended.
When you use your air conditioner to heat your home depends on where you live, what time it is and whether anyone is at home. But generally, the experts advise only heating rooms when you’re in them.
“Heater use in Australia varies by climate, home design and insulation, so it’s best to run it based on what feels comfortable rather than sticking to fixed hours. Aim to heat only when you’re using the space and adjust the thermostat to a comfortable level instead of letting it run continuously,” Lupis said.
“As a general rule, avoid running heaters overnight and use bedding and clothing for warmth instead.”
However, keeping to that temperature range and using all those home heating hacks won’t help much with efficiency if your air conditioner filters are filthy.
When the filters are covered in dust and dirt, the air conditioner has to work a lot harder to heat or cool your home.
They can be cleaned yourself by dusting or brushing the filter and then washing in warm soapy water before leaving to dry thoroughly. Professionals can also clean filters if preferred.
It’s also a good idea to get your air conditioner serviced occasionally.
