Technology

Tips to reduce the running cost of your air conditioner

Big summer blow out: Australians will fork out $3.1 billion to run their aircon this summer

News highlights:

1 million people leave their air con unit running when they’re not at home

Running the air con while not at home will cost households an additional $34.8 million

Tips to reduce the running cost of your air conditioner

Australians are keeping the temperature cold this summer according to new research by Finder, Australia’s most visited comparison site.

A Finder survey of 1,008 respondents revealed 61% of Australians – equivalent to 12.8 million people – use their aircon during the hotter months at a combined cost of $3.1 billion.

The research found the average Aussie sets their aircon to 22 degrees for a period of 5.6 hours per day while at home.

Of those who use air conditioning, 5% – 1 million people – leave their unit running when they’re not at home.

The research found the typical person runs their aircon for 4.2 hours per day during summer while they aren’t at home, resulting in an additional loss of $34.8 million from running aircon in an empty home – $69.70 per household.

Mariam Gabaji, utilities expert at Finder, said air conditioning is a summer essential in Australia, but it can be a costly luxury.

“Hot climates can significantly impact household budgets, especially in regions with high electricity rates.

“Many Australians face the difficult choice between comfort and affordability, often sacrificing other expenses to keep cool.”

Finder’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker revealed 27% of Aussies rate their energy bill as one of their most top stressful expenses.

This comes as the average household reported spending $408 on their quarterly energy bill in November.

Gabaji said there are ways you can reduce your cooling costs without compromising comfort.

“Simple measures like using a programmable thermostat, regular maintenance, and proper insulation can significantly improve your air conditioner's efficiency.

“For older units, upgrading to a more energy-efficient model is a worthwhile investment, if you’re a home owner.

“Additionally, taking advantage of natural cooling methods, such as opening windows and using shade, can help lower energy consumption,” Gabaji said.

How many hours per day are you planning to use your aircon during summer?
	Hours	National cost
At home	5.6	$3.1 billion
Source: Finder survey of 1,008 respondents, October 2024

Methodology

Finder’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
Figures in this release are based on 1,008 respondents from October 2024.
The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.

Tips to reduce the running cost of your air conditioner:

Clean the filters regularly. It's recommended that you clean your air conditioner's filters at least once a year. Filters can become clogged with dust, pollen or even mould, lowering their efficiency.

Raise the thermostat. Setting the right target temperature is vital. Each extra degree of cooling can add 10% to your bill.

Use your air conditioner for fewer hours. Running your air conditioner only during the hottest parts of the day – say, cutting down from 4 to 3 hours of use – will knock 25% off your cooling bill.

Use fans to circulate air. If you only need some light or localised cooling, such as a small room or a desk, use a fan. They work nearly as well as an air conditioner for a fraction of the cost.

Close doors, windows and blinds. If you stop heat from getting in, you'll have a much easier time keeping your living spaces cool. If there's a cool breeze, you might want to open your windows instead.