Air conditioning is one of the biggest contributors to a Canberra household’s electricity bill, and small habits move that number more than most people expect. Australian Government guidance puts heating and cooling at roughly 40% of household energy use, and every extra degree of heating or cooling adds an estimated 5% to 10% (energy.gov.au).
These nine tips can lower your air conditioning bill without sacrificing comfort.
Air conditioner energy-saving tips
1. Set the thermostat to the efficient range
Australian Government guidance recommends setting heating between 18°C and 20°C in winter, and cooling between 25°C and 27°C in summer (energy.gov.au). Each extra degree of heating or cooling adds an estimated 5% to 10% to energy use.
Do not set cooling to 18°C on a 35°C day. Start at 25°C or 26°C and adjust gradually. For heating, start at 18°C or 20°C rather than pushing the thermostat higher. Treat those ranges as starting points and adjust for your own comfort.
2. Keep up with maintenance
A dirty filter or blocked coil makes the system work harder for the same result. Filters should be checked regularly and cleaned or replaced as needed. A professional service restores airflow and refrigerant performance before the heavy season.
Green Air services split and ducted systems across Canberra. Call 0412 794 558.
3. Only heat or cool the rooms you are using
Use your system’s zoning controls to condition one part of the house instead of the whole floor, and follow the manufacturer’s minimum-airflow and return-air requirements. If you have a split system, close the door of the room being conditioned.
4. Block draughts and insulate
Sealing gaps around doors and windows stops conditioned air escaping. Thick curtains and external shading also reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Insulation in the ceiling and walls is one of the most effective upgrades for a Canberra home.
5. Use shading and the sun
In summer, keep blinds and curtains closed on north and west-facing windows during the hottest part of the day. External shade or deciduous trees work even better than indoor blinds because they stop the heat before it reaches the glass.
In winter, open curtains on sun-facing windows during the day and close them before dark to trap that free heat.
6. Turn the system off when you leave
Turn the air conditioner off when nobody is home. If you have a timer or a smart controller, set it to start shortly before you arrive rather than running all day.
7. Use fans first
Ceiling and pedestal fans are far cheaper to run than air conditioning. Moving air also makes a room feel a few degrees cooler, which means you can set the air conditioner a degree or two higher and still feel comfortable. Fans are a practical summer-first strategy in Canberra.
8. Manage humidity
Air that feels dry is easier to cool. If your system has a cooling or dry mode, use it on a humid day, and use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to reduce moisture inside the house.
9. Upgrade an old system
Older systems are generally less efficient than current models. If your air conditioner is getting on in years, a replacement can be worth considering against the actual condition, how much you use it, and the cost of a new install.
The ACT Sustainable Household Scheme can help eligible homeowners finance an efficient reverse-cycle system. New loans have carried 3% interest since 1 July 2025, not the 0% rate that applied earlier (ACT Climate Choices). Confirm the current loan cap and terms on the ACT page and with Brighte before you budget.
## Conclusion
Set the thermostat to the efficient range, service the system, use your zoning controls, seal draughts and shade windows. Those habits make a real difference to an air conditioning bill.
Green Air Heating and Cooling in Fyshwick supplies, installs and services efficient air conditioning across Canberra. Call 0412 794 558.
Conclusion
Set the thermostat to the efficient range, service the system, use your zoning controls, seal draughts and shade windows. Those habits make a real difference to an air conditioning bill.
Green Air Heating and Cooling in Fyshwick supplies, installs and services efficient air conditioning across Canberra. Call 0412 794 558.