Energy Saving Advice

Most air conditioning systems use a lot more power than is necessary. This is usually easily remedied by improved maintenance or adjustments to the operation or design of the system.

Here are some ways you can reduce energy use, improve your air conditioning’s efficiency and reduce costs. These are, in most cases, simple and inexpensive to implement.

1. Time-clock Adjustments

Most air conditioners are regulated by a timing device which automatically controls operating hours. Although convenient, this feature is often the main cause of energy wastage; starting up too early or left running after the family has left home.

Start-up times can be easily adjusted to suit variable air conditioning requirements as follows:

a. Set start-up and shut-down times relative to requirements.
b. Regulate settings to account for daylight saving and seasonal changes.
c. Avoid unnecessary operations, eg. After business hours, on weekends or on public holidays.

2. Improved Maintenance Systems

Maximise the efficiency of your air conditioning system to use the least amount of energy. Blocked filters and dirty coils or fans mean your system works harder to achieve the same result.
Ensuring an accurate refrigerant charge is important, (ie. under-charge or overcharge can have a negative effect on system performance, efficiency and energy use.)

Get the most from your air conditioning equipment by having a planned maintenance routine. Energy savings alone should more than pay for the cost of maintenance.

3. Temperature Control

Larger sites sometimes require individually controlled zones in conjunction with location. For instance, a north-facing zone will need will need additional cooling during summer. Correct thermostat setting in relation to location is critical for optimum performance and efficiency of your air conditioning system.

4. Balanced Air Distribution

Incorrectly balanced air systems typically cause hot and cold spots, uncomfortable draughts and annoying whistling air noises.
These make not only for an uncomfortable environment, but also waste energy as the system struggles to compensate – often by switching on and off more often than is necessary or alternating between heating and cooling as it reacts violently to the temperature swings.

5. Fresh Air is Best

A certain amount of fresh air needs to be introduced in every workplace for safety and comfort. Once again it is a question of balance. Hot and humid outside air needs to be conditioned, while cool outside air can be used effectively to cool or pre-cool a premises; for example after a hot weekend. This relatively simple adjustment could make a significant difference to energy consumption and operating costs.