Using Your Air Conditioner In Winter – A Practical Heating Guide
Keep warm this winter (without a huge electricity bill!): How to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of your air conditioner to heat your home or office.
Let’s be real, Queensland winters aren’t exactly Arctic-level, but they’re still cold enough to turn your home into a fridge if you’re not prepared. The good news? You don’t need a roaring fireplace or an electric blanket in every room to stay warm. Your reverse cycle air conditioner can do the job perfectly…if you use it right.
Here are some practical tips to make sure you’re heating your home effectively (without your power bill giving you a heart attack).
1. Set It And Forget It (within reason, of course)
Blasting your air conditioner at 30°C might seem like the best way to heat your home, but by running your air conditioner at its maximum capacity you’ll be burning through significantly more energy and working your system harder for not much extra warmth and comfort.
We suggest finding a comfortable temperature for your home and office and let your system do its thing. A well installed and maintained, modern air conditioner is very good at maintaining a good, consistent temperature and airflow. The sweet spot for running your air conditioner in winter is around 20 - 22°C.
2. Close That Door, Mate
Heating the whole house when you're only using one room? That's like pouring a pot of tea into every mug in the house just because you're thirsty. Close off unused rooms to stop warm air from escaping where it’s not needed. Focus on heating the areas you’re living in. Ensure all external windows and doors are kept closed to keep all that warm air inside.
3. Improve the Efficiency Of Your Home, Passively
Look at passive ways that you can improve the ability of your home or office to retain heat during winter. We recommend the following additions to your home or office to improve its efficiency:
✔️ Installation of high quality insulation batts in your ceiling space and in your wall cavity if possible.
✔️ Install door seals around any external doors to prevent drafts from entering the home.
✔️ Ensure all cracks and crevices have been properly sealed to prevent drafts – we’ve found old “Queenslander” style homes with timber flooring can let in huge amounts of cold air if not properly sealed and insulated.
✔️ Open blinds and curtains to let in thermal heat from the sun.
The best thing about these alterations is they are low cost, very long lasting, require no maintenance once installed, have other benefits such as sound the reduction of external noise and will reduce the load on your air conditioner.
4. Use the Timer Function Like a Pro
There’s no need to run the system all night or all day. Set your air con to turn on 30 minutes before you get up or come home; that way the place is warm when you need it without having it running non-stop.
Most modern systems also have an eco mode. Eco mode is particularly effective at night time when the occupants of the home are asleep.
5. Keep It Clean, Keep It Keen
A dirty filter is like trying to breathe through a blocked nose; it slows everything down.
Adequate airflow is critical to your air conditioner's performance. Poorly maintained filters cause your air conditioner to work harder to push air through, which means less heat and more energy use.
Clean your filters every month throughout the year. It takes five minutes, saves money, and helps your system last longer. (Bonus: the air quality in your home will thank you.)
Cleaning your filters of your split system and ducted system can be done easily with clean water or just a vacuum if they are regularly maintained!
6. Don’t Ignore the Fan Direction
Yes, your air conditioner has a “winter mode”. Switch the fan to blow downward because warm air rises. Directing it lower into the room helps circulate heat where it’s needed - down where you are, not up where the spiders live!
Most split system air conditioners also have the ability to manually adjust the louvres of the indoor unit to direct air in a downwards direction.
7. Zone Control Matters!
Do you have a ducted air conditioner? Does it have zone control and are you aware of how to get the most from your zone controller? We are still shocked to find so many homes and offices have a ducted air conditioner with no zone controller!
Installing a zone controller can seriously increase the effectiveness and efficiency of your air conditioner. Having a properly designed zone controller and knowing how to use it can add up to significant energy cost savings, less workload for your system and can even mean installing a smaller ducted air conditioner that’s tailored to your specific needs.
If you need a zone controller or don’t think your zone controller is working properly, it’s worth reaching out to a professional to get this sorted.
8. Get a Professional Service (We Know a Guy 😉)
If it’s been a while since your air con was serviced, it could be working harder than it needs to, or not heating efficiently at all. A professional service can clean internal components, check refrigerant levels, and make sure everything’s running like clockwork.
Think of it like a tune up for your car. Keeps it reliable, efficient, and avoids costly breakdowns.
🤔 Our Final Thoughts 🤔
Your air conditioner can absolutely keep you warm through winter, if you use it smartly. With the right settings, a bit of maintenance, and a few tricks to keep the heat in, you’ll stay comfortable without blowing the budget.
And if you want a hand checking your system, giving it a service, or upgrading to something that won’t choke on the first frost, give Triforce Electrical and Air on 1300 528 270. We’re local, we’re reliable, and we care.