Air Conditioners

Air conditioners make your home more comfortable in hot or cold weather. Using them a lot will make you electricity bill go up. On days that aren’t too hot or too cold, you can try simple ways to heat or cool your home before turning on the air conditioner. These small steps can help you stay comfortable and save money.

Low-cost ways to stay warm or cool

Choose the best settings for your comfort

Your home can feel cool, warm, damp or dry depending on the weather. Choosing the right air conditioner settings for how your home feels can keep you comfortable and help reduce costs.

Choose the best temperature

When to do this: you want to heat or cool your home. In summer, aim to keep the temperature between 23°C and 26°C. In winter, aim to keep the temperature between 18°C and 21°C.

Keeping your air conditioner settings within these ranges:

• helps manage electricity costs
• reduces wear and tear on the unit.

Use ‘dry mode’ when it feels humid

When to do this: the air feels damp, muggy or humid. Dry mode removes moisture from the air. When the air is less humid, the room can feel cooler — even if the temperature hasn’t changed much. Dry mode often costs less to run than cool mode and can also prevent mould growth.

Use ‘fan mode’ to save energy

When to do this: after you have cooled your home or when the air feels still or stuffy. Fan mode moves air around the room and uses very little electricity. It won’t change the temperature, but moving air can help you feel cooler.

How to maintain your air conditioner

Clean the pre-filter every 3 months

Your air conditioner has a pre‑filter, similar to a lint filter in a dryer.
A clean filter helps your air conditioner work well, improves air quality and can save energy. Check it regularly and clean the pre-filter every 3 months.

How to clean the pre-filter

1. Remove the pre-filter from the indoor unit by opening the front panel and gently lifting it from the filter frame.
2. Vacuum the dust from the pre-filter or rinse it under running water by using a soft brush. Don’t use hot water or detergent.
3. Let the pre-filter dry in the shade.
4. Once the pre-filter is dry and dust free, re-insert the pre-filter into the frame. Make sure the FRONT mark is facing you. Close the front panel by gently pushing it at both sides and in the middle.
    

Important

Do not store items on or next to the outside compressor, as this may block air flow.

More information

For more information on cleaning your pre-filter and maintaining your air conditioner, you can refer to the user manual. If you need support accessing your air conditioner safely to clean it, contact the Housing Response Centre on 1800 422 322.