As the mercury soars and the Australian sun beats down relentlessly, the allure of a cool, air-conditioned sanctuary becomes almost irresistible.
With electricity costs causing furrowed brows across the nation, it’s crucial to cool your home without burning a hole in your wallet.
To help you navigate the tricky terrain of efficient home cooling, we’ve tapped into the expertise of CHOICE cooling specialist Chris Barnes. He’s shared with us five cardinal sins of air conditioning that he would never commit, and by avoiding these mistakes, you can keep your cool without the financial sweat.

Don’t ‘overcool’
When the outside world feels like a blast furnace, it’s tempting to transform your living room into a polar oasis.
However, Chris warns against setting your air conditioner to Arctic temperatures.
‘The bigger the difference between the outdoor and indoor temperature, the more it will cost you,’ he explains.
Chris recommends maintaining an indoor temperature that’s about 8°C cooler than outside for a reasonable balance of cost and comfort.
‘Every degree cooled by more than 8°C will add 10% to your running costs, which can really add up across the summer,’ he adds.
Don’t be fooled, too: setting the thermostat to 18°C won’t cool the room any faster than 24°C, but it will work harder and use more energy trying to reach that lower temperature.
Remember to clean
Just like any other appliance, air conditioners require regular maintenance to function efficiently.
A dirty filter can increase energy consumption by 5–15%, so regular cleaning is not just about hygiene; it’s about economy too.
‘Regular cleaning and an occasional service will go a long way towards making sure your air con runs well and keeps you cool throughout the summer,’ Chris says.
‘It’s estimated that a clogged filter can increase energy consumption by 5–15%, so staying on top of the cleaning will also save you money.’
Remember the fans, too
Before you rush to the air conditioner remote, consider the humble fan.
Fans are a cost-effective way to keep cool, with some models costing less than $10 to run throughout the entire summer.
While they don’t lower the room’s temperature, they do make you feel cooler by promoting sweat evaporation.
‘A ceiling fan can help move cool air from an air con (installed high) down to the living area (ground level), which can make your room feel cooler,’ Chris says.
He also added that using fans in conjunction with your air conditioner could make the cool air circulate more effectively, allowing you to possibly set the air conditioner at a higher temperature and save on energy.
No leaks allowed
It’s a lesson we’ve all learned since childhood: don’t cool the neighbourhood! Ensuring your home is well-sealed is essential for keeping the cool air where it belongs.
‘To keep the cool air in and the hot air out you need to make sure the house is sealed properly,’ says Chris.
‘Use insulation strips around windows and under doors. Keep unused pet doors shut and close off parts of the house you’re not using,’ he says.
These simple measures can prevent your air conditioner from working overtime and wasting energy.
Look out for heat-generating appliances
Be mindful of other appliances that generate heat, such as ovens and dishwashers. These can counteract your air conditioner’s cooling efforts, leading to higher energy consumption.
‘Running your dishwasher overnight by either switching it on as you go to bed or using the timer function to delay the cycle means you won’t be adding extra heat to the kitchen while you’re attempting to cool things down,’ says Chris.
He also recommends making simple switches like using air fryers instead of ovens or microwaves instead of cooktops to produce less heat in the kitchen.
By following these expert tips, you can enjoy a comfortable home without the sting of a high power bill.
We’d love to hear from you. What are your strategies for staying cool without overworking your air conditioner? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below, and let’s help each other beat the heat economically this summer!