As the temperature drops in Perth, your air conditioner becomes just as important in winter as it is in summer. Reverse cycle air conditioners are a popular and energy-efficient way to stay warm during our cooler months — but are you using yours effectively?
In this blog, we’ll share expert tips to help Perth homeowners get the most out of their air conditioning systems during winter. These simple steps can improve comfort, reduce energy use, and extend the life of your system.
- Use the Heating Mode on Your Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner
Most Perth homes use reverse cycle air conditioning, which means your system can both heat and cool. In winter, make sure you’ve switched the mode on your controller to heating. The heating symbol usually looks like a sun ☀️ — this tells the system to warm your home rather than cool it.
Avoid switching between modes frequently, as this can wear out the system and reduce efficiency.
- Set Your Controller to the Ideal Winter Temperature
For comfort and efficiency, set your controller between 19°C and 21°C in winter. Every degree above 21°C can increase energy consumption by 10%, so resist the urge to turn it up too high.
Your system works best when maintaining a consistent temperature — so aim for comfort, not tropical heat.
- Keep Doors and Windows Closed
To maintain warmth and prevent your air conditioner from overworking, keep doors and windows closed while the system is running. This keeps the warm air inside and helps the unit reach the set temperature faster.
Using door snakes or draught stoppers can further prevent cold air from seeping in, especially in older Perth homes.
- Use Zoned Heating (If Available)
If your system supports zoning, take advantage of it! Heating only the rooms you’re using (like the living area during the day or bedrooms at night) can dramatically reduce your energy use.
There’s no need to heat the entire house when a few key zones will do.
- Keep Your Filters Clean
Dirty filters make your air conditioner work harder, leading to higher running costs and poor performance. Clean or replace your filters every 1-2 months during winter, especially if the system is in regular use.
Regular cleaning improves airflow, boosts efficiency, and helps prevent breakdowns.
- Schedule a Winter Maintenance Check
Preventative maintenance is key to keeping your air conditioner running efficiently in winter. Book a professional service to check for:
- Blocked filters or coils
- Faulty sensors
- Airflow issues
- Dust or mould build-up
A routine service not only extends the life of your system but ensures it’s running safely and effectively when you need it most.
- Use Curtains or Blinds to Trap Heat
Even in Perth’s milder winters, your home can lose heat quickly through windows. Close curtains or blinds at night to insulate the room and trap warm air inside. During the day, open them to let in natural sunlight and give your air conditioner a break.
- Don’t Use Maximum Power Mode Constantly
While it might seem like a good idea to blast your AC at full power when it’s cold, this can strain the system. Instead, let it gradually warm the space by running it at a moderate temperature.
Using the system consistently on a reasonable setting is more efficient and keeps your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Using your air conditioner wisely in winter helps you stay warm, reduce energy bills, and protect your system from unnecessary wear. With Perth’s chilly mornings and cool nights, these simple tips can make a big difference to your comfort and your wallet.
If your air conditioner needs servicing or you’re thinking about upgrading to a more efficient system, contact the team at Allfield Residential Air Conditioning Services. We’re your local Perth air conditioning experts — here to help you stay cosy all winter long.
