With summer approaching across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, now is the time to make sure you're getting the best possible performance from your air conditioning system — without running up an unnecessary energy bill.
These are the practical habits that make a real difference.
Set the thermostat to 24–26°C — not as low as it will go
It's a common misconception that setting the thermostat to 18°C will cool the room faster. It won't — it just makes the system run at full capacity until it reaches that temperature, then cycle repeatedly. Every degree below 26°C adds approximately 10% to your running costs. A setting of 24–26°C keeps most people comfortable and keeps bills manageable.
Use curtains and blinds to do the heavy lifting
Your air conditioner works against whatever heat is entering the room. Keeping curtains and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home — particularly in the morning before the heat builds — significantly reduces how hard your system has to work. This is especially relevant for north and west-facing rooms on hot afternoons.
Keep doors to unused rooms closed
Every extra room you're cooling adds to the system's load. If you're in the living room, close the bedroom doors. Your system will reach the target temperature faster and maintain it more efficiently.
Use ceiling fans in combination with your air conditioner
Running a ceiling fan in the same room as your split system on a low setting circulates the cool air more effectively throughout the room. This means you can set the thermostat 1–2 degrees higher without feeling warmer — a small adjustment that adds up significantly over a long summer.
Don't leave the system running in an empty house
Modern inverter split systems are efficient at maintaining a temperature once it's reached, but there's no benefit to cooling an empty house. Use the timer function to have the system start 30 minutes before you arrive home — most remotes and smart controllers support this.
Keep the outdoor unit clear
The outdoor compressor unit needs adequate airflow to operate efficiently. Check that there are no leaves, debris, or overgrown plants restricting the space around it — particularly after windy days. At least 30cm of clear space on all sides is recommended.
Schedule a service if you haven't had one this year
A system that hasn't been serviced recently may be running well below its rated efficiency — dirty filters, low refrigerant, and dusty coils all reduce performance. An annual service by a qualified technician gets the system back to peak efficiency before the heat of summer.
Alby Cool services Frankston, Seaford, Langwarrin, Carrum Downs, Mount Eliza, Mornington, Cranbourne, and all surrounding suburbs. Contact us for a pre-summer service or free installation quote.
Phone: 0409 336 452
Email: andrew@albycool.com.au
Web: www.albycool.com.au
— Andrew Albert, Director, Alby Cool Pty Ltd