Heating and cooling your home can contribute a significant amount to your electricity use; in fact, up to 26 per cent of the average home's energy consumption. There are some simple things you can do to efficiently heat and cool your home and save power.

Betterways for using your air conditioner efficiently

• Adjust the louvres on your air conditioner so they face upwards for cooling and downwards for heating.
• Close off areas, including any windows and doors, which are not being used, so you are not heating or cooling rooms unnecessarily.
• Clean the outdoor air conditioner unit regularly - particularly in areas such as the Pilbara, where dust can build up quickly. Dirt can decrease the unit's efficiency and effectiveness.
• Have your filters cleaned regularly.
• Install ceiling insulation to minimise heat loss and gain.
• Ensure that your roof space is adequately ventilated.Temperatures in your roof space in summer can be over 50°C.
• Locate the outdoor air conditioner unit on the shady side of the home, ensuring there is adequate ventilation.

Betterways Tips for Heating

• Set the temperature as low as you feel comfortable. Generally this is between 18-20°C. Each 1°C increase can add as much as 10 per cent to your heating costs.
• Close blinds or curtains at night to reduce heat loss.
• On sunny days, open your blinds and curtains to allow sunlight in, especially through north-facing windows.
• Install draught stoppers to keep warm air in.
• Dress appropriately so that you do not have to set your temperature higher than needed.
• If possible, use ceiling fans at low speed or switch on the winter setting to circulate warm air.
• Try not to leave heaters running for long periods.
• Use warmer bedding.

For cooling

• Set the temperature as high as you feel comfortable. Generally this is between 24-27°C. Each 1°C decrease can add as much as 10 per cent to your cooling costs.
• Close blinds and curtains during the day to keep the heat out.
• Add a boxed pelmet over existing curtains and close the gaps at the bottom and sides of the curtains, to help reduce heat gains through windows.
• External window shading is more efficient than curtains and blinds.
• If you come home to a hot house, first open doors and windows to allow airflow to flush out the hot air before switching on your air conditioner.
• Cool the house at night by opening the windows if possible.

For more information about choosing an energy efficient air conditioning system, or which type might be best suited for you, download our Betterways brochure titled Energy saving ways to use your air conditioner.

Rebates are available for eligible households who install energy efficient air conditioners.

You can find more information on your eligibility for rebates by visiting www.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au