Choosing Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning: Solutions for Australian Homes

At TCL, we’ve dedicated ourselves to developing an Australian air conditioner range that provides year-round comfort with modern design aesthetics, and cleverly designed features that help to reduce energy consumption, and save on your energy bills, all while heating and cooling your home for true comfort.

There’s a good reason Australians love to have home air conditioning - our country’s temperatures are best described as diverse. Anyone who has lived in or visited Australia knows how dramatically the climate varies, depending on the season and location. From the tropical north to the temperate south, the Australian climate ranges from scorching heat to brisk cold, and often not in the season you’re expecting a sudden change to occur. 

Although insulation in modern Australian homes has significantly improved over the years, there are still times when the intense heat or chilly cold can feel unbearable. During these times, effective heating and cooling systems become essential for maintaining comfort in the home.

Cost-Effective Heating and Cooling for Australian Homes

Did you know that reverse-cycle split system air conditioners are considered to be one of the most cost-effective solutions for both heating and cooling your home? These units offer versatility by providing heating and cooling from a single system, and are available in a range of sizes suitable for spaces from a single room, right through to open plan homes. This versatility makes reverse cycle air conditioners ideal for year-round comfort in buildings of all kinds. 

For smaller spaces or temporary setups, portable air conditioners can be economical and allow targeted temperature control in a bedroom or office for example. This is a great solution for renters or in spaces where installing an air conditioner unit just isn’t viable. Reverse Cycle Split Systems however, remain the superior choice for efficiently heating and cooling an entire home.

What Is Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning?

Reverse-cycle air conditioning systems can both heat and cool the air by reversing the refrigeration cycle. Split systems, like TCL’s models, use a refrigerant to transfer heat between an indoor and outdoor unit. Reverse cycle air con models equipped with inverter technology further improve this efficiency. In an inverter air conditioner, the inverter system adjusts the compressor speed to maintain a stable temperature, consuming less electricity than traditional units. This makes them a popular, energy-efficient option for homes in varying climates. TCL reverse-cycle air con units, such as those in our BreezeIN Series, exemplify this technology.

How to Choose The Most Cost Effective Air Conditioner

Choosing the most cost-effective air conditioner involves understanding your specific cooling and heating needs, and finding the best air conditioner to suit your home and your region. Here are our tips for understanding which air conditioner is best for your home.

1. Assess Your Heating and Cooling Needs

• Climate Considerations: If you live in a region with extreme temperatures, you may need a more powerful unit to maintain comfortable temperatures during peak seasons.

• Room Size/Area: Measure the area you want to heat or cool. Air conditioners are rated by capacity in kilowatts (kW), so knowing the room size, orientation aspect and window aspect will help determine the right capacity for the applica

2. Choose the Right Type of Air Conditioner

• Split System: Ideal for individual rooms or open spaces, split systems are often the most cost-effective choice for focused cooling and heating. They are easy to install, energy-efficient, quiet and available in a range of sizes.
• Multi-Split System: These are suited for cooling multiple rooms with one outdoor unit connected to several indoor units. Although they have a higher upfront cost, they can be more efficient for multi-room setups and where space is limited.
• Portable Air Conditioners: For smaller spaces or situations where permanent installation is not an option, portable air conditioners can be a practical and cost-effective solution. While they typically aren’t as efficient as split or multi-split systems for larger areas, portable air conditioners work well for single rooms and can provide targeted comfort.
  

What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Choosing the right AC size is essential for energy efficiency. An undersized unit will struggle to cool or heat effectively, while an oversized one may waste energy. Here are some examples of how to decide what air conditioner size is right for the spaces in your home:

What Size Aircon for Bedrooms?

• For bedrooms, a small air conditioner of about 2.5kW is usually sufficient. This size is perfect for rooms around 20 square metres, allowing for quick cooling and maintaining comfortable temperatures overnight. TCL’s smaller units, such as the 2.6kW split systems, are great for bedroom settings, providing efficient operation while keeping noise to a minimum.

What Size Aircon for Living Areas?

• Living rooms and open-plan areas typically need more powerful units due to their larger size and foot traffic. For areas around 40 square metres, a 5kW unit should suffice. However, larger spaces may require an 8kW system or more. TCL’s larger models, such as the 7.2kW and 8.2kW systems, are ideal for such spaces, offering reliable cooling across the room.

*We recommend consulting an air-conditioning specialist to ensure the correct system design for your application.

How Much Power Do Air Conditioners Use?

The electricity usage of an AC unit depends on factors like the size of the unit and its efficiency rating, the size of the area, existing insulation ratings and features in place within your home, how long the air conditioner is in use and the temperature and fan settings. TCL's energy-efficient models with inverter technology can help minimise electricity use by maintaining a steady temperature. 

Other ways to minimise the expense of heating and cooling your home include having window coverings to reduce heat transfer through glass, running your air conditioner during off peak electricity pricing periods if that applies to your home, installing solar, using eco modes or other efficiency modes on your air con, and if you have ceiling fans, putting them on a low setting to help circulate the air throughout your home.

Is It More Energy Efficient to Leave Air Conditioning On?

While it may seem like a logical choice to keep your air conditioner running to maintain a constant temperature, leaving your air con on all day if you aren’t at home is usually less energy efficient, and uses more power than necessary. 

Even if you’re at home, running your air con around the clock isn’t usually necessary or cost effective. To get the most efficiency from your air conditioner, learn about the different settings to take advantage of settings like eco mode that will turn the unit on only when needed. If you’re away from home, TCL units come with smart technology features that allow you to set schedules and adjust the temperature remotely, ensuring your home stays comfortable without wasting power.
The TCL Home App also enables you to control your Air Con remotely through smart devices, which will allow you to control your system to suite your needs for optimum performance and running costs.

What Is the Most Energy-Efficient Temperature to Set Air Conditioning?

Setting your air conditioner to the highest temperature that’s still comfortable is the best way to conserve energy. During the day, 24°C to 26°C is recommended, while 22°C works well at night. Each degree cooler can increase your energy consumption, so avoid setting the temperature too low. TCL’s inverter units are designed to maintain these optimal settings efficiently, adjusting compressor speed to minimise power use.

What Features Do TCL Air Conditioners Have That Make Them More Energy Efficient?

TCL air conditioners incorporate several features to enhance energy efficiency:

1. Smart Inverter Technology: TCL’s inverters maintain a steady temperature by adjusting compressor speeds, which reduces energy consumption.
2. Gentle Breeze Mode: This feature optimises airflow, allowing for uniform cooling without high energy usage.
3. Smart Connectivity (WIFI): Many TCL models can be controlled via a smartphone app (TCL Home), Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can adjust settings and monitor usage on the go.
4. High EER and COP Ratings: TCL air conditioners are designed with energy efficiency in mind, boasting high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and Coefficient of Performance (COP) ratings, which translate to better performance at lower costs.

In Australian homes, split system, reverse cycle air conditioners are the most popular choice due to their balance of affordability, efficiency, and ease of installation. The TCL air conditioner range is designed to combat Australia’s harsh weather conditions. Shop the TCL Air Conditioner range and enjoy the year-round comfort you deserve.