Keeping a home or commercial space cool in a Brisbane summer is no small task. Temperatures jump quickly, humidity builds fast, and air conditioners often have to work long hours to keep everyone comfortable. While this is normal for our climate, it can also mean higher electricity bills if your system is not running efficiently.
The good news is that lowering your power bill does not have to involve turning the temperature up to uncomfortable levels or cutting cooling time. With a few simple adjustments and some smart planning, you can reduce energy use while keeping your home, office or commercial facility cool and reliable.
Below are practical steps that work for both residential and commercial air conditioning systems across Brisbane.
Set the Right Temperature
Running your system at very low temperatures forces it to work harder than it needs to. Setting your unit to around 24 to 25 degrees is a comfortable middle ground for most spaces. Commercial sites with varying occupancy can benefit from using programmed set points to prevent unnecessary cooling after hours.
A small temperature adjustment can make a big difference to energy use without impacting comfort.
Use Zoning and Close Off Unused Areas
Zoning allows different parts of a building to be cooled independently. In homes, this might mean cooling living areas during the day and bedrooms at night. In commercial settings, it may involve cooling meeting rooms only when booked or reducing airflow to storage areas.
The aim is simple: direct cooling where it is actually needed rather than running the entire system at full capacity.
Keep Filters Clean
One of the simplest ways to improve efficiency is by cleaning or replacing filters regularly. Dust and debris slow down airflow, causing your air conditioner to work harder. Homes should check filters every 6 to 8 weeks during summer, while commercial systems may require more frequent checks due to higher usage and foot traffic.
When airflow is clear, your system uses less energy and delivers stronger performance.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Both households and commercial operators benefit from having their air conditioner serviced before and during peak seasons. A professional service checks refrigerant levels, fans, coils, motors and drainage, ensuring everything runs efficiently.
For commercial facilities, preventative maintenance contracts are often the most cost effective way to avoid breakdowns, manage energy use and keep equipment running safely.
Improve Airflow and Reduce Heat Load
Small changes can help your system cool more effectively. In homes, using curtains or blinds to reduce direct sun exposure can lower indoor temperatures. In commercial buildings, window tinting, shading and sealing gaps around doors can reduce heat transfer and strain on your system.
Ceiling fans can also support your air conditioner by circulating cool air more evenly.
Upgrade Older Systems
Air conditioners lose efficiency as they age. If your system is more than ten years old or breaking down frequently, it may be costing more in power than it is worth. Modern systems, including energy efficient ducted and split systems, can significantly reduce running costs for both homes and commercial properties.
Upgrading also offers better control options through smart systems and zoning.
Use Smart Controls
WiFi-enabled controllers and timers help you regulate cooling more effectively. Households can cool rooms before peak heat arrives, while commercial buildings can set operating schedules that match open hours. Small changes in timing and temperature control reduce unnecessary run time.
When You Need Support
Managing cooling costs is easier when your system is operating as it should. At LCM Air Conditioning, we help Brisbane homes, property managers and commercial clients keep their systems efficient, reliable and cost effective. Whether you need a service, a system upgrade or commercial maintenance planning, our team is here to help.