Air conditioning can make a significant difference to comfort and productivity, but it can also contribute substantially to electricity consumption.
The Australian Government notes that heating and cooling can account for around 20–50% of household energy use, depending on climate.
Choosing an efficient system therefore requires more than looking at the unit itself.
Start With the Space
The air conditioner should be appropriate for the space it needs to condition. Factors include:
• Room or building size
• Insulation
• Windows
• Sun exposure
• Ceiling height
• Number of occupants
• Local climate
• Operating hours
Understanding Energy Ratings
Australian air conditioners use the Zoned Energy Rating Label, which provides information about performance across Australia's different climate zones. The label provides information including energy consumption and heating and cooling capacity.
This helps consumers compare systems based on the climate where they will actually operate.
Efficiency Isn't Just About the Unit How an air conditioner is used also affects energy consumption.
Simple measures can include:
• Maintaining appropriate temperature settings
• Keeping doors and windows closed while operating
• Cleaning filters regularly
• Using timers where appropriate
• Choosing efficient operating modes
• Maintaining the system properly
Can Solar Help With Air Conditioning? Potentially.
Cooling demand can often occur during daylight hours, when solar PV is generating electricity.
This creates an opportunity for solar generation and air-conditioning demand to overlap.
For businesses, this relationship can become particularly relevant when considering solar, energy management and battery storage together.
Air Conditioning as Part of the Energy Strategy Instead of looking at cooling separately, businesses and property owners can consider how air conditioning fits into the site's overall electricity use.
Renostain provides Air Conditioning alongside Solar/Renewable Energy, Battery Systems and Energy Management.
The Australian Government notes that heating and cooling can account for around 20–50% of household energy use, depending on climate.
Choosing an efficient system therefore requires more than looking at the unit itself.
Start With the Space
The air conditioner should be appropriate for the space it needs to condition. Factors include:
• Room or building size
• Insulation
• Windows
• Sun exposure
• Ceiling height
• Number of occupants
• Local climate
• Operating hours
Understanding Energy Ratings
Australian air conditioners use the Zoned Energy Rating Label, which provides information about performance across Australia's different climate zones. The label provides information including energy consumption and heating and cooling capacity.
This helps consumers compare systems based on the climate where they will actually operate.
Efficiency Isn't Just About the Unit How an air conditioner is used also affects energy consumption.
Simple measures can include:
• Maintaining appropriate temperature settings
• Keeping doors and windows closed while operating
• Cleaning filters regularly
• Using timers where appropriate
• Choosing efficient operating modes
• Maintaining the system properly
Can Solar Help With Air Conditioning? Potentially.
Cooling demand can often occur during daylight hours, when solar PV is generating electricity.
This creates an opportunity for solar generation and air-conditioning demand to overlap.
For businesses, this relationship can become particularly relevant when considering solar, energy management and battery storage together.
Air Conditioning as Part of the Energy Strategy Instead of looking at cooling separately, businesses and property owners can consider how air conditioning fits into the site's overall electricity use.
Renostain provides Air Conditioning alongside Solar/Renewable Energy, Battery Systems and Energy Management.