Australia’s average household spends a large amount of money on energy bills, and the costs of heating and cooling are not an exception. Some of the costs that may arise include energy costs, and this is often caused by various factors. Energy-efficient measures should, therefore, be implemented to help reduce these costs and save huge amounts of money. This paper outlines the costs involved in heating and cooling in Australia as well as ways through which one can avoid using too much energy.
Understanding Australian Heating and Cooling Costs
In a report, it was found that heating and cooling comprised approximately 40 per cent of the energy utilised in an ordinary home in Australia. Source : https://www.yourhome.gov.au/energy/heating-and-cooling. Since a large number of homes are deemed to be thermally poor, the air that has been heated or cooled is reheated or cooled 15 times an hour to a certain temperature.
Several factors that determine the actual amount to be spent as follows:
Climate: People’s climate varies from temperate in Tasmania to tropical in Queensland, thus influencing heating and cooling requirements.
Type of System: It is also worth noting that different heating and cooling systems have different running costs.
Energy Efficiency: The number of stars on your appliances indicates their energy efficiency rating.
This is because the frequency and duration that you use the heating and cooling has the biggest effect on the bills.
Electricity and gas tariff: The cost of electricity and gas depends on the state and the company2.
Typical Heating and Cooling Systems and Their Costs
Below are some of the Several heating and cooling systems in use in Australia and the approximate cost of using them:
Split System Air Conditioners:
Split systems are another favourite in most Australian homes, and they are known to be cheaper to operate than other systems because of increased energy conservation. They cost between $0.25 and $0.35 per hour, with the possibility of spending between $200 and $400 on a yearly basis.
Multi-Split System Air Conditioners:
These are air conditioning systems that have several indoors units which are connected to one out-door unit and the costs between $0.35 and $0.50 per hour to operate. According to usage, the annual cost of air conditioning Echuca can vary from $600 to $300.
Reverse cycle air conditioners:
Reverse-cycle air conditioners may cost $0.30 to $0.40 per hour to operate, which amounts to $250 to $4501 per year for cooling.
Ducted Air Conditioning:
Ducted systems cool whole houses, making them expensive to run. The cost is between $0.60 and $0.951 an hour. This raises annual costs between $600 and $1,200, or more, depending on home size and usage.
Window air conditioning:
These units are also less effective and are meant for smaller rooms. The costs per hour range between $0.20 and $0.301. The cost stays relatively constant and may cost as little as $150 to as much as $3001 per annum.
Portable ACs:
Portable air conditioning units are the easiest and cheapest to buy. They may be cheaper than other models at $0.15 to $0.25 per hour. In general, the costs can be limited to annual charges that can be anything from $100 to $250.
Ducted Gas Heating:
The costs of installation begin at $3000 and may go up to $7000. Another factor considered is the expense incurred in the business’s day-to-day operations.
Regional Differences in Energy Costs
The cost of electricity differs depending on the region in Australia, hence affecting the electric usage of air conditioning. Tasmania and Victoria have the lowest prices, at an average of $0.20 to $0.25 per kWh. South Australia and New South Wales are generally the most expensive states, ranging between $0.35 and $0.40 per kilowatt hour.
Strategies to Reduce Heating and Cooling Costs
There are several ways to avoid spending too much money on heating and cooling:
Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances:
So, when acquiring any heating or cooling system, initially consider its energy efficiency. Look for those with high star ratings on the energy rating scale.
Cleaning companies might recommend specialised heating and cooling shepparton establishments that offer professional advice on the best energy-saving options within our homes.
Smart Thermostat Use:
It is notable that each degree of additional heating in winter or cooling in summer can cause energy consumption to rise by 5 to 10%. During the cold seasons, it should be set at 18-20 degrees Celsius, while in the hot seasons, it should be set at 25-270 degrees Celsius.
Home Insulation:
Correct insulation of the walls, ceiling, and floors ensures minimal use of heaters and air conditioning, thereby regulating temperature throughout the year.
Seal Air Leaks:
Seal any leaks from windows, doors, or other openings, as they hamper the HVAC system’s efficient functioning. This small improvement can, therefore, enhance energy efficiency.
Use Fans:
They can help to ventilate a room and bring in cooler air, meaning that the use of the air conditioner can be scaled down.
Close Curtains and Blinds:
During summer, one can close the curtains and blinds, specifically during the day, in the interior to prevent both light and heat from coming in. During these cold months, one can open them to let sunlight into the house and warm up the living space.
Regular Maintenance:
Another tip is to service the heating and cooling systems currently in place to make them more efficient. Of course, this will depend on the duration of the filter’s use, but common practice dictates that it be cleaned or replaced if necessary.
Consider Zoning:
For a ducted system, it is recommended that you get a zoning system that enables you to heat or cool only the active space, hence saving energy and costs.
Using these energy-saving measures and basic knowledge of the costs of heating/cooling in Australia, one can provide an improved and comfortable living environment and curb energy wastage.
Bottom Line
This way, the climate, the type of the system, and other aspects of consumption help the homeowners to make wise decisions as far as the heating and cooling system is concerned. Some of the recommended ways of cutting the former included the purchase of energy-efficient equipment, the use of wise thermostat management, efficient insulation, and sealing of all cracks. Even with the focus on utilising natural means of ventilation as well as frequent maintenance, energy consumption is also enhanced. In this case, the various strategies minimise cost and, at the same time, foster sustainable living.
