Air Conditioner working on blog post about the cost of running an air conditioner in brisbane

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE COST OF RUNNING AN AIR CON IN BRISBANE

As summers start to heat up in Brisbane, Australia, it’s essential to have a reliable air conditioning system. However, the cost of running an air conditioner can often be an expensive affair. That is why it’s essential to understand these costs before making a purchase. In this post, we’ll dive deep into the cost of running an air conditioner in Brisbane, Australia and how much does an aircon cost per hour in Australia.

electricity prices

electrical wire on a paper illustrating electricity prices

The first thing you need to understand is the electricity charges in Brisbane, Australia. According to the Queensland Government, the average retail electricity price in Brisbane for residential customers is 25 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

It’s essential to note that electricity prices vary based on your usage, and the price per kWh decreases as your consumption increases. Additionally, tariffs differ between peak and off-peak hours, and it’s crucial to understand your usage pattern to determine which option is best for you.

AIR CONDITIONER EFFICIENCY

The second factor that influences the cost of running an air conditioner is its efficiency rating. An efficient air conditioner will consume less energy while providing the same cooling output as compared to a less efficient unit.

In Australia, all air conditioners are rated based on their Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). The higher the EER, the more efficient the air conditioner. Additionally, every air conditioner sold in Australia must have a mandatory energy rating label from 1 to 6 stars, indicating its energy efficiency level.

an air conditioner in use

ROOM SIZE

a big room illustrating room size section

The size of the room you want to cool in also plays a significant role in the cost of running an air conditioner. A larger room requires a more substantial air conditioner, which consumes more energy. It’s essential to choose the correct size air conditioner for your room based on its cooling capacity.

Typically, the cooling capacity required for a room is determined by multiplying the room’s area by 150-200 watts. For instance, if your room is 20 square meters, you will need an air conditioner with a cooling capacity of 3,000-4,000 watts.

AIR CONDITIONER USAGE

Finally, the usage pattern of your air conditioner will determine the cost of running it. 

For instance, if you have an air conditioner that runs continuously, your electricity bill will skyrocket. 

Therefore, it’s important to use your air conditioner wisely, turning it off when you’re not in the room or adjusting the temperature to a comfortable level.

an air conditioner being used to illustrate aircon usage

CALCULATING THE COST

An calculator being used to calculate the cost of running air conditioner

Now that we’ve covered the factors influencing air conditioning running costs in Brisbane, let’s calculate the cost using an example.

Suppose you have a 6-star rated air conditioner with a cooling capacity of 3,500 watts, and you use it for eight hours a day. Let’s assume the Electricity charge for 1 kWh is $0.25.

Here’s how you can calculate the cost of running the air conditioner:

– 3,500 watts divided by 1,000 equals 3.5 kWh
– 3.5 kWh x 8 hours = 28 kWh consumed per day
– 28 kWh x $0.25 per kWh = $7 per day

– $7 x 30 days = $210 per month

 

To reduce the cost to run air conditioning, there are several things you can do:

1. MAINTAIN YOUR AIR CONDITIONER

Regular maintenance can help ensure that your air conditioner is running efficiently, which can help reduce energy consumption and lower your costs. This includes cleaning or replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring that the unit is free of any obstruction.

2. USE A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT

A programmable thermostat allows you to set your air conditioner to turn on or off automatically at certain times of the day. This can help ensure that your air conditioner is not running unnecessarily, which can help reduce your costs.

3. USE CEILING FANS

Ceiling fans can help circulate air in your home, which can help reduce the workload on your air conditioner. Hence, using ceiling fans in conjunction with your air conditioner can help lower your energy consumption and lower your costs.

4. CLOSE CURTAINS AND BLINDS

Closing curtains and blinds during the hottest part of the day can help reduce the amount of heat that enters your home, which can help reduce the workload on your air conditioner.

 

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the cost of running an air conditioner in Brisbane depends on several factors, including the size of the air conditioner, efficiency rating, climate, usage patterns, and type of air conditioner. While the cost can add up quickly, there are several things you can do to reduce your energy consumption and lower your costs. And if you’re looking for other ways to save money at home, head over to this post about Automated Lighting to find out how you can do that. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can enjoy the comfort of your air conditioner without breaking the bank.

Auscan Services is proud to offer guaranteed satisfaction with every aircon installation we do, so you can rest assured that you will have a cooling or heating system that works perfectly all year round. Our team of experienced technicians ensure that the installation is done right and meets your needs. So reach out today by calling us at 0400 641 432 or emailing us at info@auscanservices.com.au.

Other Helpful resources: 

Cost of Living in Brisbane by Muval

Air Conditioning Calculator by Ergon Energy