9 Energy-Saving Tips For A Lower Air Conditioning Bill This Summer
- Dom Hines
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
There’s nothing quite like a New Zealand summer: long evenings, warm days and plenty of sunshine. When temperatures spike, most of us turn to our air conditioning to cool down. However, running AC all day can quickly drive your electricity bill through the roof. With the right heat pump or air conditioning system, you can keep your home cool without blowing your power budget.
The Hines team has put together nine energy-saving tips for staying comfortable (and keeping costs low) this summer.
1. Service Your Heat Pump Or Air Conditioning Unit Regularly
Your heat pump or air conditioning unit runs best when you regularly service it – ideally once a year. Over time, dust builds up, coils get dirty, and components can wear down or loosen. All of this general wear and tear forces your AC to work harder, which means it’ll use more electricity to reach the temperature you need. Regular maintenance also helps extend the unit’s lifespan.
When you schedule a yearly service, a qualified Hines technician will:
● Clean or replace filters
● Check refrigerant levels
● Inspect electrical connections
● Clean evaporator and condenser coils
● Test airflow and performance
● Identify issues before they turn into expensive repairs
2. Run The Right Size Heat Pump Or Air Conditioning Unit For Your Space
Choosing the correct unit size is one of the biggest factors in energy efficiency. A system that’s too small will constantly run at full power, trying (and failing) to cool your space. A system that’s too large will short-cycle, switching on and off frequently, which wastes money and strains the compressor.
The most cost-effective system for your home is one that suits the layout, including:
Room dimensions
Ceiling height
Number and size of windows
Home insulation quality
Sun exposure
Open-plan versus enclosed spaces
If you’re not sure what size you need, use Hines’ Heat Pump Calculator to get started.
3. Run Your Heat Pump Or Air Conditioning Unit Efficiently
The way you use your unit matters just as much as the type you install. Many people assume that setting the AC to the lowest possible temperature will cool the room faster. Doing this actually makes the unit work much harder, using more energy to chase a temperature it doesn’t need to reach.
We’d recommend setting your heat pump to 22 – 24°C. This will keep your home comfortable without overloading the system.
Here are some more tips:
Use auto mode so the unit can regulate fan speed efficiently
Let your unit run for longer at a consistent temperature rather than blasting cold air intermittently
Keep the airflow unobstructed by keeping furniture and curtains away from indoor units
4. Use Thermostats And Timers
Timers and thermostats are simple yet powerful tools for saving energy. Instead of running your heat pump all day, try automating it:
Set it to cool your home just before you arrive
Use a thermostat to turn it off once the room reaches a comfortable temperature
Use night-time modes to reduce cooling gradually as temperatures drop
Avoid letting the unit run overnight
These small changes can cut hours of unnecessary operation each day and significantly reduce electricity costs – without sacrificing comfort.
5. Block Out The Sun With Quality Curtains And Blinds
Sunlight heats your home more than you probably realise. Rooms that are north or west-facing often trap the most heat, and during peak afternoon sun, indoor temperatures can rise rapidly.
Using curtains, blinds or thermal drapes helps:
Reduce heat entering your home
Keep indoor temperatures lower
Minimise the workload on your AC
Maintain cooler rooms throughout the day
For maximum efficiency, close blinds before the hottest part of the day. Once the heat is inside, your AC has to work twice as hard to remove it.
6. Consider Installing Solar Panels
If your AC is one of the main reasons for a ridiculously high electricity bill, pairing your cooling system with solar power is a smart long-term solution. Heat pumps consume the most electricity during daylight hours – when solar panels generate peak energy.
While solar does require an upfront cost, many New Zealand homeowners find the savings are significant over time. With solar power, you benefit from:
Less reliance on grid electricity
Lower long-term household energy costs
Regular cooling that’s more affordable
Added property value
If you’re interested in solar power options for your house, chat to the Hines Electrical team today.
7. Keep The Cool Air In By Keeping Windows And Doors Closed
Even a small gap in a door or window can let cool air escape quickly. In open-plan homes, cool air naturally spreads into hallways and spare rooms (areas you may not need to cool).
To get the most from your system:
Close doors to unused rooms
Keep windows shut while the AC is running
Use draft stoppers for older homes
Minimise opening and closing exterior doors during the day
The less warm air entering your home, the less your AC has to work to maintain a comfortable temperature.
8. Turn The Air Conditioning Off During The Night
Even on hot days, temperatures usually drop overnight in most parts of New Zealand, so you can often switch off your heat pump or AC without causing too much discomfort. Even if you only reduce AC use by a few hours each night, the cumulative energy savings over a summer can be significant.
Try these tips:
Turn off your AC once the room cools down
Use a fan for gentle airflow
Open windows to allow cooler night air in
Set a timer to switch the unit off a few hours after bedtime
9. Upgrade To A More Efficient Heat Pump Or Air Conditioning Unit
Technology has advanced dramatically over the past decade. If your heat pump is more than 10 years old, it is likely less efficient, noisier, and more expensive to run than newer models.
Newer heat pumps perform more efficiently (even in extreme heat), making them ideal for New Zealand’s increasingly warmer summers.
The benefits of upgrading your heat pump or air conditioning unit include:
Lower running costs
Improved cooling performance
Less noise
Better energy ratings
More advanced temperature control
Longer warranties
For more insight into the costs of installing a new heat pump, read Heat Pump Installation Cost for New Zealand Homeowners.
Keeping Cool Shouldn’t Mean Choosing Between Comfort And Cost
Whether you need to book a service, install a new heat pump, or get advice on running your air conditioning unit efficiently, the Hines Heat Pumps team is here to help.
Stay cool and enjoy a more comfortable (and affordable) Kiwi summer – chat to one of our technicians at Hines Heat Pumps today.