When the Aussie summer hits, air conditioning quickly becomes a household essential. But many homeowners worry that running the air con will blow out their electricity bills. So, is running your air conditioning really that bad?
The truth is — it depends on the type of system you have, how you use it, and whether it’s been installed and maintained correctly.
❄️ Modern Air Conditioners Are Far More Efficient
Older air conditioners guzzled electricity, but today’s inverter split systems are designed to be highly energy efficient. With a good Energy Star rating, they use only as much power as needed to maintain your set temperature — no waste.
👉 A modern split system can cost as little as 20–40 cents per hour to run, compared to much higher costs for outdated units.
💡 Usage Habits Matter
Even with an efficient system, how you use your air con makes a big difference:
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Set the temperature wisely → Every degree lower than 24°C can add ~10% to your cooling costs.
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Close doors and windows → Keep cool air in, hot air out.
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Use fans to circulate air → This reduces how hard your system has to work.
👉 Smart use = lower bills.
⚡ Maintenance = Money Saved
A dirty or poorly maintained air conditioner works harder, using more electricity. Regular servicing keeps filters clean, coils efficient, and performance at its best.
At Bowerman Electrical & Air, we recommend a service at least once a year before summer kicks in.
In South east Queensland and especially on the Gold Coast, humidity is often as challenging as the heat. Modern inverter systems don’t just cool — they also reduce humidity, making your home more comfortable at a lower temperature. That means less time running at full power and more energy savings.
🌱 The Environmental Factor
Yes, running inefficient old units wastes electricity and contributes to carbon emissions. But upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner dramatically reduces both your bills and your environmental footprint.
⚡ The Bottom Line
Running your air conditioning isn’t “that bad” when you:
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Choose an energy-efficient system
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Use it wisely
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Keep it maintained
At Bowerman Electrical & Air, we:
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Supply and install energy-efficient split system air conditioning
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Service and maintain existing units for peak performance
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Help homeowners across Northern NSW, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast lower their energy bills without sacrificing comfort
👉 Don’t sweat it — with the right system and advice, you can stay cool without breaking the bank.