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How To Use Split AC In Winter | Tips To Maximise Performance

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How To Use Split AC In Winter | Tips To Maximise Performance

As the cost of living continues to increase, more and more people are looking for ways to stay warm over winter without breaking the bank. In this guide on how to use split AC in winter, our team of experts share their tips on how to maximise the performance of your air conditioner. We cover the best AC settings for winter, the best AC temperature for winter in Brisbane and around Australia, and a few other tricks we’ve learnt over the years to help you get the most out of your split AC.

AC settings for winter

When it comes to how to use split AC in winter, the first thing to know is what setting to use. You have two main options when it comes to AC settings for winter: heat mode and dry mode. Below we cover the basics of each setting to help you choose the right one for your home.

  1. Heat mode is the most commonly used AC setting for winter and is the best one for particularly cold days. As the name suggests, heat mode produces warm air and distributes this throughout the room. The air conditioner does this by using reverse cycle technology to reverse the refrigeration cycle. Essentially, the AC unit uses refrigerant to absorb heat from the air outside. This refrigerant is then compressed, which causes the refrigerant to heat up and produce warm air. This air is then pumped around the room. Depending on what air conditioner model you have, heat mode is usually represented by a sun icon on the air conditioner remote.
  2. Dry mode is used to remove moisture from the air. It’s typically represented by the raindrop symbol on the air conditioner remote. When the air conditioner is in dry mode the fan and compressor run more slowly, enabling the evaporator coils to remove moisture from the air, before it is recirculated into the room. While dry mode is more commonly used in summer on particularly humid days it can also be helpful in winter. AC dry mode in winter is particularly good for dealing with Queensland humidity on mild winter days. Dry mode won’t increase the temperature of your room, but it can help you battle mould growth and excess condensation if your house is prone to these issues over winter.

Best AC temp for winter

Choosing the best AC temp for winter is important for ensuring your split AC runs efficiently. Generally speaking, the greater the difference between the outside temperature and the temperature you set on the AC, the harder the unit will have to work. The trick is to find the AC temperature in winter that keeps you warm, without overworking your unit.

The table below provides a guide to the best AC temperature in winter in each region of Australia. As you can see, in areas with warmer winters (like up here in Brissy) the ideal AC temperature in winter is a lot cooler than in areas like Canberra, that are prone to particularly cold winters. 17°C might not seem that warm, but if it’s only 12°C outside, it’ll keep you nice and toasty.

Location

Best AC temp for winter

Greater Brisbane and Northern NSW

18°C

North QLD, North WA, NT

17°C

Central Australia

17°C

NSW, VIC, ACT

20°C

Southern VIC

20°C

Southern WA

18°C

South Australia

20°C

Tasmania

21°C

If you’re curious about the best AC temperature for summer, you can find more information in our full guide to ideal air conditioner temperatures.

How to use split AC in winter – other efficiency tips

Selecting the right AC temperature in winter will have the biggest impact on your air conditioner’s efficiency, and therefore your power bills. But it’s not the only factor to consider. Below are some more tips on how to use split ACT in winter to get the most out of your system.

Keep doors and windows closed

The more cold air you let into your house, the harder your split AC will have to work to reach the desired temperature. When you’re running the AC, close doors to rooms you don’t need to be heated and only open windows and external doors during the warmest part of the day. You can also minimise the amount of heat lost through windows by keeping blinds and curtains shut while you’re running the AC.

Clean the AC filter

Blocked AC filters are one of the most common reasons for poor split system AC performance. As dust builds up in the filter, airflow into the system becomes restricted, meaning your split AC has to work harder (and therefore use more power) for the same level of output. At Technicool, we recommend checking and cleaning your AC filter every 6-12 months to keep your air conditioner working at its best.

You can generally tell if your air con filter needs cleaning by looking out for the following signs:

  • Uneven airflow or irregular temperatures. Your AC might struggle to reach or maintain the desired temperature.
  • Strange noises. If your AC unit has to work hard, the extra strain might cause it to make odd noises.
  • A musty smell. When dust and dirt particles get trapped in the air conditioner, the warm, moist environment can cause mould to grow, resulting in a musty smell when you turn your unit on.

Get your split AC serviced regularly

Regular air conditioner maintenance is essential for keeping your split system AC running efficiently. At Technicool, we typically recommend you service your split system AC once a year. During a service, the technician will give your unit a complete once over by checking and cleaning the filter and condenser unit, inspecting and testing the motor and electrical components, testing the thermostat and checking the refrigerant levels.

Choose the right size AC unit for your space

Another important tip for optimising your AC in winter is to select a unit with the right output for the space you’re trying to heat. According to Choice, four factors determine what size reverse-cycle air conditioner you need:

  • Room size—larger rooms will be more efficiently heated by a larger unit with a greater kW capacity. Consider both the footprint of the room and the height of the ceiling when you’re determining the size.
  • Insulation—if the house is insulated, you likely won’t require as large a unit because the temperature will remain more consistent throughout the year.
  • Climate—if you live in Brisbane where we’re prone to hot summers, you’ll likely need a more powerful unit than if you live somewhere cooler.
  • Room orientation—whether the room faces north or south will influence how warm it stays in winter and hot it gets in summer, which influences how much you need to heat or cool the room.

Generally speaking, a 2-2.5kW unit is sufficient to heat and cool a small room of up to 20 square metres, whereas you’ll need something closer to a 5-9kW unit to heat and cool a larger 40-60 square metre room.

Upgrade your air conditioner

If you’ve implemented all of our winter AC efficiency tips and you’re still feeling the cold, or grappling with high power bills, it might be time to upgrade your air conditioner. We’re often asked about when you should replace an air conditioner. While it varies on a case by case basis, older AC units typically last around a decade before needing to be replaced, while you can expect to get 15-20 years out of a newer model. Some signs that you might need to upgrade to a newer model split system AC, include:

It’s not as warm as it used to be. This can suggest there’s a fault somewhere in the unit.
Higher power bills. Technological advancements mean that modern units are naturally more efficient than older air conditioners. Your system can also lose efficiency over time.
It needs more frequent servicing. If you continue having issues with your air conditioner, it’s a good idea to weigh up the cost of maintenance with the cost of a new unit—the results might surprise you!

Invest in insulation

If you’ve fully optimised your AC set-up but you’re still being hit with large power bills, it might be time to consider whether your home needs additional insulation. Insulation in the floor, walls or ceiling helps to maintain your house at a more stable temperature year-round, which means you can set your AC temperature in winter lower than you might otherwise have to.

Get ready for winter with Technicool!

If it’s been a while since you’ve had your air conditioner serviced, or you’re after more personalised advice about the best type of split AC to keep you warm this winter, the team at Technicool are here to help.

Technicool works with residential and commercial clients throughout Brisbane, offering a comprehensive range of air conditioning installation, maintenance and repair services. Contact us today to find out more or to book an appointment!

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