Simple setting changes that meaningfully cut cooling costs without leaving you sweating it out.
The first heatwave hits, and the remote goes straight to 18°C. It feels like the fastest way to cool down, but it isn’t. Heating and cooling make up around 40% of the average Australian home’s energy use, and air conditioning is usually the biggest driver of a summer electricity bill, and a few simple setting changes can make a real difference.
Key highlights
- 24-25°C is the sweet spot for cooling (recommended range: 24–26°C)
- Ceiling fans let you set the thermostat higher
- Curtains, blinds and closed doors reduce the load
- Clean filters before the first heatwave
- Timers, zoning and pre-cooling help on time-of-use plans
What does an air conditioning cost saving summer plan look like?
An air conditioning cost saving summer plan starts before the hot weather. Most of the savings come from how and when you run your system, not from buying a new one.
Your action checklist
- Clean filters or book a service before the first heatwave
- Set cooling to 24-25°C
- Run ceiling fans alongside the air con
- Close curtains, blinds and doors to unused rooms
- Use timers to cool bedrooms before sleep and living areas in the evening
- Pre-cool slightly before your peak pricing window if you’re on time-of-use
Why the thermostat setting matters
Setting your thermostat just 1°C lower can increase your cooling energy use by up to 10%. A much lower setting doesn’t cool the room meaningfully faster; it just runs the compressor harder for longer.
Example scenario: a family that usually cools the whole house at 20°C moves to 24°C with ceiling fans on, closes off unused rooms and sets a timer for bedrooms. The house feels just as comfortable, and the system runs less.
Is it doable without sacrificing comfort?
Key takeaways
- 24-25°C balances comfort and efficiency
- Moving air feels cooler, so fans let you set higher
- Timing matters on time-of-use plans
Air conditioning cost saving summer settings, explained
| Setting / habit | What to do | Why it saves |
| Thermostat | Set 24-25°C | Lower settings run the compressor harder for longer |
| Fans | Run ceiling fans with air con | Makes air feel 2-3°C cooler, so you can set the thermostat higher |
| Close up | Curtains, blinds, closed doors | Less air to cool, less radiant heat |
| Filters | Clean or service before the heat | Unit works less hard for the same result |
| Timers & zoning | Cool only rooms in use | Avoids cooling the whole house continuously |
| Pre-cooling | Cool slightly before peak pricing | Less running when rates go up |
Summer cooling: what’s next?
You don’t need to sacrifice comfort to manage your summer bill. Small, consistent changes to how and when you run your air conditioner make a bigger difference than most people expect. Start with the thermostat and the filters this week.
About CovaU Energy
CovaU Energy is a 100% Australian-owned company providing electricity and gas to homes and businesses across Australia. We offer competitive energy plans, top-rated 24/7 customer service, and no lock-in contracts. We also have incredible rewards for our new and existing customers. For more information about our electricity and gas plans, call 1300 111 688 to talk to our energy specialists or request a quote for the rates in your area. You may also compare plans and sign up here directly.
