By Webfit News Desk
As summer temperatures climb across Australia, many households are unknowingly driving up their power bills through inefficient air conditioning habits.
New research shows that while air conditioning is essential during extreme heat, how Australians use their systems is costing families far more than they realise.
The Key Findings at a Glance
New polling by financial comparison platform Finder highlights several costly trends:
- Most households run air conditioning around 6 hours a day
- The average temperature setting is 22°C
- Experts recommend 25°C for energy efficiency
- About 5 percent of households leave air conditioning on when no one is home
- This behaviour adds around $70 extra to summer power bills
- Average quarterly energy bill now sits at $410
Why 22 Degrees Is Costing You More
While 22 degrees feels comfortable, energy experts say it is far from efficient.
In most Australian cities outside the tropics, homes can be cooled effectively at 25 degrees. Each degree lower significantly increases electricity use.
Power cost impact per degree:
- Every extra degree of cooling increases your power bill by about 10 percent
- Dropping from 25°C to 22°C can increase cooling costs by 30 percent
How Long Should Air Conditioning Actually Run?
Running air conditioning longer than necessary is another major cost driver.
Experts say:
- 4 hours is usually enough to cool most homes in coastal capital cities
- Many households are running units for 6 hours or more
- Some systems continue running even when homes are empty
Cooling an Empty House: A Hidden Cost
Around 1 million Australians admit to leaving air conditioning on while no one is home.
On average:
- Air conditioning runs 4.2 hours per day in empty homes during summer
- This adds approximately $70 to seasonal power bills
Which Air Conditioners Are Cheapest to Run?
Not all air conditioning systems cost the same to operate.
| Airconditioning Type | Average Summer Running Cost |
|---|---|
| Split system | $203 |
| Reverse-cycle split | $267 |
| Older or large units | Significantly higher |
Reverse-cycle systems are more efficient overall because they provide both heating and cooling, but split systems remain the cheapest option for summer-only use.
Why Power Bills Are Becoming So Stressful
Finder’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker shows:
- More than 1 in 4 households rate energy bills as one of their most stressful expenses
- Rising electricity prices mean even small inefficiencies add up quickly
Finder utilities expert Mariam Gabaji says many Australians feel trapped between comfort and affordability.
“Air conditioning is essential in much of the country, but it remains one of the most expensive household appliances to run. Even small changes can make a noticeable difference.”
Best Practices to Cut Air Conditioning Costs
Energy experts recommend these proven steps to reduce bills without sacrificing comfort:
Temperature and timing
- Set the air conditioning to 25°C
- Avoid running systems when no one is home
- Use programmable timers or smart thermostats
Maintenance and airflow
- Clean air filters at least once a year
- Ensure vents are not blocked by furniture
- Keep doors and windows closed during peak heat
Natural cooling
- Use fans during cooler morning and evening hours
- Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day
- Improve insulation where possible
Check Your Energy Plan Too
Air conditioning efficiency is only part of the equation.
Finder estimates households could save:
- $40 to $220 per year simply by switching to a cheaper energy plan
With the gap between the cheapest and most expensive electricity deals widening, reviewing your plan can deliver savings without changing behaviour at all.
The Bottom Line
Australians are not overpaying for power because they need air conditioning. They are overpaying because of how they use it.
Small changes in temperature, timing, and maintenance can deliver real savings, especially as summer heat intensifies and electricity prices remain high.
Staying cool does not have to mean blowing out the power bill.
