How to Lower Your Power Bills with Smarter HVAC Use

Energy Saving Tips

3 minutes

26 Sept 2025

Written by Jake Deppeler — Plumber & Founder of Trust Trade

Introduction

Heating and cooling are usually the biggest part of a household energy bill often 40–60% of total costs in Australia. The way you use and maintain your HVAC system makes all the difference. Small adjustments in habits, settings, and maintenance can cut hundreds of dollars a year without sacrificing comfort.

Here are five in-depth ways to reduce running costs, improve efficiency, and keep your home comfortable all year round.

Set Efficient Temperatures

Your thermostat is the biggest factor in how much energy your HVAC system uses.
Cooling (summer): Aim for 22–23°C. Every degree you drop below this can increase your energy use by 5% or more.
Heating (winter): Aim for 19–20°C. Pushing it higher forces your unit to run longer and harder.

Why it matters:
The closer your thermostat is to the outdoor temperature, the less energy your system needs to use. It’s about finding the “sweet spot” where you’re comfortable without overworking the unit.

Pro Tip: If you have a DC inverter compressor (common in modern systems), it’s more efficient to let it run steadily than to constantly turn it off and on. Set it early in the day during summer so it can maintain temperature before the hottest part of the afternoon.

Your thermostat is the biggest factor in how much energy your HVAC system uses.
Cooling (summer): Aim for 22–23°C. Every degree you drop below this can increase your energy use by 5% or more.
Heating (winter): Aim for 19–20°C. Pushing it higher forces your unit to run longer and harder.

Maintain and Clean Filters Regularly

Airflow is critical for efficiency. A dirty filter forces the system to work harder, driving up energy use and reducing air quality.

How often: Clean or replace filters every 1–3 months during heavy use.
Extra maintenance: Have a professional clean the coils, blower, and drains once a year.
Impact: A clogged filter can increase power use by 15–20% and shorten the life of your unit.

Why it matters:
When airflow is blocked, the compressor and fans run longer, costing you more and putting strain on parts. Clean filters = better air, lower bills, and longer system life.

Airflow is critical for efficiency. A dirty filter forces the system to work harder, driving up energy use and reducing air quality.

How often: Clean or replace filters every 1–3 months during heavy use.
Extra maintenance: Have a professional clean the coils, blower, and drains once a year.
Impact: A clogged filter can increase power use by 15–20% and shorten the life of your unit.

Why it matters:
When airflow is blocked, the compressor and fans run longer, costing you more and putting strain on parts. Clean filters = better air, lower bills, and longer system life.

Use Zoning and Smart Controls

Heating or cooling your entire home when you only use a few rooms is one of the biggest wastes of energy.

Zoning: If your system has zoning, only run the areas you’re using — like bedrooms at night or living areas during the day.
Smart controls: Use programmable thermostats or smart apps to automatically adjust temperatures when you’re asleep, at work, or away.
Timers: Pre-cool or pre-heat spaces before peak demand (and peak pricing) periods.

Why it matters:
A zoned ducted system can cut your running costs by up to 30%, simply by not heating or cooling unused areas.

Heating or cooling your entire home when you only use a few rooms is one of the biggest wastes of energy.

Zoning: If your system has zoning, only run the areas you’re using — like bedrooms at night or living areas during the day.
Smart controls: Use programmable thermostats or smart apps to automatically adjust temperatures when you’re asleep, at work, or away.
Timers: Pre-cool or pre-heat spaces before peak demand (and peak pricing) periods.

Why it matters:
A zoned ducted system can cut your running costs by up to 30%, simply by not heating or cooling unused areas.

Keep Heat In (or Out) of Your Home

Your HVAC system doesn’t just fight the temperature inside it also battles heat loss and heat gain through your home.

Windows: Close blinds and curtains during summer days to block out direct sun. In winter, open them during the day to let warmth in, then close them at night to keep heat inside.
Insulation: Ceiling insulation can reduce heating and cooling needs by up to 30%. Wall insulation and draft sealing make an even bigger difference.
Doors: Keep internal doors closed to stop conditioned air escaping into unused rooms.

Why it matters:
Every bit of heat you lose (or gain) through poor insulation, open curtains, or drafts makes your HVAC system work harder. Reducing these losses is one of the cheapest, most effective ways to save on bills.

Service Your System Yearly

Just like a car, your HVAC system needs regular servicing to run efficiently.

A licensed technician will:

Check refrigerant levels and top up if needed
Inspect the compressor, fans, and electrical connections
Look for duct leaks (a common source of wasted energy)
Test thermostats and safety controls

Why it matters:
A poorly maintained system can lose 10–30% efficiency over time. Annual servicing keeps energy use low, reduces breakdowns, and extends the lifespan of your unit by years.

What to Do Next

The smartest way to lower your power bills is a combination of good habits, regular maintenance, and using your HVAC system efficiently.

Start by setting your thermostat to efficient levels.
Keep filters clean and blinds down during hot days.
Make the most of zoning, timers, and DC inverter efficiency.
Get your system serviced yearly to protect your investment.

Use Trust Trade to find verified HVAC professionals who can keep your system running at peak efficiency and help you save money year after year.

The smartest way to lower your power bills is a combination of good habits, regular maintenance, and using your HVAC system efficiently.

Start by setting your thermostat to efficient levels.
Keep filters clean and blinds down during hot days.
Make the most of zoning, timers, and DC inverter efficiency.
Get your system serviced yearly to protect your investment.

Use Trust Trade to find verified HVAC professionals who can keep your system running at peak efficiency and help you save money year after year.

‹ Zoning Control in Ducted Split Systems – Why It Matters for Efficiency and Comfort

Ducted vs Split Systems – Which Is Best for Your Home? ›

How to Lower Your Power Bills with Smarter HVAC Use

Learn how to lower your power bills with smarter HVAC use. Follow simple tips to save money, improve comfort, and extend your heating and cooling system’s life.