Winter-Proofing Your Air Conditioner & Home – Air Conditioning Perth

As Perth’s temperatures drop, it’s time to shift focus from keeping cool in summer to staying warm and comfortable through winter. Many homeowners don’t realise their air conditioning system plays just as crucial a role in winter as it does in summer. Whether you have a reverse cycle air conditioner, a ducted system, or a split system, ensuring it’s ready for the colder months is essential for efficiency, cost savings, and longevity.

At Dacs Air Conditioning, we believe that a well-maintained system and a properly winter-proofed home can make a significant difference in keeping your energy bills low and your comfort levels high. Here are some important ‘must-do’ steps to prepare your air conditioner and home for winter.

1. Service Your Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner Before Winter Begins

If you rely on a reverse cycle air conditioner for heating, scheduling a professional pre-winter service is vital. Many people only think about their air conditioning unit when summer rolls around, but a neglected system can struggle in winter, leading to inefficiencies and unexpected breakdowns. A professional service from Dacs Air Conditioning ensures filters are cleaned or replaced for optimal airflow, coils are free from dust and debris, refrigerant levels are checked and topped up if necessary, electrical components are inspected for safety, and the thermostat is calibrated correctly. By maintaining your air conditioner, you can prevent costly repairs down the track and keep your home at a comfortable temperature without overworking the unit.

2. Check and Seal Drafts Around Your Home

One of the biggest culprits of heat loss in winter is unsealed gaps and drafts. Even with an efficient air conditioner, warm air can escape through gaps around doors, windows, and vents. This not only makes your heating system work harder but also increases your energy bills unnecessarily. Quick fixes for draft-proofing your home include installing weather stripping around doors and windows to reduce air leaks, using door snakes to block drafts under doors, sealing gaps in floorboards and skirting boards, and closing fireplace dampers when not in use to prevent heat from escaping. A well-sealed home allows your air conditioning system to work efficiently, keeping the warmth inside where it belongs.

3. Optimise Your Thermostat Settings

One of the biggest mistakes people make in winter is setting the thermostat too high, which can result in skyrocketing energy bills. The ideal indoor temperature for winter comfort and energy efficiency is between 18°C and 21°C. Lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can reduce heating costs by up to 10%. Use a programmable thermostat to set different temperatures for different times of the day. Avoid cranking up the heat too high—gradual warming is more efficient and won’t overwork your system. If your air conditioner has smart controls, use them to schedule heating times to match your daily routine.

4. Clean or Replace Your Air Filters

Dirty air filters can reduce airflow, strain your air conditioning system, and increase running costs. In winter, when your system is working hard to keep your home warm, clean filters ensure better air quality by reducing dust, allergens, and pollutants, efficient airflow to prevent the system from overworking, and lower energy consumption to keep your bills in check. Check your air filters monthly and either clean or replace them as needed. If you’re unsure, the team at Dacs Air Conditioning can provide professional advice.

5. Insulate Your Home for Maximum Heat Retention

Good insulation is key to keeping your home warm and reducing reliance on your heating system. If your home is not properly insulated, you could be losing up to 25% of heat through the roof alone. Check ceiling insulation and upgrade if needed, insulate walls and floors to prevent heat loss, and use heavy curtains or thermal blinds to retain warmth. A well-insulated home means your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard, extending its lifespan and keeping energy bills lower.

6. Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Warm Air

It might sound strange, but ceiling fans can actually help in winter too! Most modern ceiling fans have a reverse function, which rotates the blades in the opposite direction to push warm air back down into the room instead of letting it rise to the ceiling. Set ceiling fans to low speed in reverse mode to distribute warm air evenly. This helps reduce heating costs and prevents hot air from being wasted. It’s a simple trick that can increase comfort without increasing energy bills.

7. Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clear

If you have an outdoor air conditioning unit, make sure it is free from debris like leaves, dust, and dirt. In winter, it’s important to clear any obstructions around the unit for proper airflow, check for signs of rust or damage, and keep the unit dry and protected from excessive moisture. Regular outdoor unit maintenance ensures smooth operation and prevents unexpected issues when you need heating the most.

8. Consider a System Upgrade If Necessary

If your air conditioner is more than 10-15 years old, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Older systems are less energy-efficient, meaning they cost more to run and don’t heat as effectively. Newer models from brands like Daikin, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, and Fujitsu offer advanced inverter technology for better efficiency, smart controls for remote operation, improved air filtration for healthier indoor air, and quieter operation for a more comfortable home. If you’re unsure whether your system needs replacing, Dacs Air Conditioning can provide expert advice on whether a repair or upgrade is the best option.

Stay Warm and Energy-Efficient This Winter with Dacs Air Conditioning

Winter in Perth doesn’t have to mean high heating bills and inefficient air conditioning. With the right pre-winter maintenance, draft-proofing, and energy-saving strategies, you can stay warm and comfortable while keeping costs down. Dacs Air Conditioning offers professional maintenance, servicing, and upgrades for all leading air conditioner brands, including Daikin, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Fujitsu, and more. Whether you need a pre-winter service or advice on the best heating solutions for your home, our experienced team is here to help. Get in touch with Dacs Air Conditioning today and ensure your air conditioner and home are winter-ready!