Summer Energy Bill Shock? 5 Ways Fraser Coast Homeowners Can Save Money On Air Conditioning Costs

If your last power bill made you wince, you’re not alone. Air conditioning can account for up to 40% of your summer electricity costs across Hervey Bay, Gympie, and the Fraser Coast. The good news? You don’t have to choose between staying cool and keeping costs down.

Five practical ways to save money on air conditioning costs:

1. Set your thermostat to 24°C (saves 5-10% per degree lower)
2. Clean filters monthly (prevents 15% energy waste)
3. Close off unused rooms strategically
4. Use timers and energy-saving modes
5. Get annual professional servicing

Let’s break down how each option works.

1. Set your thermostat to 24°C (yes, really)

This is the simplest change that delivers the biggest savings. Every degree lower than 24°C increases your running costs by 5-10%.

Most people find 24°C perfectly comfortable with a ceiling fan running. The fan costs around 2 cents per hour compared to 40-70 cents per hour for air conditioning.

The reality check: Running your system at 20°C instead of 24°C can add an extra $90-$300 to your power bill over a Queensland summer, depending on your usage.

2. Clean or replace your filters monthly

Dirty filters force your air conditioner to work harder, increasing energy use by up to 15%.

Split system filters should be cleaned every 2-4 weeks during summer. It takes about five minutes. Simply remove the front panel, vacuum or wash the filter, let it dry, then reinstall. Clean filters also reduce the risk of mould growth in coastal humidity. 

Check out our guide on how to clean mould from your air conditioner, or for professional help, book an air conditioner cleaning service with TSR.

3. Close off unused rooms (but not completely)

Cooling your entire home when you’re only using a few rooms wastes energy and money. For split systems, close doors to unused rooms, and for ducted systems, use zone controls to cool only occupied areas.

The catch: Never close more than 30% of vents in a ducted system. Closing too many creates pressure imbalances that can damage your system.

4. Use timers and smart features

Use your timer to turn on 30 minutes before you get home rather than leaving it running all day. Most systems also have an energy-saving or sleep mode that can cut overnight running costs by 20-30%.

5. Get your system serviced professionally

A well-maintained air conditioner uses significantly less energy than one that’s been neglected. Dirty condenser coils alone can reduce efficiency by up to 30%.

Salt air and humidity across Hervey Bay, Maryborough, and the Fraser Coast accelerate wear on air conditioning systems. For most homes in these areas, annual servicing is sufficient, and the cost is typically recovered through improved efficiency within the same cooling season.

Explore our domestic air conditioning service options. Our client Luke recently shared after a TSR service: “Just had our three air cons cleaned and Harry did a great job. Can’t fault the service Harry provided. Would highly recommend TSR.”

Bonus tips: Free and easy wins

Keep 30cm clearance around your outdoor unit, close curtains during peak sun, and seal gaps around doors and windows with weather stripping.

Grab up to $400 in Queensland Government rebates

Before you spend another dollar on cooling costs, check if you qualify for government rebates. Here’s what’s currently available at the time of writing:

PeakSmart air conditioning program: Up to $400 cash back

Both Energex (South East Queensland) and Ergon Energy (regional Queensland) offer up to $400 for purchasing a PeakSmart-compatible air conditioner or converting an existing one.

Who qualifies? This rebate is available to most Queensland homeowners and small businesses based on the type of air conditioner you install.

How it works: PeakSmart technology allows your electricity provider to remotely reduce your air conditioner’s demand during peak grid stress periods, which only happens a few times a year. 

Medical cooling concession: $522 annually

If you or a family member has a medical condition worsened by heat (such as multiple sclerosis, severe burns, or autonomic dysfunction), you may qualify for $522 annually to help offset air conditioning running costs. 

How to claim: Check your eligibility and apply through your electricity retailer or visit the Queensland Government energy website. TSR can help you understand which systems qualify for rebates and ensure your installation meets program requirements.

The bottom line: That $400 PeakSmart rebate covers several years of professional servicing or reduces the upfront cost of a new system.

When saving money means replacing your system

Consider replacement if:

• Your system is more than 10 years old
• Energy bills keep climbing despite maintenance
• You’re facing frequent repairs

Modern 5-star energy-rated systems can use 30-50% less electricity than older models, meaning they can pay for themselves through energy savings over time.

Start saving today

The combination of smart temperature settings, regular maintenance, and Queensland Government rebates will make the biggest impact on your power bill.

Contact TSR today or call (07) 5482 8100 to discuss how we can help reduce your air conditioning costs even further this summer.