Getting the Best Out of Your Aircon This Summer
Summer has come, and the humidity is challenging. We rely on your air conditioner for incredible relief. However, are we using it correctly? Unfortunately, some unknowingly waste energy and even money on it.
Here’s how to stay comfortable and still keep your power bill at a reasonable level.
Set the Right Temperature
Turning your aircon to the lowest temperature doesn’t get your house cold faster. It requires the unit to work harder, which results in greater energy usage. For efficient system output, comfort levels of 24-26°C must be set. For every 1 degree lowered, you may also use 6-10% more energy.
Keep Your Aircon Clean
Why Having a Dirty Aircon Makes It Work Harder to Give You Less Cool Air: A filthy aircon works double time, consuming a lot of energy but offering minimal cool air. Cleaning or replacing the filters every two weeks should enable the airflow to trickle down as it should. A professional cleaning every few months is also a good idea to keep your system performing well.
Utilize a Fan to Aid Air Flow
Using an aircon, an electric ceiling, or a standing fan will help distribute the cool air better. This enables your unit to operate at the preferred temperature without overexertion. Apart from being inexpensive, fans consume less power than the latter, resulting in lower power consumption.
Block Heat from Entering
Your aircon has to work harder. Hence, direct sunlight heats your house fast. Use curtains, shades, or window films to block heat. But keeping doors and windows closed while the aircon is running also prevents cool air from escaping.
Schedule Your Usage
Keeping your aircon on for the entire day is simply an energy waste. Don’t leave it on when it doesn’t need to be when you’re asleep or not home; turn it on when you need it, and set the timer to shut it off. Smart air conditioners (or plug timers) can simplify this process, making it more convenient and accessible.
Avoid Overloading Your Aircon
Too many people or heat-inducing appliances in the room means your aircon faces an extra load because it has to work harder. Do not use the oven and stove or multiple electronic devices simultaneously, for example, running the aircon. Even precious tongits played with friends will still release heat from the body that can change cooling capabilities.
Use an Inverter Aircon
If you are considering buying an air conditioner, purchase an inverter air conditioner. It customizes its power output based on how much cooling a given room needs; less energy is used than non-inverter units. While the outlay, in the beginning, is much larger, the savings on your electricity bills make it a wise long-term investment.
Be Mindful Not to Overstress Your A/C
Running your aircon 24/7 leads to more wear and tear, another disadvantage. If possible, turn it off for a few hours and open it to fresh air, especially in the early morning or late evening when the heat cools. You can also step outside for some fresh air, perhaps have a quick series of games of tongits with your barkada while your aircon catches a breath.
Wrapping Up
You must use your air conditioner efficiently to be cool without being wasteful. Some simple changes to your air conditioning habits, such as aging the filters, setting the proper temperature, and using the fan ca, can make you calmer, save you money, and lower your carbon footprint. So get cool this summer while your light bills are at bay!
