
Tips to Use Air Conditioners to Save Energy and Stay Cool
We all know how hot and humid our homes and offices can get, especially in the summer. Therefore, it is necessary to install air conditioners to increase comfort in our homes or offices. Air conditioning can help you live in a comfortable environment by reducing overflown heat and humidity. It can improve the air quality in your home, reduce the risk of allergies and keep your room appliances and equipment cool.
However, air conditioners use a lot of energy, which increases your annual energy bills. According to a recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), air conditioners use more than 10% of the electricity produced worldwide, with the average air conditioner using about 16% of the total electricity you use at home. Fortunately, with the help of modern technology and using the latest air conditioners in a most optimal way, you can save energy costs while keeping your home and offices cool and healthy.
Here are Some Useful Tips To Save Energy Bills of AC
Keep the Portable AC hose Straight:
Any kinks in the portable air conditioner hose can reduce the efficiency of the unit. Hoses should be kept as direct as possible.
Avoid Using Some of the Other Home Appliances When it is too Hot Outside:
Most of the appliances in our homes produce a lot of heat, which increases the temperature in the room and overloads the air conditioning system. You can reduce the amount of heat by using machines such as the oven, Tea maker iron press and hair dryers in the evening when it is a little cooler outside. Other appliances that can heat your home contain computers, televisions, and light bulbs, so turning them off during the day will lessen your cooling bill.
Adjusting the Thermostat as High as You Can Endure:
The smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperature, the smaller the need for cooling. Therefore, increasing the thermostat setting to the highest comfortable temperature can reduce the workload of the air conditioner and minimise energy consumption. A recent study by the European Commission revealed that you can save up to 2% on your cooling costs for every 10F you raise your thermostat. As a general rule, you should set the thermostat to maintain a maximum of 8 degrees difference between room and outdoor temperature. For optimal performance, we recommend setting the thermostat between 24 and 26 C as per the conditions and whereabouts of the room where the air conditioner is installed.
Keep Your Unit Clean:
Clean or replace the unit according to instructions in the use and maintenance manual. Clean the coils and vents regularly with a plastic brush. Use the brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner to get rid of all the remaining dirt. Getting help from a professional air conditioner service provider is highly recommended.
Maintain Your Cooling System:
Sometimes installing a programmable thermostat and using an energy-efficient AC unit is not enough. If you don’t take proper care of your appliance, you won’t reduce the energy costs of your cooling bills. Dirty air conditioner filters can block airflow, making it harder to cool your home during the summer.
Regularly cleaning your air conditioner’s filters at least for twice a month can help reduce its energy consumption by about 5 to 15 percent. For your central cooling system, make sure your floor isn’t blocked by dust or furniture. Its evaporator and condenser coils must also be free of dirt and debris to operate at peak efficiency.
The Shade Hack:
When the sun is high, close the blinds or draw the curtains to keep the indoor temperature low and reduce the need for air conditioning.
Leave the AC on Low When You Go Out:
Frequent switching on and off of the air conditioner leads to inefficient energy consumption. If you are going out for a short time, it may be more efficient and energy efficient to leave the air conditioning on but muted until you return.
Improve the Insulation:
Since most of your home’s energy goes into heating and cooling, it seems obvious that one of the things you should do is improve your home’s insulation. You can do this in one of two ways: either use regular fibreglass batt or the newer spray foam insulation. It is recommended that you call an insulation specialist to get some ideas on how to achieve the best insulation improvements for your home.
Keep Your Air Filters Clean:
Over time, the air filters on our air conditioners collect dust and dirt, eventually restricting airflow. When airflow is interrupted, your air conditioner will struggle to keep your home cool, causing it to use more energy. Don’t wait for the air filters to clog. Cleaning them every 15 to 30 days should keep air flowing smoothly through your unit.
Make Sure the AC is Installed at the Correct Location:
When installing an air conditioner, its location is the main consideration. Make sure your AC condenser is placed in the shade and has enough room to dissipate heat. If your air conditioner is discovered in a place where it is in direct contact with the sun. It is sage to change the location as soon as possible or hide it in the shade to save money on air conditioning.
Also, do not cover the air conditioner with a lot of leaves and bushes. Similarly, try to keep dirt and debris out of the base of your air conditioner. Selecting the right location for your air conditioner will grow its efficiency. Plus, it will help you secure money on your AC bills.
Keep the Air-Conditioned Room Sealed:
Your air conditioner works hard enough to cool the air in your room, don’t let it escape easily. Keep the windows of your rooms closed and curtains on them, do not open the doors of your rooms often because every time you open the door of the room, fresh warm air from outside enters the room and it has to be cooled again, which is a waste of work.
Conclusion
To save on your air conditioner’s electricity bill, make sure your air conditioner and compressor are out of direct sunlight and the room you want to cool is fully sealed and insulated. Always set the thermostat between 24 to 26 degrees Celsius and clean the air filter every month. Having your air conditioner serviced by a professional every year also helps improve the cooling capacity and overall lifespan of your air conditioner.