Is it better to leave your air conditioner running all day or turn it off? Important things to think about in order to save electricity
Intense heat characterized the end of June. As temperatures rise, air conditioning becomes a necessary ally in battling the heat, but it can also work against the household budget. Experts caution that in this situation, understanding and following efficient usage guidelines is crucial to preventing unwarranted increases in electricity bills.
Experts stress that the amount of electricity used by air conditioners is primarily determined by how they are used, not just how many hours they are in use. Avoiding erratic and ineffective use of the equipment is more crucial than just turning it on or off.
Using abrupt temperature changes is one of the most frequent errors users make. If at all possible, experts advise keeping the thermostat set to 24 or 25 degrees. The amount of electricity used can rise by 10% for every degree that the temperature outside changes. For instance, keeping the interior temperature at 25 degrees Celsius is adequate to guarantee comfort without raising expenses if the outside temperature is 33 degrees Celsius.
Utilizing inverter technology, which is present in the majority of modern equipment, is another crucial component. By eliminating the sporadic on-off cycles that compel the air conditioner to run at maximum capacity, this system allows for continuous, self-regulating operation. Experts claim that this balanced, sustainable use is more effective than turning the air conditioner on and off multiple times throughout the day.
Knowing when to switch on the air conditioner and when not to
Although it might seem counterintuitive, turning on your air conditioner before too much heat accumulates in your house is a smart move. According to experts, turning it on early in the day, when the temperature hasn't risen, enables quicker cooling with less work. By keeping the temperature constant throughout the day, you can avoid overtaxing your air conditioner in the afternoon, when it's hardest to beat the heat.
It is advised to program your air conditioner to shut off automatically at night in order to benefit from the temperature drop that occurs naturally. It's usually not necessary to keep the unit running all night because it's usually cooler in the morning.
Suggestions for cutting back on consumption
Experts provide a number of useful suggestions to cut down on energy use:
If your air conditioner permits it, switch to ECO mode, which can result in up to 30% in savings.
Maintain the cleanliness of the filters and periodically check the coolant level.
To increase the circulation of cool air, use ceiling fans.
If your system has this feature, cool by zones and close the doors.
For reasons of efficiency and health, do not direct airflow directly at people.
If you will be away from the device for a few hours, turn it off completely because even when it is in standby mode, it still uses power.