In summer, air conditioning can save the day, but it can also quickly strain your household budget. High temperatures mean that we turn it on more often and for longer periods of time, and the electricity bill can then come as a surprise. However, this does not mean that you have to choose between comfort and savings. There are many ways to enjoy the cool air without paying a fortune for energy. All you need to do is combine the right choice of equipment, the right settings, good habits, and regular maintenance.
Choosing the right device is half the success
A well-chosen air conditioner is an investment that pays for itself in your bills. If the device is too weak, it will run continuously, trying to maintain the set temperature, which will translate into higher electricity consumption and faster wear and tear of parts. On the other hand, a model that is too powerful will cool too quickly, then turn off and restart, which also generates additional costs and shortens the life of the compressor.
To avoid these problems, it is worth calculating the cooling capacity requirement, taking into account the floor space, room height, number of people, sunlight exposure, and the number of heat-emitting devices (e.g., computers or televisions). For a standard room with a height of 2.5 m, an average of approximately 100 W of cooling capacity per square meter is assumed, but if the room is sunny or has large windows, the demand may increase by up to a third.
Modern inverter air conditioners are more energy-efficient because they smoothly adjust the compressor power to the current demand. As a result, they consume less energy than models operating in “on/off” mode. Additional features such as presence sensors, automatic airflow control, and energy-saving modes can further reduce operating costs.
Settings that matter
Even the best equipment will be expensive to maintain if used inefficiently. One of the most common mistakes is setting the temperature too low. A sudden difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures is not only unhealthy for the body, but also requires the air conditioner to work harder. It is recommended that this difference be around 5-7°C. If it is 33°C outside, setting the temperature to 26-27°C is enough to achieve a comfortable feeling.
Another thing is to use ECO or night modes. ECO mode limits the power of the compressor and adjusts the airflow to maintain comfort in an energy-efficient way. Night mode works similarly, gradually raising the temperature during sleep when the body naturally needs less cooling.
It is also important to set the airflow direction. An upward airflow allows for even distribution of cool air throughout the room without creating unpleasant cold drafts. In many models, you can program the blinds to oscillate automatically for even more effective air distribution.
Air conditioning and your home
The efficiency of an air conditioner depends largely on the conditions in the building. If the rooms are very sunny, the device will have to work harder. Therefore, one of the simplest and cheapest ways to reduce the load on the air conditioning is to use window coverings — roller blinds, shutters, awnings, or curtains. Closing them during the hottest hours of the day can lower the temperature in the room by up to several degrees.
Another issue is the airtightness of rooms. If windows or balcony doors are not airtight, hot air will enter the room, forcing the air conditioner to work harder. Simple DIY seals can reduce this problem and lower energy consumption.
It is also important to remember to avoid ventilating the room while the air conditioner is running. If you want to let in fresh air, it is best to do so early in the morning or late in the evening when the outside temperature is lower. In addition, you can support the air conditioning with a ceiling or standing fan — this will distribute the cool air more quickly and allow the unit to operate at a lower power setting.
Maintenance and service — invisible savings
Even a modern air conditioner will consume more energy if it is dirty or poorly adjusted. The most common problem is clogged filters, which restrict air flow. This forces the compressor to work harder, which means higher electricity consumption and a greater risk of failure.
Filters should be cleaned regularly, preferably every two to four weeks during periods of intensive use. Usually, it is enough to remove them and rinse them under running water or vacuum them. For replaceable filters, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacement frequency.
It is worth ordering a professional service once a year. A specialist will check the tightness of the system, refill the refrigerant, clean the evaporator and condenser, and check the condition of the compressor. These activities often prevent situations in which the device loses efficiency and consumes more energy, and bills start to rise.
Taking care of your air conditioner not only reduces costs, but also improves the air quality in your home. Clean filters are more effective at trapping dust, pollen, and pollutants, which translates into greater comfort for your household, especially for those with allergies.
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