The new rates for electricity consumption that have begun this June are causing many people who are looking for solutions to be able to save, for example when putting a washing machine or when using some electrical appliances during the hours in which It is more expensive to consume electricity, but summer is approaching , the high temperatures are beginning to be noticed (and a lot) and although the temptation to put the air conditioning is great , you may think that it is “crazy” knowing what we are going to pay on the electricity bill soon. Therefore, we want to offer you 7 tips below to reduce light consumption with air conditioning.
7 tips to reduce light consumption with air conditioning
Is it possible to reduce air conditioning consumption without sacrificing comfort? With the arrival of the first heat in many Spanish homes the air conditioning has been turned on again. There are still several days before the actual summer , but the mercury has already exceeded 30 degrees in many cities . And this weekend we are already experiencing new temperature peaks in almost the entire country. Therefore, to face the hot season without having to worry about the new electricity bill, it is possible to follow some dedicated tips.
Let’s see next, a small guide to reduce the consumption of the air conditioning in an efficient way . A concise formulary to understand what tools the user has to increase energy and economic savings.
Technology
Choosing the best technology on the market is in itself the first step to reduce air conditioning consumption. Experts recommend devices with an inverter control system . Traditional air conditioners work with the power supplied, regulating the temperature by turning the compressor on and off. On the contrary, inverter technology works with a variable output power depending on the ambient temperature. In other words, the rotational speed of the compressor is constantly adjusted with respect to the actual need , offering optimum performance in any condition of use. Excellent for those who use them intensively, they cost more than the classic models, but ensure less power consumption and noise .
Energy label
When buying an air conditioner, look at the energy label. The energy label is a fundamental tool to guide the choice of less experienced consumers. Together with the indications of the manufacturer’s name and model, the label shows: the energy efficiency class of the device on a scale from A to D ; the rated power in kW / h; the SEER efficiency index (the higher the value, the better the appliance uses energy); the seasonal coefficient of performance in heating mode (the higher the value, the better the appliance uses energy); the consumption of kW / year and even the noise it emits.
Installation
During the installation phase, it is important to place the air conditioner on top of the wall . This is because cold air tends to descend, mixing more easily with warm air, which instead tends to rise. It is also advisable to install a unit in each of the rooms to be refrigerated. Having a single air conditioner, even powerful, in the corridor is useless since the only result will be to receive a little cold air every time you cross the corridor going from one room to another. In addition, it is also important to ensure that the exterior of the system is not exposed to the sun or bad weather.
Use
Avoiding excess should be the golden rule to reduce air conditioning consumption. The legislation establishes that during the summer season the internal temperature does not fall below 24-26 degrees Celsius. Actually, very often 2 or 3 degrees below the outside temperature is enough.
We also have to know that many times to avoid the sensation of oppressive heat , activating the dehumidification function may be sufficient since the humidity present in the air makes us perceive a much higher temperature than the real one.
Among the tips to save energy, there is also the use of the timer and the “night function”. In this way, the appliance’s start-up time is reduced to a minimum without losing comfort.
Maintenance
Air filters and fans should be cleaned before seasonal start-up and at least every two weeks after start-up. At this level, in fact, molds and bacteria can nest, even very harmful to health. It is also advisable to check the tightness of the gas circuit.
Better practices
Don’t leave doors and windows open unnecessarily. The entry into the room of “new” hot air forces the appliance to do additional work, thereby wasting energy. In the same way, you should avoid placing obstacles or barriers (such as curtains or sofas) in front of the appliance, to prevent the air from getting out and expanding correctly.
Isolation
To help the air conditioner do its job and avoid wasting energy, a good starting point is the thermal insulation of the house. Performing an energy diagnostic of the building is the first useful step to evaluate the insulation of walls and windows and the efficiency of the systems. The diagnosis will suggest the interventions to be carried out by evaluating the cost-benefit ratio, since insulating our house well can mean that in the long run, the summer air conditioning costs of the rooms are saved up to 40%. On the other hand, an aid can also come simply from protecting ourselves from direct light during the hottest hours.
