In hot weather, the air conditioner works almost non-stop. But clean filters, correct temperature and sun protection help reduce consumption and extend the life of the device.
The summer heat forces air conditioners to work for hours, and sometimes for days. But if you use them thoughtlessly, the result will be not only coolness, but also an inflated electricity bill, noisy operation and the risk of breakdown at the most inopportune moment.
The good news is that an air conditioner can be made to work more efficiently without heroism, an engineering degree, or a ritual dance with a remote control. A few simple rules are enough: improve air circulation, reduce the heat load on the apartment and do not force the device to constantly reach the impossible 18°C.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping indoor temperatures as comfortable as possible in the summer and regularly cleaning or changing air conditioner filters. This reduces the load on the system and helps save energy. Energy.gov: Home Cooling Guidelines.
1. Clean the filters
Filters trap dust and small particles, but over time they themselves turn into an air plug. When air flow deteriorates, the air conditioner runs longer and harder, and cools less well.
Filters should be cleaned or replaced approximately every 1-3 months, depending on the intensity of use, dust in the house, the presence of animals and the condition of the system itself.
2. Don’t add heat yourself.
The oven, dryer, stove and other appliances heat the apartment. During the peak of the heat, it is better to postpone cooking, washing and drying until the early morning or late evening.
Otherwise, the air conditioner will fight not only with the street, but also with the home mini-heat power plant. A person who turns on an oven at +38°C has, in principle, already made a choice against civilization.
3. Monitor the external unit
The external unit must give off heat freely. Leaves, dust, branches, debris or things near it will reduce the efficiency of the system.
There should be free air around the block. Regular visual inspection and cleaning of the area around it will help avoid overheating and unnecessary stress.
4. Block out the sun
The sun through the windows quickly heats up the room. During the hottest hours, keep shutters, blinds, curtains or blinds closed, especially on the south and west sides.
The less heat enters the apartment, the less work the air conditioner does. It’s boring, but effective. Just like most useful tips, unfortunately.
5. Use a fan with an air conditioner
The fan does not cool the air like an air conditioner, but it helps distribute coolness and enhances the feeling of comfort. Thanks to this, you can set the air conditioner to a higher temperature.
Athens News previously calculated that a standard 50–60 W fan, when running 24/7, consumes approximately 36–43 kWh per month and is significantly cheaper than an air conditioner. How much does it cost to operate a fan in Greece?.
6. Do not block air flow
Do not place furniture, curtains or large objects so that they block the air flow from the indoor unit. In ducted systems, grilles must remain open and clear.
If cold air pushes against the cabinet, it is mainly the cabinet that is cooled. He may appreciate it, but he won’t pay the electric bill.
7. Close windows and doors
Even small cracks allow warm air in and cool air out. Check windows, balcony doors, seals and places where there is noticeable draft.
Good sealing and normal insulation reduce the operating time of the air conditioner. Sometimes this is more beneficial than trying to win the war against the heat with just a remote control.
8. Don’t play with temperature
Constant sudden changes in temperature do not help save money. For most apartments, a stable setting of about 26°Cespecially if the air conditioner is inverter.
Athens News previously wrote that every degree below 26°C can significantly increase electricity consumption. How much does electricity cost to use an air conditioner?.
9. Don’t forget about Dry mode
On days with high humidity Dry can improve the feeling of comfort without the same expense as full cooling. It does not replace air conditioning in extreme heat, but it helps when the main problem is humid, heavy air.
Athens News wrote separately about how this regime works. What does the Dry button do in air conditioners?.
10. Do maintenance before it breaks down.
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling well, doesn’t stop running, is noisy, leaks, or smells damp, you need a technician. Preventive maintenance is cheaper than repairs in the heat of the day, when the technicians are busy, the prices are high, and everyone’s patience has already evaporated.
Checking the freon, heat exchangers, drainage, electrical connections and overall system condition helps extend the life of the device and reduce the risk of emergency shutdown.
Main conclusion
Economical operation of an air conditioner does not begin with a complete renunciation of comfort, but with the correct settings. Clean filters, closed windows, sun protection, a fan and a stable 24-26°C often give better results than endless cycling.
In hot weather, the air conditioner should not fight with the apartment, but maintain a reasonable temperature. If you help it with shade, clean air and a normal setting, it will live longer, cool better and not turn the electric bill into its own genre of summer horror.
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