Who doesn’t love a nice, cool escape from the scorching summer heat? But let’s face it, constantly running the AC can wreak havoc on your wallet. Luckily, there are ways to maximise your AC’s efficiency and minimise the hit to your bank account.
Optimise your AC’s performance
Every Degree Counts: Find the ideal temperature for you. Adjust the AC temperature accordingly to prevent energy wastage.
Seal The Gaps: Open doors and windows will lead to cool air flowing outside the room. Ensure you properly close all windows and doors. If there are any gaps, cover them with a cloth or newspaper.
Clean It Regularly: A clogged air filter forces your AC to work harder, driving up energy consumption. You should get professional servicing done at least twice a year – once before summer and once after summer. Every few weeks, you must clean the filter to ensure your AC is working efficiently.
Schedule Strategic Shutdowns: Don’t cool an empty room! Use the timer function on your AC or a smart thermostat to automatically turn it off when you’re away. You can also use these functions to switch the AC off in the night – no need to keep it running throughout the night when you are asleep.
Harness the Power of Fans: If it isn’t too hot, you can make fans your best friend. Ceiling fans and strategically placed box fans create a cooling windchill effect. For an extra refreshing boost, place a bowl of ice in front of a fan for a cool mist. During the nighttime, you can use the AC and fans simultaneously to ensure your room cools faster and then shut off the AC.
Block Out the Sun: Sunlight streaming through windows heats your interior spaces. Use curtains, blinds or blackout shades to prevent sunlight from entering the room. If you have a portable air conditioner, you must definitely do this to get the most out of it.
Nighttime Ventilation: Crack open windows at night when the outdoor air is cooler. This creates a natural cross breeze that pushes out hot air. Remember to close them up again during the day to keep the cool air in.
Dress Appropriately: Wear cool, comfortable clothes made of cotton to ensure your body stays cool.
Upgrade For Efficiency: If your AC unit is old or isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should, consider upgrading it to a new AC. While 5-star rated AC will be higher, they will end up saving on power bills in the long run.
If you are considering upgrading your AC, don’t just blindly buy one similar to your old one. Analyse the room space and usage pattern. If you buy an air conditioner too big or too small, it will result in extra costs for you. Window ACs and portable air conditioners are considered budget options in air conditioners.
By following the above-mentioned tips, you can ensure your high AC usage doesn’t result in a low bank balance. Remember – a little planning goes a long way.
