How to

The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Your Air Conditioner and Slashing Your Energy Bills

As the weather heats up, air conditioners become a necessity once again. But before you switch on your AC, there are a few essential tips you should know to save electricity and protect your health.

Administrator

3 September, 2024

When using air conditioning for cooling, it’s best to direct the airflow upwards so that the cold air circulates from top to bottom. Conversely, when heating, adjust the fan downwards. This way, hot and cold air can be maximized and aid in natural air exchange and circulation in the room.

Install at a height of 5.5 feet (1.7 meters)

Air conditioning units are typically installed at a height because cold air has a higher density. So, when the AC unit at this height blows cold air outwards, it will automatically sink and cool the room.

However, it shouldn’t be installed higher than 5.5 feet (1.7 meters) as the cold air, even after undergoing heat exchange, hasn’t sunk and spread out sufficiently, and will be sucked back in, leading to insufficient heat exchange and cooling in the room.

Image: Georgiaairrepair

Draw the curtains

When the AC is on, it’s best to draw the curtains to block out the sunlight and keep the room cooler. Light-colored curtains are preferable as they reflect light, bouncing it back to its source, thus aiding the cooling process.

Set to 78.8°F (26°C) for adults and 82.4°F (28°C) for children

The ideal temperature for air conditioning is 78.8°F (26°C), ensuring a cool and comfortable environment that’s suitable for prolonged periods. Ensure that the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors isn’t too extreme to avoid catching a cold.

However, if there are children in the room, set the temperature to 82.4°F (28°C) as their temperature regulation functions are not yet fully developed, and to prevent them from becoming overly reliant on air conditioning.

Clean the AC unit once a month

If an AC unit is not cleaned for years, it will accumulate dust and harmful bacteria, leading to respiratory infections. Importantly, dust buildup reduces cooling efficiency and increases power consumption. Therefore, it’s essential to clean the AC unit once a month during the summer. In addition to cleaning the mask and filter, use a professional AC disinfectant solution for thorough cleaning.

Turning the AC on and off continuously consumes the most energy

Turning the AC on and off is the easiest way to increase power consumption, especially when starting up, as it can easily damage the compressor. The correct way is to set a low temperature to cool the room as quickly as possible. Once the desired temperature is reached, adjust the temperature upwards and reduce the fan speed.

Use the timer function

You don’t need to keep the AC running all night. Typically, 2-3 hours at the beginning of your sleep is sufficient, after which you can switch to a fan. If you’re still concerned about the temperature, you can also set the AC to sleep mode at night to save up to 20% energy.

Keep the door open when turning on the AC

The air in a closed room with the AC running can be 2-5 times more harmful than outdoors, negatively affecting your health. Staying in a closed room for too long can increase feelings of suffocation and difficulty breathing. The correct way to use the AC is to let it run for 10 minutes with the door open. This way, during the AC’s operation, some dust and bacteria will be expelled, allowing fresh air to enter the room.

At the same time, ventilate the AC room three times a day – morning, afternoon, and evening.

Place a bucket of water

The AC will absorb moisture from the room, making the air dry, which can cause dryness in the mouth, nose, and eyes. Placing a bucket of water in the room can help alleviate these symptoms.

Place oxygen-rich plants

In a room with the AC running, if the windows are often closed and the air isn’t circulated, place oxygen-rich plants like orchids, asparagus ferns, or peace lilies. These plants not only release large amounts of oxygen but also purify the air, making the room fresher and cooler.

Limit the use of AC when sleeping on mats

For those with spinal degeneration, cold shoulders, or joint pain, sleeping on mats in a cold room can trigger a recurrence of old ailments. Those with digestive issues or a fear of catching a cold may also experience stomachaches and diarrhea when sleeping on mats in a cold room. Therefore, it’s best to limit the use of AC when sleeping on mats or switch to using a mattress.

Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to improve the efficiency of your air conditioner and lower your energy costs. First, ensure your AC unit is the right size for your space – an oversized unit will cycle on and off too frequently, wasting energy. Keep your AC well-maintained by regularly cleaning or replacing filters, and clearing debris from the outdoor unit. Seal any gaps or leaks around windows and doors to prevent cool air from escaping, and consider installing a smart thermostat to optimize temperature settings and save energy.

One mistake is setting the thermostat too low, thinking it will cool the room faster. This isn’t true and only results in excessive energy consumption. Another mistake is forgetting to change or clean filters regularly, which reduces airflow and efficiency. Blocking vents with furniture or curtains is also common but restricts airflow and affects cooling performance.

Smart thermostats can automatically adjust temperature settings based on your preferences and presence in the home. They can be programmed to turn the AC off when you’re away and back on before you return, saving energy. Some smart thermostats also offer energy-saving features like ‘auto-away’ mode and provide insights into your energy usage, helping you make informed adjustments.

Look out for unusual noises, strange smells, or leaking water as these could indicate a problem. If your AC is blowing warm air, struggling to cool the room, or short-cycling (turning on and off frequently), it likely needs attention. Keep an eye on your energy bills, too; a sudden spike in costs could mean your AC is working harder than it should.

It’s recommended to check your air filters once a month, especially during heavy use in summer. Clean or replace them as needed; this could be every few months or more frequently if you have pets or live in a dusty area. Regularly cleaning the filters will ensure optimal airflow and help extend the life of your AC unit.