Many experts advise against setting the temperature below 26 degrees Celsius, as it can result in significantly higher electricity consumption. Some people believe that 28 degrees Celsius is the optimal temperature, providing a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. But have you ever wondered how much electricity is consumed when running the air conditioner at 28 degrees Celsius overnight?
In reality, several factors come into play when determining the electricity consumption of air conditioners. The three primary factors are the energy efficiency ratio (EER), environmental factors, and the operating hours of the outdoor compressor.
Regarding the energy efficiency ratio, the EER of an air conditioner is calculated as the cooling capacity (in BTU) divided by the power consumption (in Watts). A higher EER indicates a more energy-efficient air conditioner.
Environmental factors also play a significant role. The higher the outdoor temperature, the more electricity the air conditioner will consume. Additionally, the energy consumption is influenced by the room’s insulation and airtightness. If the room is not well-insulated or has poor airtightness, running the air conditioner with the door wide open can lead to substantial electricity usage, regardless of the outdoor temperature.
The operating hours of the outdoor compressor directly impact the electricity consumption as well. The longer the compressor runs, the more electricity is used.
According to some studies, running a 1.5-horsepower air conditioner at 28 degrees Celsius in an 18-square-meter room overnight (approximately 8 hours) typically consumes around 8 kW.h of electricity. You can then multiply this number by your electricity rate to get the cost.
If the room is larger than 18 square meters, even an inverter air conditioner may not offer significant energy savings.
As for whether setting the air conditioner at 28 degrees Celsius is the most energy-efficient option, the answer is not entirely accurate. Research suggests that maintaining a temperature difference of 5 degrees Celsius between the indoor and outdoor temperatures is the most energy-efficient approach. Therefore, setting the air conditioner at 28 degrees Celsius is relatively energy-efficient, but it also depends on the outdoor temperature and may require adjustments accordingly.
Tips to Save Electricity When Using Air Conditioning
– Maintain a temperature above 25 degrees Celsius, ideally around 26 to 28 degrees Celsius.
– Avoid frequently turning the air conditioner on and off. Doing so multiple times a day or within short intervals can triple your electricity bill.
– Use the air conditioner in combination with a fan.
– Instead of keeping the door wide open, slightly crack it open to allow for air circulation while minimizing heat gain.
– Regularly clean and maintain your air conditioning unit.