As the sweltering summer heat sets in, air conditioning becomes a lifeline for many families. However, using AC incorrectly can lead to soaring electricity bills and negatively impact your health and ability to adapt to the natural environment. The good news is that with a few simple habit changes, you can significantly save energy while staying cool and comfortable.
Expert Tips for Quick Cooling and Energy Savings
According to the latest research by the University of Sydney’s Center for Health and Heat (Australia), using an electric fan before turning on the air conditioner can provide instant cooling and significantly reduce power consumption. This simple trick can save you hundreds of thousands of dong each month during the peak hot season.

Specifically, when you feel hot, instead of turning on the AC immediately and setting the temperature to 22-24°C, start by turning on the fan to create a circulating breeze in the room. While the fan doesn’t lower the room’s temperature, it helps cool the body through two mechanisms: promoting heat dissipation through the skin and increasing sweat evaporation – an effective natural cooling method.
Once your body has cooled down initially, you can turn on the AC and set it to 27-28°C. This temperature range is optimal for energy savings while maintaining comfort. Experts also consider this range healthier for your body and the environment.
Electric Fan – The Ideal Companion for Your AC
A little-noticed fact is that electric fans consume only about 3% of the electricity that air conditioners do. Therefore, when you use a fan with your AC, such as a ceiling or table fan, you not only cool the entire room more evenly but also reduce the AC’s continuous running time. This helps prolong the AC’s lifespan and reduce repair and maintenance costs while saving energy.
According to the University of Sydney experts, by simply raising the AC temperature from 24°C to 26.5°C and using a fan, you can reduce energy consumption by nearly 30% while maintaining the same level of comfort.
Beware of Incorrect AC Usage Habits
While air conditioning provides comfort, overuse can lead to a loss of adaptability to temperature changes outdoors. Many people experience dizziness and fatigue when stepping out of a cooled room into the sun, especially children, the elderly, and those with cardiovascular conditions.
Maintaining an excessively low indoor temperature can also affect your nervous, circulatory, and respiratory systems. Prolonged exposure to AC has been linked to skin dryness, sore throats, headaches, and weakened immune systems.
Guidelines for Energy-Efficient and Effective AC Usage
Here are some expert recommendations to use your AC correctly, save energy, and stay comfortably cool:
- Turn on the fan before the AC: This creates a quicker cooling sensation without drastically lowering the temperature.
- Only turn on the AC when the room temperature exceeds 27°C: Avoid unnecessary energy waste when it’s not too hot.
- Combine AC with a fan: This ensures even distribution of cool air, saving energy.
- Set the temperature to 27-28°C: This range is ideal for health and cost-effectiveness.
- Turn off the AC 10-15 minutes before leaving the room: This saves energy without significantly impacting the cooling effect.

Long-Term Energy-Saving Solution for All Families
Small habit, big impact – that’s the golden rule when using electrical appliances, especially air conditioning. Adjusting your habits will not only reduce your monthly electricity bills but also protect your family’s health during prolonged hot spells.
Additionally, energy conservation is an environmentally conscious act that reduces pressure on the national power grid, a critical concern amid the evident climate change crisis.