Summer has arrived, and with it, the unbearable heat makes air conditioning a necessity for comfort. However, the constant need for coolness can lead to high electricity bills. But there’s a simple solution that can significantly reduce your energy consumption this summer: adjusting the air conditioner temperature.
The Common Misconception About Air Conditioning Settings
When summer hits, it’s almost instinctive to set the air conditioning to 22°C, hoping that the cooler air will provide much needed relief from the sweltering heat. This widespread practice is based on a common misconception. Aiming for a “polar” chill often does more harm than good. Setting the air conditioner to 22°C in the middle of a hot summer day creates a stark contrast between indoor and outdoor temperatures, which leads to excessive energy consumption.
In fact, this temperature setting forces the AC to work much harder than it needs to, dramatically increasing electricity usage. The extreme temperature difference can cause discomfort for your body as well. Entering and exiting a 22°C environment after being outside in 35°C heat can lead to health issues like sore throats, muscle pain, and even cold-like symptoms.
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What is the Ideal Setting for the AC?
The solution to this common energy mistake lies in a small yet impactful adjustment. As the U.S. Department of Energy share guidelines promoting Setting your air conditioner to 26°C instead of the usual 22°C can slash your electricity bill by half. It may seem like a small change, but the difference in energy consumption is substantial.
Every degree below the ideal temperature causes the air conditioner to consume exponentially more energy, resulting in a higher electricity bill over time. At 26°C, the air is cool enough to provide comfort without forcing your AC to overwork.
How to Stay Comfortable at 26°C During a Heatwave?
While 26°C may feel warm during a heatwave, there are several simple adjustments you can make to stay cool without relying heavily on your air conditioner. For starters, keep your windows and blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day. This will prevent the sun from heating up your space and reduce the need for constant cooling, ventilate your home in the early morning or late evening, when the temperature outside is cooler, to let fresh air circulate inside.
You can also improve the air quality and comfort by using fans. Fans help circulate air throughout the room, enhancing the cooling effect of the air conditioner without overloading the system, wearing light clothing made from natural fibers like cotton can help your body maintain a comfortable temperature. When it comes to your air conditioner, using the eco or auto mode can also contribute to energy savings.
Simple Changes for Bigger Savings
Besides adjusting your air conditioning settings, there are other minor changes you can implement to further optimize your cooling system’s efficiency. Closing your curtains and blinds during peak sunlight hours helps block out heat, reducing the workload on your air conditioner, switching off unused electrical appliances can prevent them from generating unnecessary heat.
If you’re heading out for the day, make sure to turn off the air conditioner entirely. Instead, lower the blinds, or if possible, leave a ventilator running. These actions will keep your home cool without continuously running the AC.
