Keeping the house cool in summer is not an easy task. Many people consider air conditioning to be the solution, but using it incorrectly can cause your electricity bill to skyrocket. If you use the air conditioning every day for a month in summer, your electricity bill is likely to increase by about 30 euros. But there are mistakes that you can avoid so that your electricity bill does not skyrocket.
There are several mistakes that we make every day without realizing it, but as small as they seem, they really do have an impact on energy consumption. And that is why Selectra, a company specialized in comparing energy and telecommunications rates, has gathered together the most common errors in the use of air conditioning that could be making the electricity bill more expensive.
Choosing temperatures that are too low
How many times have you come home with heat and the first thing you have done is turn on the air conditioning to the minimum temperature? As attractive as it is, it also means more effort from the motor to reach the chosen temperature and therefore more energy consumption. For refrigeration systems, the recommended temperature should be between 24ºC and 26ºC.
Not cleaning the filters regularly
If you are one of those people who is always putting off cleaning the air conditioning, you should know that this could be reflected in your bills. This is because a dirty filter affects the quality of ventilation and, in turn, the efficiency of the equipment.
Lack of annual air conditioning maintenance
When was the last time you called a technician to check the condition of the air conditioning? If you can’t remember any dates anymore, it may be time to do so. It is advisable to opt for preventive maintenance of the appliance, avoiding possible breakdowns and finding out if, indeed, it is working efficiently.
Underestimating the importance of the thermostat
Cooling empty or ventilated rooms is a waste of energy and it is in this sense that the thermostat can be your great ally, since it acts through compartments and can thus control the temperature you want in each room.
Do not use the fan
Even if you just bought an air conditioner, don’t say goodbye to the fan. The simultaneous operation of the two units can be very effective, especially in larger areas, as it will help to reach the desired temperature more quickly and, therefore, reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioning.
Install the air conditioner in places with direct sunlight
When choosing a place to install the air conditioning, you tend to opt for the most hidden corners of the house, without thinking about whether or not it will be exposed to direct sunlight. However, this should be a fundamental concern, as if it is exposed in warmer places, more energy will be needed to cool the space.
Use the oven or dryer on very hot days
In this case, the logic is the same: the use of these devices gives rise to a circulation of hot air, which requires a greater effort from the device to counteract the temperatures. It may seem like a harmless gesture, but it can make a difference on your bill at the end of the month.
Not paying attention to the vents in the house
To maintain a constant temperature inside a space, it is necessary that there are no air inlets or outlets. Make sure that you have all the windows closed and that there are no openings that affect the energy efficiency of the air conditioner.
Ignore dehumidification mode
Although we are in summer, there are always days when the humidity is felt with a certain intensity. Try turning on this mode first instead of the cooling mode and see what is really the source of your discomfort.
Buy a low energy efficiency model
The purchase and installation of an air conditioner is a great investment and, therefore, some doubts may arise as to whether the choice you are making is the correct one. There are several factors that influence this decision, but there is one that we consider essential: choosing a model with high energy efficiency. It may not always be the cheapest option, but it will translate into greater savings in your wallet in the long run.
Source : Idealista
