With summertime and its associated sweltering heat currently down our throats, and expected to stay there for at least the next few months, it’s time for everyone to chill out a little bit.
Yes, it’s time to break out the air conditioners! You can choose to metaphorically chill as well, it’s no big deal. However, air conditioners can be really expensive to keep, and with electricity prices hiking up Mount Everest, it’s time to be a bit more prudent in our usage. Here are some tips to run an AC efficiently!
Timing Is Key – Learn When to Set Up Shop!
Of course, we’d all like air conditioners running twenty-four-seven, but it can be both incredibly impractical and costly on the old wallet. What compromise do we reach then?
The best solution is to run one’s air conditioner during a time of the day when it’s required most. Ideally, this would mean turning off your AC right before going to sleep. Nighttime is generally cooler across the board, and an AC can keep rooms cool for the seven to eight hours an average individual sleeps!
Every Degree Counts, No Matter How Small
What this subheading essentially refers to is the temperature at which one’s air conditioner should be set. We’ve all heard the ideal 26 degrees Celsius from an immense number of televised and online sources.
It’s a good figure to keep in mind; 26 degrees can keep a room cold without driving up bills. However, if one has larger rooms, or a warmer temperature does the trick, just remember: even a single degree can save up to ten percent of one’s energy consumption. Sometimes frugality really is the best option!
Location Matters, Just Ask Any Set Designer!
Of course, if you’re really looking to get the maximum bang for your buck, then it’s best to set up shop in an area that requires low energy to provide high cooling. This means a few factors need to be considered:
- The area in question should be well-shaded, which means curtains are going to be your best friend.
- There should be a relative lack of heat radiating objects; having an AC in the same room as a fridge, a massive gaming rig, and a UPS sort of beats the purpose.
It’s also a good idea to set up your first air conditioner in a room where it can be most effective. For many individuals, this often boils down to their bedroom. Compartmentalization of one’s electronic devices can go a long way!
Never Skip or Skimp on Upkeep
Air conditioners don’t require a terrible amount of regular maintenance, but there’s still work to be done. The most important, of course, is to make sure that the unit’s air filters are cleaned out and swept of dust. The AC unit’s back portion is fully exposed to the elements, and therefore requires a relatively higher level of vigilance.
Keep it far from plants and other debris-inducing elements. Such minor upkeep saves one from refilling a unit’s gas constantly. Both your wallet and the environment will thank you.
Thermostat Timers Can Really Bring the Heat Down…on Your Bills!
Thermostats are mostly used for areas that have central cooling and rely on much larger AC units to deliver that cooling. With such units, which are often relegated to either offices or large houses, it’s best to have set up timers.
Timers can automatically adjust a thermostat’s temperature settings throughout the day, taking the onus off of you to keep frantically adjusting knobs and buttons. Just have the timers keep your AC’s temperature the lowest during the afternoon when the sun’s at its worst.
Rooms Need to Accommodate ACs Before ACs Accommodate Rooms
A bit of a convoluted title, I agree, but hear me out. No amount of efficient or inefficient AC practices will help if the room that needs to be cooled isn’t suitable. This means a lack of effective shade, leaks in window and door cracks, a poorly fitting wall mount, and the list goes on.
Sometimes it’s best to take a day off, buy some insulating material, and get about working on your room. Plug up unnecessary spaces, add some nice, gauzy curtains, and boom! You finally have a room where an air conditioner can actually cool down!
Try Messing Around with Modes on the AC Remote!
Your typical air conditioner is run on cool mode or an equivalent alternative since that’s what cools up an area best. However, if you’re experiencing a bit of calmer weather, then maybe try switching the air conditioner to fan mode.
Such a minor switch can end up saving a lot in terms of energy consumption. Again, it’s best to learn how to play with the elements. If you’re having good weather, make it count!
Size Matters – Especially When It Comes to Air Conditioners
Air conditioner sizes require a lot of thought to go into the final purchase. However, that thought process is imperative in helping you keep prices down and cooling up in the years to come. ACS with lower BTUs (British Thermal Units) may be appealing, but will quickly lose their appeal once you find out they can’t cool down more than a cupboard.
On the contrary, stupendously high units will bleed you dry to the bone, no matter how effective the result. It’s best to measure out one’s room and consult with a provider for the best possible outcome.
In Conclusion: AC Etiquette Isn’t All That Hard!
These may seem like a lot of tips, but there’s very little information to deal with in the end. Keep your ACs clean; only use them when needed; run them at the most effective temperatures; try out different modes, and make sure to buy the unit that’s best for your house! I really hope that this article was of immense help to you. May you have a much cooler summer than I’m having. Goodbye, best of luck, and happy purchasing!
