Should the AC turn off when you go? This is how to save electricity
Strategy to save electricity with efficient use of air conditioning
Using air conditioning (AC) at home is a very important comfort, especially when the weather is hot. However, there is still a lot of debate about whether the air conditioner should still be turned on or turned off when the occupants of the house go to work during the day. Based on some research and advice from experts, there are several strategies that can be used to save electricity without compromising comfort.
Adjusting the AC temperature when the house is empty
According to three experts interviewed by The Associated Press, the best way to balance energy efficiency, comfort, and humidity is to raise the AC temperature setting a few degrees than usual when the house is abandoned. Turning off the air conditioner completely can be more efficient, but in humid areas the risk of triggering fungus and accelerating the wear of the AC components.
This strategy also depends on the local climate. In dry areas such as Arizona, home temperatures can be allowed to rise higher without much problem. On the other hand, in humid areas such as Florida, the air in the house can become more humid and difficult to cool. Therefore, in humid areas it is recommended to raise the AC temperature by a few degrees rather than turning it off completely.
the effect of increasing temperature on energy costs
Patrick Phelan, professor of mechanical engineering at Arizona State University, explained that every increase in thermostat temperature by 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.6 degrees Celsius) can save about 3 percent of cooling costs. However, letting the AC off for hours and then turning it back on can speed up the wear of the component because the air conditioner takes about 15 to 30 minutes after being turned on to achieve the most efficient performance.
the difference between the type of air conditioner and its efficiency
The type of air conditioner used, both window air conditioner, smart thermostat, and central air conditioner, also determines the amount of energy savings. According to Elizabeth Hewitt, professor and expert on urban planning at Stony Brook University, window air conditioners are generally less efficient because they are installed on window openings so that hot air is easier to enter. He recommends the use of cheap insulation foam to close the gaps around the window or leaking area so that the temperature in the house is more maintained.
Meanwhile, Phelan said smart thermostats can help save energy because they are able to learn the pattern of the presence of residents of the house. This device automatically raises the temperature when the house is empty and lowers it back when the occupants go home. Replacing a manual thermostat with a smart thermostat like Nest can result in energy savings of about 10 percent.
Additional Tips To Make Home Cooler
In addition to setting the air conditioner, there are several simple ways that can be done to keep the room temperature cool without having to rely on the air conditioner. The three experts agreed that measures such as blocking sunlight from entering the house can help keep the room temperature cool.
Gregor Henze, professor of architectural engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder, suggests the traditional way of opening windows at night when the air is cooler. In dry climates, this method is effective because the night air does not carry much moisture. However, in humid areas, the night air can actually increase the water content in the house so that later it must be removed by the air conditioner.
Hewitt added that closing the curtains or curtains can also lower the room temperature by several degrees. Phelan said several types of curtains were specially designed to reflect sunlight. In addition, the installation of colored window film on the window can also help reduce the heat entering the house.
