Throughout the year in Panama, a warm country, air conditioning is a necessity rather than a luxury, as temperatures can be quite high. It is important to have enough comfort at home to withstand the tropical climate.
Often, excessive heat can be dangerous to health, so it is better to take precautions in time.
However, it is no secret that air conditioning represents a significant expense, and it is important to learn how to save electricity so that this service can be used without any problems.
So, how can you save while fully enjoying air conditioning?
Here are some tips for doing so.
- Change the Default Temperature
For every degree you raise the air conditioning temperature, you can save up to 6% on electricity. Therefore, it is very beneficial to adjust the temperature a bit to quickly achieve your goal of saving on your electricity bill.
It is recommended to keep the temperature between 24 and 26ºC to keep your home cool while also reducing electricity consumption. However, if you feel you need to adjust the temperature further, you can do so without any problem.
- Buy a High-Quality Air Conditioner that Offers Energy Efficiency
Generally, air conditioning units come with a label indicating their energy efficiency level.
These units can be more expensive, but the reality is that you can save a lot on your bill and make a very smart investment.
- Keep Doors and Windows Closed
The idea is to prevent cool air from escaping so that your home can maintain a pleasant temperature.
Also, if possible, close the curtains to keep sunlight from entering the room. This way, the floor and walls won’t heat up, and the air conditioner won’t use more energy trying to maintain a pleasant temperature in that space.
- Maintain Your Air Conditioner
When the air conditioner filters are very dirty, the unit has to work harder to keep spaces cool.
This means the device will consume more electricity and can deteriorate much faster than expected. Additionally, accumulated dirt can contain a large number of germs that are quite harmful to health.
Therefore, it is very beneficial to have a specialist check this device at least once a year to clean the filters and perform preventive maintenance. This way, the unit will remain in perfect condition.
- Buy an Air Conditioner with Inverter Technology
This technology regulates the speed of the unit’s integrated compressor to operate at a moderate and efficient speed.
Thus, inverter-type air conditioning units allow you to save up to 40% more energy, which will undoubtedly help you reduce your electricity bill significantly.
However, keep in mind that not all devices claiming to have this feature are equally efficient. For this reason, it is very beneficial to research thoroughly before choosing a particular brand to ensure you get a quality air conditioner.
- Turn Off Appliances You’re Not Using
Besides wasting energy unnecessarily with an unused device, you cause the air conditioning unit to use more electricity to lower the ambient temperature in the house.
The appliances that produce the most heat and consume the most energy are those with resistances, such as hair dryers, irons, water heaters, and electric stoves.
Turn them off or unplug them when not in use to reduce energy consumption and produce less heat.