Energy efficient air conditioners enable consumers to save money on their electricity bills, while also ensuring that ACs go easy on the environment. Here are a few ways to improve your air conditioner’s efficiency.
A report, commissioned by the Indo-German Energy Forum estimated that India’s cooling demands will rise to 2.2 times the current levels by 2027. India experiences harsh summers every year, and the temperatures are expected to grow even further due to the increasing dangers of global warming. With the global temperatures expected to pass the 1.5 degree Celsius mark (an increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times) between 2030 and 2052, one will have little to no choice but to invest in alternative cooling solutions, which, for the majority of the world, means buying an air conditioner.
One of the biggest challenges we face while owning an air conditioner is to strike the right balance between comfort and energy savings. Thus, it is extremely important to ensure that the AC we buy is energy efficient, and that we maintain it properly. AC’s maintenance is often overlooked, but is extremely crucial to ensure its efficient operation. Other than just maintaining the air conditioner, there are several other ways in which we can improve the AC’s efficiency.
Cleaning Indoor and Outdoor Units
The outdoor units of an AC are placed outside of your house which helps the heat in your room dispersed outside. The unit contains a coil, condenser, fan and compressor in it. The pump does connect between the refrigerant and unit installed inside the room and outside the coil to and the outside unit. The fan in the outside unit helps to exhaust that room heat to outside.
While on the other side the indoor unit is placed near to the furnace filter inside the room or closed premises. A coil is set in it which works as an evaporator which helps to absorb the room heat. When heat is absorbed a cool air then flows back in your room.
Just think what will have done if the evaporator coils does not absorb the heat properly or the outside unit does not circulate that heat properly. The room will not then cool.
That’s the reason, the unit works more efficiently when it is clean, and when it does not have any debris. Similarly, it is also important to maintain and clean the indoor unit of the air conditioner.
Ensure the Vents Are Unblocked
One has to ensure that the indoor supply vents are always clean, which can be done by vacuuming away the debris and the dust that gets accumulated near the vents.
Increase the Thermostat to 24 – 26 Degrees Celsius
It is important to maintain the indoor temperature between 24 – 26 degrees Celsius, in order to have an optimum cooling experience while keeping the electricity costs low. The AC does more work if it has to bring down the temperature below 21 degrees Celsius, and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has made 24 degrees Celsius the mandatory default temperature setting for air conditioners that come with star ratings.
Keep the Curtains and Windows Closed
Considering the main purpose of an AC is to lower the indoor temperature, and to keep the air cool, it is important to close the curtains and keep the windows closed. By keeping the curtains closed, you can keep some of the heat hitting the windows from warming up the room. Not doing so will increase the indoor temperature, which would result in the AC doing more work to bring it down to the desired levels.
Switch-Off Heat-Emitting Sources
By switching off appliances that increase the indoor temperature such as ovens and dryers, you can keep the indoor temperatures at desired levels for longer periods, without the AC having to work harder to bring down the temperature.
Thus, by taking these precautions, you can improve the air conditioner’s efficiency, which in turn leads to the AC consuming less energy. Furthermore, it is always wise to go for energy efficient models, such as O General split AC, which not only reduce your electricity costs but also reduce your carbon footprint, thereby protecting the environment. By investing in an energy efficient air conditioner, you won’t have to spend exorbitant amounts when the time comes to pay your utility bills.