Air conditioners are a ticket to ultimate comfort and relaxation, as they can turn ordinary spaces into inviting havens. Today, they have become indispensable appliances that have gained prominence among customers throughout the year.
However, today’s buying trend has taken a turn as customers are looking for ACs that perfectly balance performance and energy efficiency to lower their environmental impacts. Now, this shift has not changed the notion of saving maximum energy, though air conditioner brands like Haier and others themselves have energy-saving features. Therefore, keep reading to learn tips on reducing energy usage, which no one has told you, and saving a few bucks on electricity.
Energy-Efficient AC: Tips for Cutting Costs
Besides choosing energy-efficient air conditioners, here are some foolproof tips worth considering to save energy and money in your wallet:
Invert Feature is an Added Advantage
Next to an energy efficient AC, inverter ACs are the frequently bought products by many customers to conserve energy. Haier’s 1.6 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (HSU19K-PYG5BN-INV) is the best air conditioner example one can think of with this feature.
Unlike its traditional non-inverter counterparts, this air conditioner has a built-in fluctuating compressor speed that automatically adjusts the cooling needs. Despite the higher upfront cost, the long-term benefits of inverter ACs, such as lower energy expenses and reduced electricity bills, make them a smart investment that you can rely on for years to come.
Install the AC Away from Direct Sunlight
Installing the AC randomly in any space, even if it is aesthetically pleasing, significantly impacts energy consumption. Find an appropriate outdoor space to install the unit away from direct sun rays. Moreover, do not install it among plants, as it can create blocks in the condenser coils, thereby affecting ventilation.
If these instances are allowed to continue, it can lead to excessive strain on the air conditioner, which is forced to use increased energy, resulting in low efficiency and high electricity bills over time. Therefore, keep in mind these tips to leverage maximum energy-saving benefits.
Choose the Right Air Conditioner Size
For instance, if an AC has to be installed in a living room, most buyers tend to choose the wrong size. Therefore, it's best to consult with experts to understand which AC size is compatible with the length and breadth of the living room. This is a very important step because if a smaller AC is installed, the unit has to undergo immense strings for hours to cool, forcing the coils to work an extra mile beyond their regular capacity.
As a result, it results in increased energy consumption. On the other hand, if a large AC is installed in a small space, it can instantly cool the environment without removing the humidity effectively. Consequently, the AC unit will undergo long-term damage, and the AC bills will spike tremendously.
Shut the Windows While Operating the AC
Air conditioners are meant to cool a particular space so that humidity is kept from entering the room. However, if the windows and doors are left open, the cool air generated by the unit escapes easily, making the air conditioner work harder to keep the room cold. This, in turn, causes energy wastage and higher electricity bills and can even cause the unit to fail. Simply put, even if a high electricity wastage might not be a problem, the AC might require a complete replacement.
Avoid Running the AC in an Empty Room
If you think it's not wise to sit and wait in the room until the air conditioning increases and leave it on in an empty room, you can waste energy. This is an irresponsible act. Therefore, be sure to use it when it's needed so that it can save you electricity bills and lower environmental impacts.
Utilize Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats can help customize the AC temperature based on regular activities. For instance, once the temperature is adjusted and set, it automatically increases when a person is asleep or not at home. It can also keep the room cool just before a person returns or awakens. This energy-efficient practice helps conserve energy and avoid unnecessary AC cooling.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the air conditioner from time to time also contributes to saving money and energy. The first straightforward way for efficient operation is to replace or clean the air filters regularly. These air filters, after a certain period of usage, tend to trap dust and dirt, thereby hindering the airflow into the unit.
As a result, the AC has to operate with extra effort, consuming additional electricity beyond the regular level. Therefore, replacing or cleaning the air filters once a month is recommended. Secondly, cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils regularly is essential, besides utilizing the frost self-clean technology, as they accumulate debris and dust. A thorough cleaning once a year can ensure optimal efficiency.
Moreover, the bent fins on the coil, if any, should be straightened to improve airflow. Finally, inspect the duct for leaks, as the leaky ones can waste a significant amount of cool air. Seal them properly with a mastic or duct tape, if any. Otherwise, you can call for a professional inspection to repair it.
Have Proper Insulation
Many homeowners who have air conditioners overlook insulation. This trivial mistake can cost a lot in electricity bills because energy is wasted. The main purpose of insulation is to preserve the cold air inside the room without the intervention of hot air.
Even the U.S. Department of Energy has identified that sealing air leaks can save up to 20% of electricity expenses. Therefore, check for gaps in your doors and windows and seal them adequately with caulk, weatherstripping, blinds, or curtains to preserve the cold indoor temperature for quite some hours.
Make Use of the Energy-Efficient Modes and Features
Last but not least, utilizing energy-saving features and modes can also contribute to lower electricity bills. All the air conditioners available today have been specially engineered with cutting-edge technology and are a step ahead of just working as cooling appliances.
For instance, the sleep mode or timer feature engineered into the AC automatically switches off the unit after running for some time. You need not wake up to switch off the AC to save energy since the AC itself does the job for you. Moreover, in certain smart ACs, you can save energy from the smartphone. You can modify the settings from the remotest parts to improve your air conditioner’s efficiency.
Conclusion
The abovementioned tips are highly recommended to avoid the natural pitfalls that can have severe implications on both the air conditioner and your electricity bills. Ensure to avoid it and enjoy the luxury of coolness. Choose Haier as a part of your efficient cooling solutions to save energy and money when investing in an air conditioner.