Common Practices Leading to High Air Conditioner Electricity Consumption

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1. Air Conditioner Practices That Increase Electricity Consumption

Constantly turning on/off, adjusting, or using the Dry mode with the aim of saving electricity can paradoxically result in higher electricity bills.

1. Air Conditioner Practices That Increase Electricity Consumption

Constantly toggling on/off or adjusting the AC temperature
Some individuals have the habit of turning on the air conditioner until the room is cool, then turning it off until it gets hot again. The intention is to save electricity, but in reality, it can result in significantly higher monthly electricity bills.

When the AC is turned on, it needs to consume a substantial amount of energy to perform various tasks, such as starting the compressor, fan motor, and cooling the air to the required temperature. Turning it on/off frequently repeats these processes, causing more energy consumption. Moreover, frequent toggling can lead to the outdoor unit and evaporator coil wearing out sooner.
Many people believe that once the room temperature is lowered, they can increase the temperature temporarily to make the machine stop working. However, most air conditioners nowadays have sensor systems to maintain a stable temperature, so manual adjustments can disrupt the normal operation of the unit, reduce durability, and increase energy consumption.

Setting the lowest temperature upon entering the room
Some individuals want the room to cool quickly, so they set the temperature to the lowest. At this point, the device has to operate at full capacity, resulting in increased energy consumption and quicker wear and tear. Experts recommend setting the temperature at around 25 degrees Celsius. If it still feels hot, it can be combined with a floor or ceiling fan, and once the room is sufficiently cool, then the temperature can be lowered.

Using a fan can complement your air conditioner, helping air circulation throughout the room faster, reducing the workload and frequency of the air conditioner, thus saving electricity.

Keep the room door closed regularly
The previous belief that closing the door prevents cool air from escaping when the air conditioner is running, minimizing electricity waste. While this method is not entirely wrong, it can lead to localized oxygen deficiency in the room, as well as the generation of bacteria. Experts suggest that users can design the room with gaps for air circulation, but the size should not be too large to avoid excessive loss of cold air, leading to increased electricity consumption.

Allow sunlight into the room regularly
Sunlight entering the room causes surrounding objects to absorb heat, making the air conditioner work more than usual and consume more energy. Therefore, for rooms with natural light, using thick curtains is recommended.

Using a fan also aids the air conditioner, helping air circulate throughout the room more efficiently, reducing the workload and frequency of the air conditioner, thus saving electricity.

Regularly close the room door
The previous notion that closing the door prevents cold air from escaping when the air conditioner is running, minimizing electricity waste. While this method is not entirely wrong, it can lead to localized oxygen deficiency in the room, as well as the generation of bacteria. Experts suggest that users can design the room with gaps for air circulation, but the size should not be too large to avoid excessive loss of cold air, leading to increased electricity consumption.

Allow sunlight into the room regularly
Sunlight entering the room causes surrounding objects to absorb heat, making the air conditioner work more than usual and consume more energy. Therefore, for rooms with natural light, using thick curtains is recommended.

Incorrect Use of Dry Mode
Recently, some social media groups have posted information claiming that activating the Dry Mode function and combining it with a fan will save electricity and provide cool airflow. However, Dry Mode functions as a dehumidifier, reducing humidity in the air, and is effective on rainy or consistently low-humidity days.

In hot seasons with low humidity, activating this mode can cause dryness, making users uncomfortable. Additionally, combining this mode with a regular fan may increase overall energy consumption.

Continuous Operation of the Air Conditioner
During hot, oppressive weather, many families keep the air conditioner running 24/7. This method has several drawbacks. Apart from increased electricity costs, continuous operation reduces the machine's lifespan and may accumulate harmful bacteria.
According to Tipsmake, if you're going out for several hours or more, it's advisable to turn off the air conditioner to save electricity. You can also use the timer-off feature on the remote control as a precaution against forgetfulness. If you decide to run the air conditioner overnight, you can use the Night Sleep mode, which gradually raises the temperature by the hour (usually about 0.5 degrees Celsius per hour, up to 2 degrees Celsius). When the temperature increases, the power consumption decreases, resulting in energy savings.

Irregular Maintenance of the Air Conditioner
If dust accumulates, the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner decreases, leading to higher energy consumption. Therefore, users need to regularly clean both the outdoor unit and the indoor unit to ensure the air conditioner provides sufficient cooling.

Old air conditioners (used for two years or more) without regular cleaning and maintenance will accumulate dirt and become a breeding ground for mold, dust, spider webs, and more. On the indoor unit, this dust will obstruct the cold air from entering the room. On the outdoor unit, it may clog the fan, impeding airflow, potentially causing malfunctions or even fires.
Therefore, it is necessary to clean the air conditioner every 6 months or at least once a year to prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris, which can lead to malfunctions and increased energy consumption.

Create a cover for the outdoor unit
Some people carefully create covers for the outdoor unit to protect it from weather damage. However, according to Aristair, this is not necessary because fundamentally, this part is designed to withstand rain, even heavy rain, and has a corrosion-resistant coating, so it is not easily damaged.
Covering the outdoor unit too tightly and meticulously limits the intake and circulation of air, reducing the cooling capacity of the indoor unit. The device will consume more electrical energy. Experts recommend that users only need to install the outdoor unit at a moderate height to avoid flooding, and place it in a well-ventilated space for efficient operation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What practices should be avoided to save electricity when using air conditioners?

To save electricity while using air conditioners, avoid frequently turning them on and off, as this increases energy consumption due to the energy required to restart the unit. Additionally, setting the thermostat to the lowest temperature isn't advisable; instead, maintain a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius to enhance efficiency.

How does closing doors affect air conditioning efficiency in a room?

Closing doors may seem effective for conserving cool air, but it can lead to reduced oxygen levels and increased bacteria growth due to lack of air circulation. Instead, design the room with small gaps for ventilation to balance air circulation without excessive loss of cool air.

Is it beneficial to use the Dry mode on an air conditioner during humid days?

Yes, using the Dry mode can be beneficial on humid days as it helps dehumidify the air, making the environment more comfortable. However, during hot seasons with low humidity, it might lead to discomfort due to excessive dryness.

What are the consequences of running an air conditioner continuously?

Running an air conditioner continuously can lead to significantly higher electricity bills, reduced lifespan of the unit, and accumulation of harmful bacteria. It's recommended to turn off the AC when not in use or use the timer feature to manage its operation more effectively.

How important is regular maintenance for air conditioners?

Regular maintenance is crucial for air conditioners, as neglecting it can lead to decreased cooling efficiency and increased energy consumption. It's essential to clean both the indoor and outdoor units at least once a year to prevent dust accumulation and ensure optimal performance.

What should be the ideal temperature setting for air conditioners to save energy?

Experts recommend setting the air conditioner temperature around 25 degrees Celsius for optimal energy savings. If additional cooling is needed, consider using ceiling or floor fans to aid air circulation, thereby reducing the AC's workload.