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Air conditioning has almost become a ubiquitous appliance in households. However, many individuals, while using air conditioning, make mistakes that not only harm their health but also increase electricity bills.
1. Mistake in Using Air Conditioning: Simultaneously Draining Electricity and Harming Health
Air conditioning has almost become a ubiquitous appliance in households. However, many individuals, while using air conditioning, make mistakes that not only harm their health but also increase electricity bills.
Below are common mistakes when using air conditioning that people should avoid to prevent impacting the health and living expenses of the family:
1. Constantly Turning On/Off
Some individuals often turn off the air conditioner when it's cold enough and turn it back on when the room temperature rises, thinking it saves electricity. However, in reality, this practice leads to a skyrocketing electricity bill and faster wear and tear of the air conditioner.
According to appliance experts, constantly turning the air conditioner on and off causes the compressor and fan motor to start multiple times, cooling to the set temperature when the room temperature has already increased. This translates to consuming a large amount of electricity, three times the energy needed to maintain the room's coolness.
Furthermore, continuous fluctuations in the surrounding temperature adversely affect health, especially for the elderly and young children.
2. Continuous Temperature Adjustments
Many people have the habit of constantly adjusting the temperature, thinking it saves electricity. In reality, excessive adjustments only disrupt the normal operation of the machine.
Most modern air conditioners today have sensors to maintain a stable temperature, not too hot or too cold. Therefore, manual adjustments are not really necessary and only result in increased electricity consumption and reduced air conditioner durability.
3. Setting the Temperature Too Low
During hot sunny days, many people wish their room to quickly become cool, so they set the temperature very low.
However, this practice causes a sudden drop in room temperature, putting the body at risk of heat shock, leading to dizziness and fatigue.
Moreover, keeping the temperature low makes the air conditioner operate at full capacity, causing the machine to deteriorate faster and increasing electricity costs.
Generally, a temperature setting of around 25 degrees Celsius is considered optimal for air conditioning.
4. Using the Dry Mode Function
Lately, there's a trend of using the Dry Mode function on air conditioners combined with a gentle fan to save electricity while providing a cooler and more breathable environment. However, in reality, Dry Mode is effective mainly on long rainy days or when humidity is low. During these times, the air conditioner running in Dry mode acts as a dehumidifier, reducing the moisture in the air for a more comfortable feeling.
On scorching summer days with already low humidity, activating the Dry mode not only adds discomfort due to dryness but also increases electricity costs for running an additional fan simultaneously.
5. Keeping the Air Conditioner On 24/7
The sweltering summer prompts many people to keep the air conditioner running day and night. However, this practice not only wastes electricity but also poses health risks.
During sleep, the human body can tolerate higher temperatures when awake, so it's advisable to turn off the air conditioner at night.
6. Regularly Keep Doors Closed
Turning on the air conditioner implies sealing the doors tightly to prevent cold air from escaping, causing electricity wastage.
However, a phenomenon suggests that continuously using air conditioning in a small room can lead to feelings of fatigue, heaviness, as if there's a lack of oxygen to breathe. This is because the air in a closed room can become 2-5 times more toxic than outdoor air if you frequently keep the doors tightly closed.
Therefore, the best approach is to create a small gap for air circulation. Choose a modern air conditioner with additional air filtration and bacteria elimination functions to keep the room well-ventilated as if it's breathing.
7. Avoid Using an Additional Fan
Electric fans and air conditioners are both effective cooling devices. The mistake lies in the fact that we often never operate them simultaneously, opting to use either the fan or the air conditioner to save electricity.
In reality, fans and air conditioners can complement each other: one cools, while the other evenly distributes cool air throughout the room. This combined method not only saves on the electricity bill but also helps reduce the workload and operating frequency of the air conditioner, making it less strenuous on sweltering days.
8. Place a Water Basin in the Air-Conditioned Room
Many households have the habit of putting a water basin in the air-conditioned room to create humidity. However, doctors warn that this practice can be hazardous to health as water vapor attracts dust and bacteria that can cause diseases.
Some families even buy additional misting machines to add humidity, but this is unnecessary, especially for families with young children. Children inhaling excessive water vapor in a high-humidity environment is not good for the respiratory system and can lead to lung inflammation and coughing.
9. Installing the Air Conditioner in a Hot Corner
Many believe that installing the air conditioner in the hottest area of the room, even in a corner, will quickly reduce heat and create a cool atmosphere. However, this belief is entirely wrong as it causes the air conditioner to operate overloaded, consuming more electricity than usual.
Instead, users should install the unit in cool, well-ventilated positions, preferably at the center of the room. This way, the room temperature can quickly decrease, gradually cooling the areas with accumulated heat, such as wall surfaces and corners.
10. Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Air conditioners bring air into the house and expel hot air carrying dust outside. Therefore, in a short period, without using an air filter and neglecting regular maintenance, the unit may still function well but can lead to respiratory issues for users.
If left unused for an extended period, it will undoubtedly lead to the air conditioner breaking down quickly and consuming more electricity.
Hence, regularly clean and maintain the unit for optimal performance, ensuring air quality, and saving energy.
