The easiest way to beat the heat in Singapore is to operate the hardworking air conditioner. But it’s no secret that this cooling equipment is not cheap to operate.
Luckily, there are various ways that you can get creative when using your air conditioner to enjoy its functionality while saving on your electricity bills.
Make your air conditioner electricity bills more manageable with these simple air conditioner energy-saving tips.
How to Save Electricity When Using an Air Conditioner
Ensure Correct AC Unit Installation
One of the most basic and efficient ways to ensure that you’ll enjoy the cooling feel of your AC unit without the hefty energy consumption is to properly install the unit. Most air conditioner brands in Singapore offer professional installation services upon purchase. These trained professionals will do the heavy installation work while ensuring the best functionality of your AC unit.
Avoid Direct Exposure to Sunlight
Aside from proper installation, your air conditioner must be positioned in an area where it receives direct contact with sunlight. Ideally, your AC unit must be positioned far from doors or windows where heat can penetrate. Heat and sunlight may force your air conditioner to work harder, which, in turn, will increase your aircon power consumption and damage your unit. If this is not possible, ensure that all doors and windows are shut when using your air conditioner unit.
Keep Your Outdoor Unit Shaded
Like your indoor unit, your outdoor unit also needs some care. As much as possible, keep your outdoor unit protected from dirt, debris, and direct sunlight to keep it working at its optimum condition.
Rearrange Your Furniture
Sometimes, things as simple as your furniture arrangement can affect your air conditioner’s efficiency. To save more electricity, try looking into your furniture arrangement and checking the things that can obstruct the air circulation within your room. This can significantly shift the room's comfort and power consumption. You might be surprised that the back of your sofa is getting the cool air that should’ve been directed to you.
Don’t Place Your AC Near Other Appliances
Your television, computer, refrigerator, oven, and other appliances in your room can make your room hotter. Placing your air conditioner near these heat-releasing appliances and gadgets can affect its thermostat, making your AC think that the room is warmer than it is. If it’s not possible to place these things apart from each other, make sure to turn off and unplug any appliances or gadgets that you don’t use. This way, you can save money on electricity while keeping your air conditioner running at peak efficiency.
Get the Help of Your Ceiling Fan
Using a ceiling fan alongside your air conditioner unit during hotter days can surprisingly decrease your electricity consumption. A fan will not cool your room by itself, but it can help circulate the cold air from your air conditioner. This can eliminate hot spots that force the AC unit to work harder, while increasing the comfort of your space.
You may also try opening your ceiling fan first to drive away the hot air before running your air conditioner.
Gradually Adjust Your Temperature
Best temperature for aircon: Your air conditioner consumes more electricity when the temperature is lower. To save more energy, set the thermostat to 24 °C instead of 18 °C to avoid putting too much load on your unit, especially when the weather is remarkably hot. This can help you save at least 3% of your electricity consumption.
Tip: You can invest in a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the air conditioning temperature based on the time of day or room occupancy. This way, you're not cooling an empty space unnecessarily, enhancing your energy saving efforts.
Turn Your Air Conditioner Off When Not in Use
Importantly, turn your AC unit off when it’s not in use. Operating your air conditioner 24/7 will not only cause your electricity bill to skyrocket but can also affect the quality of your air conditioner. Turn your air conditioner off when you’re not at home to prevent unnecessary power consumption. When buying an air conditioner, you may choose a unit with a timer or a smart air conditioner that you access through your phone so you can turn it off whenever possible.
Clean Your Air Conditioner Filter
Your air conditioner struggles to cool the room when its air filters are clogged. Grimy air filters will not only cause your AC unit to work harder, but they will also struggle to clean your indoor air. To keep your air conditioner in optimum condition, dedicate some time to cleaning it and changing its filters. Make sure that there is no dirt or debris that can block the air passage to maintain your AC’s optimum quality.
Conduct Regular Air Conditioner Servicing
Dirty air filters, a damaged evaporator, and damaged components can cause your air conditioner to consume more energy. Like your car, your air conditioner also requires yearly servicing and maintenance to preserve its optimum quality. Regular servicing includes various cleaning and repair processes, including those on your outdoor unit, to restore your AC unit to health. This will keep your unit clean and will help avoid damage that could cause your air conditioner to malfunction.
Buy the Right Air Conditioner Size
When buying an air conditioner in Singapore, make sure to choose the right size for your room’s requirements. This size refers to the air conditioner’s capacity to cool a room, which is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). Ideally, you want your BTU to match the size of your room.
Upgrade to an Inverter Air Conditioner
Is your air conditioner already at the end of its lifespan? If yes, it’s time to upgrade to an inverter air conditioner. An inverter air conditioner is a more innovative and energy-efficient unit that can significantly reduce your air conditioner’s electricity consumption. When buying a new air conditioner in Singapore, look for a unit with a higher NEA rating to ensure its energy efficiency.
Takeaway
Singapore is a hot and humid place, especially during the summer. Having a reliable air conditioner will help you enjoy your time at home without the hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable feeling of the summer heat. Enjoy the best of your AC’s quality without the headache-inducing electricity bills by following some of our simple air conditioner energy-saving tips.
Looking for energy-efficient air conditioners? Search no more! Megafurniture offers a wide range of innovative and energy-efficient air conditioners from the best appliance brands in Singapore. Browse through our online air conditioner collection to find the unit that's right for your home.
FAQ:
1. How much electricity does aircon use?
The electricity consumption of an air conditioner can vary widely based on its size, efficiency, and usage patterns. On average, a residential aircon might consume between 0.5 to 3 kilowatts per hour (kWh). Efficiently using and regularly maintaining your aircon can help minimise its energy use and reduce electricity bills.
2. Is it more efficient to leave air conditioning on?
Leaving air conditioning on continuously can be less efficient and more costly than turning it on only when needed. Using a programmable thermostat to control when your air conditioner runs, based on your schedule, can optimise energy use and reduce costs, especially during periods of minimal activity or absence.