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Specialists Explain How the Proper Use of Air Conditioning Can Reduce Energy Consumption and Prevent Waste on Hot Summer Days.
With climate change, temperatures in Brazil are increasingly rising. Faced with high temperatures, using air conditioning becomes almost inevitable.
But a common question arises: Is it better to leave it on all day or turn it off when leaving the house?
The answer, according to specialists, can help save energy and money without sacrificing comfort.
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Turning Off the Air Conditioning Saves Energy
One of the biggest myths about air conditioning is the idea that turning it off when leaving home for a short period can consume more energy when turned back on.
This is not true. Modern units are designed to operate efficiently from the moment they are activated. That is, there is no peak consumption when restarting.
Keeping the air conditioning on in an empty house can, in fact, be much more expensive.
This is even more serious in homes with poor thermal insulation where cold air escapes easily.
In these cases, the unit works excessively to maintain the temperature, resulting in a significant increase in the electricity bill.
The suggestion is simple: set the air conditioning to turn on about 30 minutes before returning home. This way, you can find the environment cool without having to cool the walls all day.
The Right Temperature Makes All the Difference
Another important point is setting the temperature.
Many people choose values around 21 °C or 22 °C, but this can be a mistake.
In addition to causing discomfort due to thermal shock when leaving home, this choice also increases energy consumption.
Specialists recommend a maximum difference of 6 °C compared to the outside temperature.
If it is 32 °C outside, the ideal is to keep the air conditioning between 26 °C and 27 °C. This difference is enough to cool the environment and, at the same time, avoid high energy costs.
Thermal Insulation Reduces the Appliance Workload
Before thinking about replacing the air conditioning unit or buying more modern models, an essential step is often overlooked: the thermal insulation of the house.
Without proper sealing, cold air escapes through windows, doors, roofs, and even through blinds.
Investing in double-glazed windows, insulation in the attic, and well-sealed walls may seem expensive at first, but the return appears in the long run, with less use of the unit and lower electricity bills.
Simple Practices for a More Efficient Summer
In addition to adjusting the temperature and improving insulation, other actions can help:
- Close blinds and curtains during the hottest hours.
- Avoid cooling empty rooms.
- Keep the air conditioning clean, with checked filters and ducts.
- Install the unit in areas with less sun exposure.
- Use the “eco” or “night” modes whenever possible.
These actions, when combined, reduce environmental impact and can generate savings of dozens of euros per summer, according to sector data.
Balance Is the Key to Comfort
There is no doubt that air conditioning is an important ally on hot days. But excessive or inefficient use turns this comfort into waste.
By turning off the unit when not home, correctly adjusting the temperature, and taking care of thermal insulation, you can enjoy a pleasant summer — without surprises at the end of the month.
The choice is in your hands: intelligently cooling your home can ensure comfort and responsibility at the same time.
