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Find out which air conditioning temperature consumes the most energy and avoid an increase in your electricity bill of up to 25%. Stay up to date with the experts' top tips!
With the end of winter approaching in Brazil, air conditioning is once again an essential ally for many homes and businesses. However, excessive use can lead to a significant increase in the electricity bill. According to energy efficiency experts (Aneel), it is essential to adopt conscious practices to avoid unexpected expenses in electricity consumption. With this in mind, in this article, we explain which temperature settings make the air conditioning consume more energy and how to use it more efficiently.
According to a Thiago Barral, director of economic-energy and environmental studies at Energy Research Company (EPE), the use of air conditioning in homes in Brazil has tripled in the last 12 years. EPE projects that the demand for electricity due to the use of air conditioning will continue to grow in the coming years. For Barral, it is necessary to implement more ambitious minimum rates for air conditioning equipment to operate more efficiently in terms of energy consumption.
Additionally, we bring Samira Sousa, general coordinator of Energy Efficiency at Ministry of Mines and Energy, highlights that large energy losses can be mitigated with the conscious use of air conditioning equipment. She reinforces that encouraging research into technology is essential: “Without innovation, new solutions cannot be created or greater efficiency generated.”
Find out the ideal temperature of the air conditioning to avoid an increase in the electricity bill
One of the critical factors to consider is the temperature set on the appliance. The lower the temperature, the higher the energy consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid the air conditioning temperature that consumes the most energy. To optimize the use of the air conditioning, It is recommended to set the temperature between 23° and 25°C.
This range not only provides thermal comfort, but also helps to keep the environment less dry, which is beneficial to health. In addition, each degree below this range can generate an increase in electricity consumption of up to 5%. Air conditioning, along with other appliances such as the refrigerator, is among the largest consumers of energy in a home.
Setting the appliance to very low temperatures, such as 20°C, can increase consumption by up to 25%, directly impacting the increase in your electricity bill. Therefore, knowing the temperature of the air conditioner that consumes the most energy is essential to reduce your electricity bill and create a more sustainable future. With just a few simple changes to your daily habits, you will be able to enjoy thermal comfort without compromising your budget.
Tips to avoid an increase of up to 25% on your electricity bill
To keep energy consumption under control and avoid an increase in your electricity bill, some practices can be used. Find a strategic position and avoid installing the air conditioner near heat sources, such as powerful lamps. Take advantage of natural heat to dry clothes, reducing the use of washing machines and dryers.
Another tip is to have efficient lighting, opting for LED bulbs, which consume up to 80% less energy than fluorescent bulbs, and make the most of natural light during the day. Also turn off lights and electronics when not in use, even if they are plugged in.
Reduce the time spent in the shower to save energy, regularly check the operation of the air conditioning and refrigerator, as damaged parts can increase consumption.
The main tip is to maintain your air conditioner regularly so that it continues to operate efficiently. Now that you know which air conditioner temperature consumes the most energy, you should know that dirty or clogged filters can force the unit to work harder, increasing energy consumption. In addition, preventive maintenance can extend the life of the unit and improve the air quality in the environment.
Words of the experts on the efficient use of air conditioning
According to mechanical engineer Arnaldo Lopes Parra, vice president of marketing at the Brazilian Association of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Ventilation (Abrava) and air conditioning specialist (embrace), the operation of the air conditioning can be compared to the fuel consumption of a vehicle.
He explains that when driving at 80 km/h on a flat road, consumption is lower than when driving uphill, because the engine requires more energy. Similarly, air conditioning consumes more energy when it needs to cool a very hot environment quickly, instead of maintaining a stable temperature over time.
already second Fernanda Roccoon, architect at VRF Engenharia e postgraduate degree in air conditioning engineering (VRF Engineering), many people mistakenly believe that setting the air conditioner to minimum temperature will cause the room to cool faster. However, the appliance is designed to operate continuously at a comfortable temperature, providing efficient cooling without overloading the system or excessively increasing power consumption.
