Utilizing an Air Conditioner During Extreme Heat: Tips and Tricks
As the mercury rises, the press service of Rospotrebnadzor has offered valuable advice on how to effectively use air conditioners during hot weather. By following these tips, homeowners can maintain comfort while minimizing energy consumption.
**Temperature Settings**
To strike a balance between comfort and energy efficiency, it is recommended to set your thermostat to around 78°F (25°C) when you are at home and awake. For added savings, raise the temperature by a few degrees when you are asleep or away from home, as adjusting the thermostat by 7° to 10°F for 8 hours a day can save you about 10% on heating and cooling annually. Utilizing programmable or smart thermostats can also help automate these temperature changes based on your daily schedule.
**Avoiding Sudden Temperature Changes**
Maintaining a consistent temperature setting is crucial to avoid overloading your AC system with frequent changes. If adjustments are necessary, do so gradually to allow the system to adjust without sudden spikes in energy consumption.
**Regular Maintenance**
Regular preventive maintenance of climate equipment is essential for optimal performance and efficiency. Essential maintenance tasks include regularly cleaning or replacing air filters, ensuring condenser coils are clean, inspecting and sealing leaks around windows and doors, and cleaning air vents. To enhance airflow and reduce the load on your AC, consider supplementing your AC with fans and blocking sunlight during sunny hours.
**Additional Tips for Efficiency**
Avoid heat-producing appliances like ovens and dryers during the hottest parts of the day, and keep blinds and curtains closed to reduce heat gain. Additionally, it is important to pay special attention to filtration, as it should be regularly cleaned and replaced as needed. The coarse filters of the internal block should be cleaned monthly, and it's advised to give yourself time to adapt in a room without an air conditioner before going outside.
By following these tips, you can efficiently use your air conditioner during hot weather while maintaining a comfortable home environment and reducing energy bills. It's also important to remember the main rule when using air conditioners: avoid sudden temperature changes. Gradually increasing the air conditioner's setting is recommended, with a suggested temperature difference between outdoors and indoors of 7-10 degrees. In severe heat, it's suggested to increase the setting by 2-3 degrees per hour.
- Engage in health-and-wellness practices by adapting to room temperatures without air conditioning before going outside, giving your body time to acclimate.
- Upgrade your lifestyle by incorporating smart technology, such as programmable thermostats, to effectively automate and manage temperature settings to save energy and lower utility bills.
- Enhance your home-and-garden spending by purchasing indoor plants, known for their ability to purify the air and improve overall health, as well as supplementing your air conditioning system with fans to circulate cool air and reduce the load on your AC.
