In the summer, using air conditioners can cause your electricity bill to skyrocket. However, if you follow these simple tips, your family can enjoy the comfort of air conditioning without the high costs at the end of the month.

During the hot summer months, air conditioners seem to become essential in most households. However, this comes with the worry of skyrocketing electricity bills.

In fact, with the first waves of heat this summer, many families have been shocked to see their electricity bills increase by 50%, or even 2-3 times, due to constantly running the air conditioner.

So, how can we minimize electricity usage when using air conditioners in the summer? According to appliance experts, applying the following tips will help reduce your electricity bills significantly.

1.  Adjust the room temperature properly, don’t turn it on and off repeatedly

Many people, after being in the heat, have the habit of setting the air conditioner to the fastest cooling mode or at a very low temperature to quickly enjoy a cool environment. However, this causes the air conditioner to work at full capacity, consuming a lot of energy to maintain the low temperature for a long time.

Remember, every time you lower the temperature by 5°C, the air conditioner uses an additional 40% of energy. Also, overly low temperatures can negatively affect your health.

To save electricity, during the day, set the air conditioner to a temperature between 23-25°C and at night between 25-28°C. These are optimal temperature settings for the air conditioner to work efficiently, consuming less electricity while still maintaining a comfortable temperature.

Moreover, to save energy, avoid turning the air conditioner on and off repeatedly. Many people think they can save energy by turning the air conditioner off once the room is cool and switching it on again when it gets hot. However, this wastes more energy because the air conditioner needs to restart every time, which also shortens its lifespan.

2.  Use the Cool mode, never switch to Dry mode

Many people suggest setting the air conditioner to Dry mode (the water droplet symbol) instead of Cool mode to save electricity. However, experts recommend using Cool mode during extremely hot days to cool the room effectively.

The Cool mode is designed to lower the temperature and maintain it for an extended period while also reducing humidity in the room. On the other hand, Dry mode focuses on removing humidity but doesn't lower the room temperature effectively, especially during hot days when the temperature exceeds 40°C. Dry mode will make the room feel dry and uncomfortable rather than cool.

3.  Set the fan to automatic mode

Many people tend to adjust the fan to blow in a specific direction to get more cold air, but this results in wastage.

Therefore, you should set the fan to automatic mode. This will distribute the air evenly, helping to save energy since the fan’s automatic blowing power consumes less electricity than other settings.

4.  Close the room doors and windows

When using the air conditioner, if the doors and windows are open, cool air will escape, and the outside temperature will affect the room’s temperature. This will cause the air conditioner to work harder and consume more electricity. To save electricity, always close the doors and windows when using the air conditioner to prevent heat from escaping.

Also, try to block sunlight from entering the room when using the air conditioner. Sunlight can increase the room’s temperature, making the air conditioner work harder. Conversely, closing the room’s windows with curtains can block sunlight and prevent the room’s temperature from rising. This keeps the room cool and saves electricity.

5.  Use the air conditioner with a fan

Using both the air conditioner and a ceiling or standing fan may seem like it consumes double the electricity. However, this is one of the simplest and most effective methods to cool the room while saving electricity.

When combined, the fan helps circulate the cool air throughout the room, making it cooler and more comfortable. You won’t need to lower the temperature as much, which saves electricity. Additionally, the fan uses less electricity than the air conditioner, so using both devices together is an energy-saving strategy.

However, the fan should only be used for the first 15-20 minutes when starting the air conditioner. After the room cools down, turn off the fan to avoid wasting electricity.

6.  Clean the air conditioner filter every two weeks

Studies have shown that when the filter is covered in dust, the air conditioner's efficiency can drop by up to 15%, leading to higher electricity consumption. Therefore, regularly cleaning the filter is an essential way to save electricity. It is recommended to clean the filter every two weeks.

Additionally, for the air conditioner to work at its best, it should be serviced and cleaned every 6 months. If used frequently, it’s best to have it serviced every 4 months.

By following these tips, you can use your air conditioner more efficiently and reduce your electricity bills, especially during the hot summer months.