5 tips for lower air conditioning costs this summer

A simple but good way to save energy is by be smart about using the air conditioner at different times of the day. Many people leave their air conditioning on unnecessarily long, even during the night, when it is often unnecessary. In the evening hours, and especially at night, the outside temperature usually drops significantly. This provides a perfect opportunity to turn off your air conditioning and use natural ventilation.

Opening windows and interior doors at those times creates a flow of air that brings fresh outside air inside. Especially if you open windows on opposite sides of your home, the air circulate well, reducing the temperature inside naturally.

Many household appliances, such as computers, produce heat unnoticed. That extra heat causes the air conditioner to have to work harder to keep the room cool, which leads to higher energy consumption. Some often overlooked heat sources are:

• Laptops and desktop computers
• Chargers that are continuously plugged in
• Traditional lighting (such as halogen lamps)
• Kitchen appliances such as ovens or microwaves

Therefore, turn off appliances when not in use, especially if they are left on for long periods of time. In addition, choose energy-efficient alternatives, such as LED lighting. These not only consume less power, but also prevent unnecessary heating of the room. This way, you make life a lot easier for your air conditioner and reduce your energy costs.

An goed onderhouden airco not only works more efficiently, but also consumes less energy and lasts longer. When filters become clogged, the indoor unit is dirty or there is insufficient refrigerant, the system has to work harder to achieve the same result. This not only increases energy costs, but also increases the likelihood of technical problems and wear and tear.

Regular maintenance is thus not an unnecessary luxury, but a smart investment. Ideally, have your air conditioner at least once a year by an authorized specialist. During such a service the filters are cleaned, parts checked and, if necessary, topped up or replaced. This keeps your air conditioning in top condition and prevents unpleasant surprises, especially on the hottest days of the year.

A common mistake is setting the air conditioner to an unnecessarily low temperature. Not only is this unnecessary, it also drives up power consumption considerably. The ideal indoor temperature is around the 22 to 24°C, comfortable and energy efficient.

As a rule of thumb, a difference of more than 5-6 degrees Celsius from the outside temperature is not recommended. Is it 30 degrees outside? Then 24 degrees a wise choice. Every degree counts: by setting the thermostat one degree higher than you're used to, you can save up to 10% on your consumption.

It sounds logical, but it's often forgotten: the less heat that comes in, the less work your air conditioner has to do. Close windows and doors during the day and keep curtains, blinds or shades closed, especially on the sunny side of your home. Sunproof window film or exterior blinds such as screens or shutters can additionally help block direct sunlight. This keeps it cooler inside and your air conditioner needs to be significantly work less hard.

In addition, improving the insulation of your home also have a huge impact on the performance of your air conditioner. Poorly insulated walls, windows and doors let heat in quickly, requiring the air conditioner to run harder to maintain the desired temperature. Investing in good insulation can not only improve air conditioning performance, but also help lower energy costs in both summer and winter. Consider installing draft strips, insulating windows or improving wall and roof insulation.

Would you like advice on how to save costs with your air conditioner or is your current unit in need of maintenance? Feel free to contact with us - we will be happy to help you.