7 Ways To Lower Your Electric Bill Even When You’re Using An Air Con
So you don't have to sweat it out this summer!
A typical summer day in our country clocks in at 32 to 36 degrees Celsius, so it isn't any surprise that our highest use of air conditioners at home is during the months of April and May. But you don't have to get sticker shock once your electrical bill arrives; here are a few hacks you can do at home to maximize the coolness of your AC.
Position your furniture layout accordingly. Make sure your bed/workspace is across the AC’s fan; this way the cold air hits the target immediately.
Make use of your timer. Program your timer to turn off the AC two to four hours after your usual sleeping time.
Have your unit checked on a quarterly basis as dirt interferes with the smooth operation of your unit, making it less efficient.
For split type air cons, make sure to run the unit at least once a week, as the pipes need to be used as a maintenance measure.
Try to keep the condensing unit as close as possible to the fan. The less the distance between the two parts, the quicker the cold air reaches the target.
Insulate your room with heat-reflective shades or blackout curtains. The denser the fabric, the less heat is allowed inside the room. Another option is to have your windows treated with a heat-reflective film that isn’t too dark.
Go with air conditioner manufacturers that have a proven track record. A cheaper purchase price might mean a lower initial output, but could also imply substandard parts and more visits by the electrician.
READ: These Are The Features To Look For When Buying An Air Conditioner
This snippet originally appeared in the June 2005 issue of Real Living magazine. To see the rest of the lovely, resort-like home in this feature, click here.
