It’s taken long to arrive, but the heat is here to stay for a while. The electricity bill is rising, how can we cool our house without affecting our budget?
The installation of air-conditioner is one of the most widespread options, but we must draw attention to a number of points that are not always taken into account:
- First of all, it is important to seek for professional advice because, depending on the square meters of the room to cool, we will need to find the correct cooling capacity, and will revert to our bill. Always check the energy efficiency label and ask for advice on the ideal location for each room.
- Setting the temperature at about 25ºC– and not below it – is one of the best options because it will not boost the difference with the outside temperature and will keep us cool. It is important to note that for each increased degree, we will have savings of about an 8%.
- In the hottest hours, is important to lower blinds and awnings, helping to reduce air conditioning consumption by a 30%. Also, closing doors and windows of the room to cool helps to reach the right temperature in a shorter period of time, lasting for longer.
- If we are going out, there is no need to turn off the device just when we are leaving; do it a little while before and the cool feeling will remain until we leave.
- Finally, the air conditioner maintenance is crucial with regular filter cleaning undoubtedly will improve the efficiency of the device.
Economic alternatives
- Whether having or not an air conditioner, it is always advisable to resort to free cooling, this is using nature itself, just opening the windows on the cooler hours of the day, and letting in the cool air.
- Fansare one of the most economical traditional alternatives: although only moving the air and not cooling it, they can reduce the heat sensation between 8º and 4ºC. In addition, placing them by the window will improve their performance using the fresh air entering.
- In recent years, evaporative coolers have become popular. With the help of a fan, these devices pass the air through a wet filter, dropping the temperature of the air about 15 degrees. They are much more energy efficient than an air conditioner, because they use much less energy. In environments with high temperatures and high humidity levels the cooling capability decreases, offering worse performance. It is a much better option than air conditioners, as they generally consume more electricity.
- The efficient use of lights though it may seems has nothing to do with cooling, it does. If we reduce the use of electric light and when needed we use LED, we will notice how temperature drops. Turning off appliances not in use, helps lowering the heat too.
The most innovative
Among the most innovative projects, the use of geothermal energy stands out, and is already in use in some buildings. Uses the Earth’s internal energy, during thewinter the heat is extracted and provides housing with comfort heating and, in summer, the cooling system absorbs the heat and transfers it to the ground.
In Spain there are experiences of this kind that manage to cool a water tank, this water flows through a loop under the floor cooling the rooms. After the necessary initial investment, it is important to note that savings on the electricity bill can reach up to an 80%.
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