Air conditioning is a great ally on both hot and cold days, but its use can result in high energy bills when it is not working efficiently. Several factors can lead to increased energy consumption, from maintenance problems to inappropriate usage practices. Understanding the causes and adopting solutions can help optimize the performance of the device and reduce costs.
Dirty Air Filters
One of the most common causes of increased energy consumption is the accumulation of dirt in the air filters. Clogged filters make it difficult for air to pass through, causing the device to have to work harder to reach the desired temperature. This extra effort significantly increases energy consumption. Cleaning the filters regularly, every 15 or 30 days, is a simple practice that can bring great savings.
Lack of Regular Maintenance
The lack of regular maintenance can compromise the performance of the air conditioner. Components such as dirty coils, refrigerant gas leaks or worn fans increase the workload of the appliance, directly impacting consumption. Carrying out biannual inspections with specialized technicians ensures that the equipment is working efficiently and extends its useful life.
Use of Inadequate Settings
Using extreme temperatures on the remote control, such as setting the appliance to 16°C on very hot days, can be one of the reasons for high energy consumption. Settings of this type force the compressor to work continuously, using more energy. The recommendation is to keep the temperature between 23°C and 25°C to achieve thermal comfort without wasting energy.
Poor Thermal Insulation
Environments with poorly sealed doors and windows also increase air conditioning consumption. External heat constantly enters the environment, causing the appliance to need to cool it repeatedly. Investing in blackout curtains, adequate sealing and even solar control films on the windows can help reduce the thermal load and the effort of the air conditioning.
Conclusion
Excessive energy consumption by air conditioning can be caused by factors such as dirty filters, lack of maintenance, improper use and problems with the thermal insulation of the environment. To reduce costs, it is essential to adopt good usage practices, perform regular maintenance and ensure that the appliance is in optimal operating conditions. With these measures, you not only save energy, but also preserve the efficiency and durability of your air conditioning.
