How to achieve energy efficiency without giving up air conditioning

Saving without giving up air conditioning is possible. Energy efficiency in HVAC devices, including air conditioners, has become a tangible reality. Experts in the air conditioning sector explain several tips to improve energy efficiency in the home.

Air conditioning and energy efficiency are two concepts that have become inseparable in recent years due to the need for users to reduce electricity bill consumption —by using air conditioning devices—, as well as the need to preserve the planet and offer a technology that is not harmful to the environment. New advances in technology, as indicated by professionals in the sector, have made it possible to create air conditioning devices that guarantee savings of up to 75% or more in electricity consumption when using them. Aerothermal systems, geothermal energy, solar thermal panels for home heating and DHW, the Inverter function of air conditioners and many other advances are responsible for this. Aerothermal energy, for example, allows for heating in winter and air conditioning in summer, taking advantage of the heat energy contained in the air.

From companies specializing in energy systems, such as Climate, explain that the new air conditioning devices are designed to optimize energy consumption without interfering with comfort and the service they provide. The company in charge of installing air conditioners and other air conditioning systems in Valencia also reminds us that the new devices have a minimal impact on the environment and the ecosystem.

Look at the energy labeling of the air conditioning device

The first thing to do, in the case of not having an air conditioning device, is to acquire a product with an adequate energy label. Remember that the greener (A, A+, A++, A+++) the more efficient the machine will be. On the contrary, the closer you get to the letter G (red), the lower the efficiency.

Put the air at a minimum of 24º in summer

Another thing that must be done is to configure the air at a minimum of 24º in the summer season, as advised by the Ministry of Industry and the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE). The institute recalls that for each degree of temperature that is increased, the saving of electricity consumption in air conditioning increases by 7%. Taking this figure into account, a building that raises its temperature by one degree can save up to approximately 16 kWh/m2 daily. Otolaryngologists and pulmonologists remember, on the other hand, that setting the air temperature below 24º can be harmful to health. This is so because cold air can cause infections in the upper and lower respiratory tract, since the human body is not well prepared to withstand these temperatures. The same thing happens with sudden changes in temperature.

Set the Inverter function of the air conditioner

Another task that can help achieve energy efficiency is to configure the Inverter function of the air conditioner, which saves up to 60% in the consumption of the device. This configuration regulates the frequency of the electrical cycle of the compressor in such a way that it adapts to the temperature of the room by regulating speed and power. The Inverter function prevents the compressor from stopping completely and keeps it working at a minimum to maintain the desired temperature. In this way, energy is saved, as well as refrigerant to cool the air, they clarify.

Opt for an aerothermal installation

Aerothermal installations offer savings of up to 75% in the cost of electricity for the air conditioning device. These installations require a heat pump that is installed outside and a circuit through which the energy circulates inside the house. Aerothermal energy is used to extract the heat energy contained in the air, and can also be used both in summer for cooling and in winter for heating. This system saves on consumption and combats the feeling of restlessness typical of heat waves and cold waves, whose effects are aggravated by environmental changes that affect the thermal sensation of the environment.

Carry out proper maintenance of the air conditioning unit

Another recommendation by experts is to carry out proper maintenance of air conditioning devices. For example, they highlight that in the case of air conditioners it is essential to clean the filters periodically, as well as the split drain, perform a general cleaning of the indoor unit and check that everything works well, among others. In this way, they emphasize, it will improve efficiency since the device will work correctly and will not have to carry out any overexertion.

Techniques to maintain air conditioning

Finally, the experts clarify, it is important to take into account some basic techniques to maintain the temperature of the room without variations, thus avoiding having to make greater use of the air conditioning device. To do this, they advise properly sealing the windows and doors to prevent leaks or air currents inside the home. On the other hand, they recommend closing the doors of the secondary rooms to concentrate the function of the device in the main room or rooms, where most of the time is spent. Another essential measure to improve efficiency at the user level is to start using the device at a specific time of day, when the temperature is not extreme. In this way the house will be easier to set and the temperature easier to maintain. Of course, they conclude, it is important to program the device to prevent it from working all day, thus reducing electricity consumption. If it is done correctly and the explained advice is taken into account, they clarify, the temperatures do not have to vary.