During the summer months, air conditioning can significantly increase your electricity bill. However, there’s a simple and effective method called the “rule of 2” that can help you save on your energy costs. Many experts recommend this approach, and it’s easy to implement in your home starting today.
The key to the rule of 2 is being mindful of the temperature settings on your air conditioner. Setting the temperature just a couple of degrees higher can make a significant difference in your bill. For example, instead of setting it to 22 degrees Celsius, try setting it to 24 degrees Celsius. This small adjustment can lead to noticeable energy savings.
By following the rule of 2 and making these minor temperature adjustments, you can reduce your air conditioning usage and enjoy a more energy-efficient home without sacrificing comfort during the hot summer months.
The air conditioner rises 2 degrees
The rule of 2 is a simple yet effective way to save on air conditioning costs. By raising the temperature of your air conditioner by just 2 degrees, you can significantly reduce electricity consumption. Experts estimate that each degree adjustment can save or spend approximately 7% of electricity, making this small change a substantial cost-saving measure over the course of a month.
Increasing the temperature by 2 degrees is hardly noticeable, but it leads to noticeable energy savings. Consistently implementing this adjustment throughout the month can make a significant difference in your energy consumption and result in lower monthly bills.
However, it’s important to consider your initial temperature setting. If you already have your air conditioner set at an optimal temperature for your comfort, a 2-degree adjustment may not be necessary. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that many people tend to keep their air conditioning at a cooler temperature than they actually need.
Another essential aspect to remember is not to continuously turn the air conditioning on and off. Instead, allow the built-in thermostat to regulate the operating temperature and measure the current temperature. When the AC reaches the desired temperature, it will automatically turn off its compressor while still providing air at a slightly warmer level. This state uses approximately 0.3 kWh to maintain the temperature, which is significantly less than the 1.5 kWh consumed when the AC is turned on or actively cooling the room. By following this practice, you can further optimize energy efficiency and reduce your energy expenses.
Adjust the temperature well
During the summer months, setting an ideal temperature for your air conditioning can lead to energy savings. Experts recommend keeping the temperature between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius to optimize efficiency. If your air conditioning is set at a lower temperature, such as 20 degrees Celsius, you can experiment with gradually raising it by 2 or even 4 degrees to achieve noticeable energy savings of approximately 7% for each additional degree.
One common mistake to avoid is turning the air conditioning to the coldest setting when you arrive home feeling hot. Rapidly cooling down the space consumes more electricity than necessary. Instead, it’s best to maintain a fixed temperature and exercise a bit of patience, as the room will cool down to a comfortable level in a short time.
Smart devices like Tado, Netatmo, and Sensibo offer convenient control of split-type air conditioners through smartphones. You can turn the AC on or off locally or remotely, ensuring your home is comfortable when you arrive. Integrating these devices with Home Assistant provides complete control of your home environment.
In conclusion, following the rule of 2 can significantly save energy when using air conditioning during the summer. Automating your AC control allows for remote management, and keeping an eye on connected devices via Wi-Fi ensures your air conditioning is efficiently connected and managed.