If the summer months will be as warm and sunny, we will increasingly use air conditioners to draw heat from rooms. Therefore, we encourage you to take note of the recommendations of Elektrum Energy Efficiency Centre specialists in order to cool down your rooms in an efficient way that is also safe for your health.

Lower the temperature by a couple of degrees 

There is nothing more pleasing than coolness on a hot summer day – whether it’s an ice cream, a refreshing drink or a cooling air stream – yet the most effective way to beat the heat is definitely the last one – the airflow generated by the air conditioner. However, in order not to harm your health when cooling down your space and at the same time consume less electricity, it is advisable to lower the air temperature in the room by no more than 5 °C compared to the outside air temperature. A higher temperature difference can lead to feeling unwell, causing, for example, a sore throat, a runny nose, a headache and eye dryness. Also, the lower the cooling temperature you set, the more electricity the air conditioner will consume to maintain the desired temperature. It is important to remember that windows and doors must be closed when the air conditioner is running in order to prevent the warm air from entering the room and reheating it.

Turn it on in the morning

The electricity consumption of the air conditioner depends on the outdoor temperature: the higher the outside temperature, the more power is required to cool down the air. It is therefore advisable to start cooling down the rooms early in the morning, while the outside air temperature has not yet peaked, and try just to keep the comfort temperature during the day. In order to protect rooms from rise in temperature, it is recommended to close the blinds or curtains in the rooms facing the sunny side.

Adjust it

A more efficient air conditioner operating mode can be achieved by programming its operating time, rather than turning it on with the button when the room has already become stuffy. A large number of devices provide for a possibility to set a schedule, for example, for all days of the week, indicating the time and the day when the air conditioner should switch on and off and the temperature in degrees that it should ensure. To create a feeling of coolness, it is good to remember that air conditioners can only be operated in a fan mode to get the stuffy air in the room moving. The fan can also be used to quickly create a feeling of coolness after turning on the device. Make sure that the flow of cool air does not blow directly on people because it can cause a stiff neck or back and other health problems. The airflow of practically all air conditioners can be adjusted in the desired direction, channelling it away from people.

Placement

To ensure the efficient cooling performance of the air conditioner, it is advisable to provide good air circulation around the device by removing obstacles, such as furniture or plants, which block the flow of chilled air. The air conditioner also has a temperature sensor which measures the room temperature and a thermostat which adjusts the cooling temperature accordingly. Therefore, it is not recommended to place any equipment next to the conditioner that releases heat when operating, which will make the air conditioner think that the room is warmer than it is in reality.

Maintenance of the device

To ensure efficient and health-friendly operation of the air conditioner, it is recommended to carry out its maintenance once a year, following the information provided in the user manual. Some air conditioners not only cool down the air but also contribute to air purification through filters.

Smart solutions

Modern air conditioning units are fitted with a remote control feature that allows you to promptly switch the air conditioner on and off and control its functions from any place where the internet connection is available. Thus, in the event that the outside air temperature is rapidly increasing, you can set the cooling temperature and mode without even being near the air conditioner.