The arrival of warm weather always brings some relief to consumers’ wallets, because heating use is put on hold for several months. However, it soon becomes necessary to make another energy-intensive effort to cope with the high summer temperatures. We’re referring to the energy used to run the air conditioner during the hottest hours of the day.

At CULMIA, we know that when it comes to household finances, every little detail counts. That’s why today we want to share a few tips to help you save on air conditioning now that summer is starting.

How much does it cost to use the air conditioner in the summer?

As the Consumers’ Organization (OCU) points out , air conditioning use in a home varies depending on different factors, such as its location, thermal insulation, and orientation; as well as, of course, the characteristics of the system used and the indoor temperature we choose to set at any given time.

Based on a price of 30 euro cents per kWh, he estimates that the average monthly cost would be about 36 euros per month with 4 hours of daily use. However, even with the same air conditioner, the estimated cost can vary by up to 50 euros per year depending on where you live: for 2.5 kW of consumption, the maximum cost in Valencia would be about 73 euros, while in Madrid it would be about 136 euros.

In any case, these amounts are significant enough to warrant taking steps to reduce air conditioning use during the summer. These measures are intended to help you pay less without having to limit your use of air conditioning or do without it altogether.

Tips on How to Save on Air Conditioning in the Summer

Choose an energy-efficient model

The model of an air conditioner directly affects its energy consumption. Obviously, the most efficient models are also more expensive, but if we look at the situation from a long-term perspective, this investment may very well end up paying off. It is estimated that appliances with an A energy efficiency rating consume less than 55% of the energy used by the average model, while those with a B rating consume between 55% and 75% of the average, and those with a C rating consume between 75% and 90%.

Install the air conditioner well in advance

If you don’t yet have air conditioning at home and are planning to have it installed, plan ahead. Keep in mind that prices for these units rise significantly in the last few weeks of spring and throughout the summer due to higher market demand.

This way, if you make the decision well in advance, you’ll benefit in two ways: by saving a significant amount and avoiding a long wait for installation: during the hottest months, you’ll likely have to wait several days to enjoy your air conditioner, since there are often long waiting lists for installations!

Air Conditioner Installation Location

Often, people overlook such an important detail as the location of their air conditioner. If we make the wrong choice and install it in an area of the house where it gets particularly hot or where air doesn’t circulate well, the air conditioner will lose efficiency and have to work harder to achieve good results.

In this regard, avoid exposing the unitto direct sunlight, as this will cause its temperature to rise. It is also recommended that you place it near a window, as this will promote the aforementioned air circulation and help lower the temperature inside your home more quickly.

Keep your air conditioning system well maintained

Typically, an air conditioner is a device we use during certain times of the year, especially when it’s very hot. Therefore, during the rest of the year, it will be turned off and accumulate environmental dirt. That’s why it’s very important to take care of it and clean it regularly, especially before using it again after a period of inactivity.

Current regulations stipulate that, for installations with a power consumption of 12 kW or less, an inspection must be conducted every 4 years if they are used in a residential setting, or every 2 years for all other uses; whereas if the unit has a rated power between 12 and 70 kW, the inspection must be performed every 2 years in residential settings and annually in all other cases.

This applies to professional and thorough inspections of the system, although we can also perform a more “do-it-yourself” type of maintenance on the unit. How? By cleaning its filters from time to time to ensure proper performance and extend its service life.

Choose the ideal temperature for every moment

Another key to saving money on air conditioning in the summer is setting the temperature properly. Based on the principle that the maximum difference between the outdoor and indoor temperatures should be 12 degrees Celsius, it is recommended that the indoor temperature be set between 20 and 26 degrees.

In this regard, the lower we set the temperature, the more energy our air conditioner will consume: approximately an 8% difference per degree. In fact, the reality is that about 8 out of 10 people (85%) choose to set it to 20 or 21 degrees, which isn’t very economical for our wallets. That’s why we should consider following the advice of the Ministry of Industry or the Institute for Energy Diversification and Savings (IDEA).

The first suggests that 24 degrees may be a great choice, while the second believes that the best approach is for our bodies to adapt to the summer environment by wearing light clothing and setting the thermostat to 26 degrees.

If possible, automate your air conditioner

Use the system sparingly and try not to keep it running all day long. Use it during the hottest hours of the day and avoid using it late at night, because by then the temperature will likely have dropped considerably and you can open the windows to create a breeze.

If you do this, not only will you save money, but your health will also benefit, because sleeping with the air conditioner on can irritate and even inflame your throat, airways, and eyes. And that’s not all—it’s also linked to dehydration, since it increases the dryness in the room.

In addition, many air conditioning systems today already have features that let you schedule their operation and set them to turn off at a specific time. So, if yours has this feature, make the most of it—that way, you won’t have to worry about turning it off when the time comes.

Leveraging ECO Technology

Each air conditioner model has its own technology (with a different name), but typically, they all already include a specific energy-saving feature that reduces energy consumption by at least 30%. Essentially, this feature allows the system to function properly while reducing power output or better managing heat spikes, so that the room can be cooled without using a lot of energy in the process.

According to a study conducted by the OCU based on a split-system air conditioner, assuming 8 hours of use per day and 22 days per month, and an electricity rate of 0.23 euros/kWh, the cost of running the air conditioner in normal mode would be 47 euros per month; whereas in ECO mode, it would be only 31 euros. In other words, a difference of 16 euros encourages us to take advantage of this feature whenever possible.

Proper home insulation

In this case, the advice is the same as in winter when using the heater: while you’re using the air conditioner, make sure to insulate your home. Lowering the blinds during the hours when the sun is strongest, along with closing windows and doors tightly, will help cool the rooms and reduce the workload on the air conditioning system.

If you turn it on, make sure it’s worth it

Finally, keep in mind that turning on the air conditioner is a process that requires a lot of energy. So avoid running it in short bursts throughout the day—turning it on and off repeatedly. If you decide to use it, keep it running long enough to make it worthwhile and to sufficiently cool your home, because inefficient use can end up costing you quite a bit.

CULMIA helps you save on air conditioning this summer

Follow the tips we’ve just shared with you and start seeing positive results on your energy bill. Keeping your home cool during the summer and saving money aren’t mutually exclusive —you just need to use your air conditioner wisely to maintain an optimal temperature at a fair price.

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