How to use air conditioners more efficiently to save electricity.

Combining air conditioning with a fan can help reduce energy consumption without significantly affecting comfort.

Air conditioners have become indispensable appliances during the hot season. Photo: Shutterstock .

Hot weather has become a major health concern, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and people with cardiovascular disease.

In these conditions, air conditioning is often seen as the only solution. However, reliance on air conditioning can lead to other concerns, such as higher electricity bills, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and strain on the power grid.

There are many different ways to use air conditioners efficiently, including setting a reasonable temperature, avoiding continuous use, and cleaning them regularly. Additionally, studies show that combining air conditioning with a fan also helps optimize energy consumption.

Benefits of using a fan in combination with an air conditioner.

Electric fans can create a comfortable feeling by moving airflow around you. According to The Conversation , this helps the body release heat in two ways: by increasing heat transfer from the body to the air and by evaporating sweat from the skin.

According to research from the BEARS center (Singapore), a gentle breeze can help the body feel 4 degrees Celsius cooler, even in very hot and humid weather.

The addition of a fan allows users to increase the air conditioner's temperature setting to 27-28 degrees Celsius instead of the usual 23-24 degrees Celsius. This change can significantly reduce compressor operating time, making the system more energy-efficient.

Electric fans can cool effectively, and when combined with air conditioning, they can help save electricity. Photo: Shutterstock .

In a study cited by The Conversation , increasing the air conditioning temperature in an office from 24°C to 26.5°C, combined with additional cool air from desk and ceiling fans, can reduce electricity consumption by 32% without compromising comfort.

Fans still consume electricity, but their energy consumption is only about 3% of that of an air conditioner. This means a household could run 30 fans simultaneously with the same amount of energy consumed by an air conditioner.

The cost of installing a fan is not too high, usually ranging from a few hundred thousand to 1-2 million VND depending on the type. The equipment is quite simple to install, requires little maintenance, and can be moved to cool any space in the house.

In general, turning on the fan as soon as you feel hot, then switching on the air conditioner to a comfortable temperature can help save electricity while still ensuring comfort.

How to use a fan effectively

Regarding environmental factors, the overuse of air conditioners is a subject of debate. Data published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in 2018 showed that global air conditioner sales tripled since 1990, and are projected to triple again by 2050.

Although efficient, air conditioning systems have high installation costs, not to mention operation and maintenance. In some areas, continuous use of air conditioning also puts strain on the power grid.

The refrigerants in air conditioners also pose a risk of contributing to the greenhouse effect. Meanwhile, the outdoor unit of an air conditioner continuously releases heat into the surrounding environment, exacerbating the urban heat island effect in large cities.

A study published in The Lancet suggests that over-reliance on air conditioning also reduces the body's ability to adapt to heat. Constantly being in low-temperature environments can lead to the body becoming less accustomed to hot summer conditions, making it more vulnerable in the event of a power outage.

Air conditioner outdoor units can make cities hotter. Photo: Shutterstock .

Users also need to use fans correctly. Some believe that fans should be turned off when the temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius because the hot air stream risks blowing directly onto the body. However, electric fans also help to evaporate sweat.

Laboratory studies have determined that the safe temperature threshold for using a fan depends on the indoor temperature, not the outdoor temperature.

For healthy adults, the safe temperature threshold is 39 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the threshold for the elderly is 38 degrees Celsius, or 37 degrees Celsius if taking anticholinergic drugs, which can reduce the ability to sweat.

If the room temperature is higher than the above thresholds, electric fans can be counterproductive. The airflow increases pressure on the cardiovascular system and body temperature, potentially causing heatstroke.

In this case, users can consider alternative measures such as wetting the skin, moving to a cool place, or using air conditioning.

In general, users should note five key points to optimize indoor temperature: installing standing or ceiling fans, directing the fan towards the body, and adjusting the fan speed appropriately. Consider wearing light clothing and drinking enough water. If using air conditioning, combine it with a fan and increase the temperature to 27-28 degrees Celsius.

Source: https://znews.vn/cach-dung-dieu-hoa-do-ton-dien-post1654127.html