Set your AC to 24°C

18 September 2015

Set your AC to 24°C

Air conditioning consumes a large portion of the electricity generated during summer. You can follow these cooling tips to rationalise your AC consumption:


 

  • Keep your thermostat set at 24°C, or higher. Each degree increase in set point temperature can save up to 5% on AC consumption.
  • The optimal lifetime of an AC is ten years. If yours are older, consider replacing them with new energy-efficient ACs with 4 or 5 stars from Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA). This will help you save up to 25% of cooling consumption.
  • Use fans to circulate air. They use about as much electricity as a light bulb and can make you feel comfortable at higher thermostat settings, and do not forget to turn fans off when you leave the room.
  • Clogged or dirty AC filters can block the normal airflow and reduce the system's efficiency significantly. It is recommended to clean your AC filters periodically or at least once a month during summer.
  • During summer, use curtains, drapes, shades, awnings and reflective materials to reduce the heat entering through your glass or windows.
  • Apply weather stripping and caulking around all doors and windows to keep the cooled air inside your house and to prevent hot air from entering into your home.
  • Use a programmable thermostat (Smart Thermostat) to better control the room temperature and AC operation duration. This will in turn reduce AC consumption.