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2024 has been one of the hottest years yet, due to the compounding of several climate phenomena such as El Nino, the Indian Ocean Dipole, urban heat island effect, the list goes on. All these natural factors make our already tropical weather even more unbearable, and to keep cool during this period of scorching temperatures, most of us would naturally turn to our favourite solution - the air conditioner.
As we increasingly utilise our aircons, here are 5 useful air conditioning hacks that you should know to cool down you room much faster.
1. Use AC and Fan together
Having your aircon constantly running at 18℃ the whole day will inevitably cause your electrical bills to skyrocket. Though there are easy solutions that'll keep both your temperature and fees low.
Uses lesser electricity
You can try turning your aircon on for just an hour, or utilise the timer function that most aircons have! When your room is sufficiently cool, use a fan to circulate the cool air instead. According to NEA, this practice saves $386 a year.
Alternatively, if it feels like the temperature in your room just doesn't stay cool, you can set the aircon to a higher temperature (of about 25 and above ℃) and use a fan too. The entire cooling system uses less energy than setting your aircon at 18℃. Every degree raised saves about $15 a year.
AC with fan is good
This is because the aircon is working less to constantly lower the temperature of your room. It's much easier to bring the temperature down to 25℃ than 18℃, and once it hits 25℃ it stops using energy to lower the temperature, and is trying more to maintain that temperature.
Additionally, when used with a fan, it takes up less electricity but cools you down quicker. Moving air feels cooler than stale air because the rate at which you lose heat increase, as more air molecules bump into your skin per second. So using a fan and an aircon set to a higher temperature both cools you down more effectively and saves energy, as opposed to setting the aircon to a freezing temperature.
Black metal-frame windows are seen in Tudor-style houses, but those here had double-frame layers with netting to keep insects out.
Black metal-frame windows are seen in Tudor-style houses, but those here had double-frame layers with netting to keep insects out.
2. Remove hot air before turning the aircon on!
Open your window or use a fan to remove the hot air in your room before turning your aircon on. This'll ensure that your aircon does less work in lowering the temperature of your home, and uses less energy overall.
Along the same lines, try not to put any electronic or reflective items that might create warm air close to your aircon. This will trick the aircon's internal thermometer into thinking the room is warmer than it actually is, and cause it to work overtime to compensate and bring the temperature down.
3. Where should you put your aircon?
This is most useful if you're in the midst of reno, but if your aircon is already fixed, you can still try to shift your furniture instead.
As mentioned before, remove anything that generates heat away from your aircon. This also means to keep your aircon away from windows and direct sunlight, if possible.
Bedroom aircon position
In your bedroom, you might want to ensure the aircon is not at the head or facing the foot of your bed. Having a constant draft of dry air while you sleep for hours can cause dry throat and skin, and the prolonged effects of this sleeping arrangement over time can cause discomfort. Instead, the aircon should be beside your bed, or perpendicular to your sleeping position. As long as cold air isn't blown directly into your face!
Living room aircon position
In the living room, ensure the aircon isn't near connecting spaces, such as kitchens or hallways to your bedrooms. Placing your aircon near open spaces without doors can cause it to work harder to lower the temperature of your home in areas you're not in, leading to a waste in energy.
In the living room context, have your aircon blow directly to the area you want to keep the coolest, like the sofa or commonly used spaces. It's unlikely that there'll be too much prolonged exposure in your living room, so this is the most effective way to use your aircon!
4. Aircon repair services
If your aircon is leaking, you can try cleaning the filters before engaging in a professional service. Each aircon is different, and you can refer to the specific model's instruction manual to open up the filters and check. Remember to be careful, and to handle all pieces with care!
If it's still leaking, it might be a problem with the piping. It's better to call a service to fix such internal issues - here are some of the best aircon servicing and repair.
5. Where to install my aircon in HDB Resale Flat?
It might be tempting to just reuse the existing pipes in a resale. Especially if they run through false ceiling and built-in cabinets. After all, it'll costs way less, and why change all aircon trunking if they are still in pretty good condition anyway, right?
You should replace all aircon trunking
Well, not always. Apart from the hygiene risks of keeping old aircon trunking, it's a good practice to completely replace them during renovation to get rid of any invisible faults, or damage from aging.
It's easier to get it all over and done with during the hassle of moving in, especially if you're having a renovation, as opposed to facing issues a year in and having to place newspapers on the floor to replace the pipes. Alternatively, you can consider aircon trunking, though some people might find it unsightly.