WITH Zululand’s summer heat and humidity affecting work productivity and causing sleep disruptions, most people opt for air-conditioning to survive.
But air conditioners eat up electricity – and rands and cents.
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But working through some of the variables, one can settle on a temperature that keeps you comfortable and saves money at the same time.
As the air conditioner runs for longer on hot days, finding the right temperature setting is key, which should be 23 degrees celsius, or a higher comfortable setting.
People believe that by setting the temperature lower, it will cool a room a lot quicker. This is not necessary the case as there are factors that influence the home’s cooling rate.
These factors include:
* Heat and humidity outside. The higher the heat and humidity levels outside, the longer it will take to cool your home.
* The size of your home. The larger the square meter area, the longer it will take to cool the space.
* The size of your air conditioner. A system with a larger cooling capacity will cool your space faster.
* Heat sources inside your home such as electronics, lighting, people and appliances being used, which will increase the temperature inside and taking longer for the air conditioner to cool those areas.
* Air leaks and insufficient insulation. This can lead to the cool air inside escaping and will also lengthen the cooling down process.
The aim is to effectively manage these factors to shorten the cooling down period in the most cost effective manner.
If you live in a climate where there are cool nights or regular breezes, take advantage of it.
Let the cool breeze in to cool down your home by opening the windows.
Only switch on the air conditioner after 10am and ensure that windows and doors are then airtight to prevent cool air from escaping.
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