Trystan Casey
Air conditioning is a useful way to control the temperature and humidity of a room, but it can also be a large contributor to household electricity consumption. The amount of electricity an air conditioning unit uses depends on a variety of factors, including the outdoor temperature, the size of the room, the length of usage, and the type of air conditioning system. The temperature setting of an air conditioning unit also has a significant impact on electricity consumption, with higher temperature settings resulting in less power consumption.
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What You'll Learn
Electricity consumption varies with outdoor temperature
The electricity consumption of an air conditioner depends on a variety of factors, including the outdoor temperature, the size of the room, the duration of usage, the number of people in the room, and the insulation in the room.
The outdoor temperature plays a significant role in determining the power consumption of an air conditioner. When the outdoor temperature is higher, the air conditioner has to work harder to cool the indoor space, resulting in increased electricity consumption. Similarly, during winter, when heating temperatures are set higher, the air conditioner consumes more electricity.
According to Ergon Energy, each one-degree decrease in temperature during the summer can increase electricity consumption by approximately 10%. This means that small changes in the cooling temperature settings can have a noticeable impact on electricity costs. For example, increasing the temperature setting from 18 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius can lead to significant energy savings, with the compressor working less and reducing power consumption.
Additionally, it is important to consider the frequency of switching the air conditioner on and off. Contrary to common belief, turning the air conditioner off when the desired temperature is reached does not save power. Instead, it increases the load on the compressor when it restarts, resulting in higher electricity consumption. Therefore, it is recommended to adjust the temperature to a comfortable level and use a fan to enhance air circulation and improve air conditioning efficiency.
Furthermore, the type of air conditioner also affects electricity consumption. Window-mounted units are generally more energy-efficient than split ACs, as they use less electricity and are often available in smaller sizes. However, factors such as noise levels and room size should also be considered when choosing an air conditioner.
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Air con settings and wattage
The wattage of an air conditioning unit depends on several factors, including the model, size, energy efficiency, and age of the unit. The wattage required to run an air conditioner also depends on the outdoor temperature, the size of the room, and how long it is operated. Most modern split-type air conditioning systems consume between 75 and 300 watts (1-5 kW) on low settings and up to 900 watts (12-15 kW) on high-speed operation.
Residential air conditioners typically range from 1,200 to 3,500 watts, with the wattage needed to run the air conditioner depending on factors such as the unit's size, cooling capacity, and energy efficiency. The higher the ceiling, the more powerful the air conditioner unit needs to be. A 12,000 BTU air conditioner, for example, would use approximately seven kilowatts of electricity per hour.
The wattage of an air conditioner can also be influenced by its starting or surge power, which is the amount of power required to start the unit. Solar generators, for example, can be used to power air conditioners, and the choice of generator should be based on its ability to meet the starting power requirement of the AC unit.
The temperature setting of an air conditioner also affects its wattage and, consequently, its electricity consumption. According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, each additional degree of cooling increases energy consumption by 5-10%. As a result, it is recommended to set your air conditioner in the summer to eight degrees lower than the outdoor temperature. For example, in North Queensland or the Northern Territory, setting the air conditioner to 22-25 degrees in the summer will help reduce energy costs. Similarly, in Central Australia, air conditioners can be set to 17 degrees in the winter, while in Southern Victoria and Tasmania, 20-21 degrees is recommended.
It is important to note that the wattage of an air conditioner is not solely determined by its temperature setting. The number of people in the room, the room's insulation, the star rating of the air conditioner, and the hours of usage all play a role in determining the power consumption of the unit.
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How to save electricity by adjusting air con settings
The temperature settings on your air conditioning unit can indeed affect electricity consumption. Increasing the temperature from a very low setting to a moderate one can help to conserve power and save on electricity bills.
- Keep your air conditioning unit in a cool, shaded place. A unit operating in the shade uses 10% less electricity than one in direct sunlight.
- Set the thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature. A setting of 24-25°C is usually comfortable for most people. Each degree increase in temperature can save 3-5% of electricity.
- Avoid placing items that generate heat, such as lamps or televisions, near the unit. The thermostat will sense this heat and keep the unit running for longer.
- Use ceiling fans or keep windows open where possible. This will help circulate cool air and keep the room temperature comfortable, reducing the need for air conditioning.
- Consider investing in an inverter air conditioner. Inverter Technology's optimum control of motor operation results in eliminating the consumption of excessive electricity, leading to energy cost savings of 25-64%.
- Choose the right-sized unit for the room. A unit that is too small for the room will need to work harder and use more electricity.
- Keep the unit well-maintained and clean. Regularly clean or replace the air filters to ensure the unit runs efficiently.
- Be mindful of the outdoor temperature and adjust your settings accordingly. The closer the indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the less work the unit needs to do, and the less electricity it will use.
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Air con usage frequency and electricity consumption
The frequency with which you use your air conditioning unit will, of course, have an impact on your electricity consumption. However, the impact of usage frequency is difficult to calculate as it depends on a number of factors.
Firstly, the type of air conditioning unit you have will impact the amount of electricity it consumes. Window units, for example, generally use less electricity than split ACs. Secondly, the outdoor temperature will have an impact. The harder your air conditioning unit has to work to cool or heat a room, the more electricity it will consume. This means that the same unit will use more electricity in the summer than in the winter. The size of the room you are cooling or heating also has an impact. A larger room will require more electricity to cool or heat than a smaller room.
The impact of usage frequency is also affected by the type of air conditioning unit you have. Fixed-frequency air conditioners will shut down when the room reaches the set temperature, whereas variable frequency air conditioners will maintain a constant temperature. This means that variable frequency units will use more electricity the more frequently they are used. However, inverter air conditioners are the most energy-efficient when used continuously for more than six hours.
To reduce electricity consumption, it is recommended that you keep your air conditioning unit at a moderate temperature. This is because the amount of electricity consumed increases as the temperature moves further away from the outdoor temperature. It is also recommended that you use a fan to improve air circulation and make the temperature feel cooler.
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Air con alternatives
Air conditioners are undoubtedly convenient, but they come with a steep environmental and financial cost. They consume about 10% of the world's total electricity, predominantly generated by fossil fuels. The good news is that there are several air con alternatives that can help reduce our dependence on them.
One simple way to keep your home cool in the summer is to use a window-mounted unit such as the Eazy Breeze, which pushes your closed curtains away from the window, allowing cool air to flow inside without letting in sunlight or insects. Another option is to apply heat-reflective film to your windows, which helps deflect the sun's rays and blocks out some of the heat. If you're willing to make a bigger investment, an air source heat pump can replace your gas boiler and provide an alternative way to both heat and cool your home. Although it comes with a significant upfront cost (upwards of £1,400), you may be able to offset this with cheaper fuel bills and lower emissions.
There are also a number of low-tech, sustainable alternatives to air conditioners that can help reduce our impact on the climate. For example, a green roof is a layer of vegetation that covers the top of a human-made structure, providing a sustainable source of food and offering a pleasing aesthetic. Additionally, an attic fan can be a cost-effective alternative, although it may not be sufficient for temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Finally, if you're looking for a quick fix, a simple fan can be an effective solution, especially if you use a bladeless fan, which is safer and more efficient as it draws in and pushes air out rather than simply moving it around the room.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a higher air con temperature saves electricity. Mili Majumdar, managing director of the Green Business Certification Institute, said that "each degree increase in the AC temperature can save about 3-5% electricity".
The harder the air conditioner has to work, the more electricity it consumes. Therefore, the lower the temperature is set, the more electricity is used.
24 degrees Celsius is the most energy-efficient temperature for air conditioning. The compressor works for less time at this temperature, leading to less power consumption.
The amount of electricity used by an air conditioner varies based on factors such as the outdoor temperature, the size of the room, the length of usage, and the type of air conditioner. A 12000 BTU air conditioner, for example, uses approximately seven kilowatts of electricity per hour.
