10 Easy Hacks To Reduce Your Electric Bill
Peak summers in the Middle East can sore to 50 Degrees Celsius, especially from April to September. Climate change plays a vital role in making the earth warmer every year. Although it might take a while to plant more trees and reduce the global temperature, we can apply best practices to conserve energy; minimize carbon footprints, and reduce our electric bill.
Your HVAC system is responsible for heating and cooling. Moreover, if they are Daikin units, some of their products have an inbuilt air purification system, either home or office. But did you know efficiency has a direct correlation with your energy savings and the life of the system itself?
It would be best to have more than an energy-efficient HVAC system. Here are some vital tips to reduce your electric bill; make your HVAC system more efficient, save you money, and, in turn, help save the planet. Less energy your system consumes, the smaller your carbon footprint.
Some essential terminologies before we begin
SEER- SEASONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO
SEER is a ratio output number that displays the cooling output in BTU (British Thermal Units). The projected number is electricity usage divided by kilowatt-hours. The higher the number, the more energy efficiency. The rating uses accurate seasonal cooling, not laboratory conditions.
EER- ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO
EER number is like SEER, except it does not use seasonal averages but calculates the ratio from strict laboratory conditions. As a result, a higher number reveals better HVAC energy efficiency.
HSPF- HEATING SEASONAL PERFORMANCE FACTOR
HSPF is a ratio output number that displays the heat pump efficiency. Heat pumps can cycle in both directions to produce heat and cool air. The HSPF measures the total space heating needed in BTU over the total electricity used by the heat pump in kilowatt-hours. The higher number, the more efficient the heat pump.
1# Regular Maintenance
A routine checkup of your Air Conditioning system will future-proof gas leaks. It can be shocking, but gas leaks are subtle and unnotified until the tank is empty since the gas is odorless. In addition, having the system working at a subpar level exerts the HVAC system more, leading to overutilization of energy hence leading to a higher electric bill. Best to have a certified expert conduct a full inspection of your HVAC system twice a year
To know more about maintaining your system efficiently, read our other article here.
2# Replacing Old Systems
Air Conditioning systems older than 10 years, even though they are the most well-maintained, can be detrimental to your electric consumption. In addition, technology is constantly evolving; five years would be a great time to change your HVAC system to the latest one. Because the older systems are less efficient than, the newer ones, the air conditioners lose their efficiency over time.
3# Regular Cleaning of Air Filters
Check the air filters once a month to ensure they are not clogged and are cooling at their peak performance.
4# Programming Your HVAC System
Have your HVAC system configured on a specific setting, such as lowering the temperature at night and increasing before you rise. Cumulatively this can save you a lot over a period.
DEWA has also recommended setting your Air Conditioner to 24 Degree during summer to provide you with optimum cooling. Doing this will save you 5% on Air Conditioning consumption. To read more about this click here.
5# Quality Insulation
When moving into an apartment, make sure you check the quality of the insulation. Having good quality insulation will prevent warm or cool air from escaping. Hence your HVAC system won’t constantly run to attain the set temperature.
You can check the insulation every few years to ensure it is intact to ensure no cracks or leaks. The insulation checked will be covered if you have signed an Annual Maintenance Contract with us. To know more about our 21 point HVAC inspection, contact us or click here to read here.
6# Seal The Ducts
A leaking duct can be detrimental to your electric bill since some ducts are concealed. In addition, a cracked duct or a leaking duct will allow the air escape leading to cooling the additional space in the ceiling.
7# Blinders and Curtains
Ensure you close your curtain or blinders before leaving to the office in the morning. Doing this will reduce the sunlight into the apartment/villa; hence the temperature of the area will not increase. In addition, this would make it easier for the HVAC system to cool faster on a hot day.
8# Fans To Regulate Air
Ceiling, Floor, or Table Top fans can help circulate the hot and cool air within the room. Constant circulation of air within the room regulates the temperature.
9# Clear Obstructions
Clearing obstructions in front of the outdoor condensing unit is necessary. A blockage such as a plant, brush, plastic, or debris will reduce the air intake, increasing the HVAC system’s load. Regularly check the pathway to make sure that the system is clear of any derby such as leaves, nests, and hazards that might interfere with its proper function. To read more on how to maintain your Air Conditioning Unit, click here.
For more information, please email us at contact@alqoze.com or fill out the form here.