Table des matières
Introduction
In the wake of my travels through diverse climates and cultures—from Costa Rica, Florida in the USA to the South Africa passing by Philippines and Indonesia—I have witnessed firsthand the excessive use, or rather abuse, of air conditioning (AC). Hotels, restaurants, and malls (but also trains, taxis and buses) often set temperatures significantly lower than necessary, leading to excessive energy consumption, higher electricity bills, and discomfort from the cold. Such experiences have led me to ponder: How to impact positively the ecology and your electricity bill with your AC? That pretty simple and obvious actually. Adjusting your AC to a more moderate temperature, such as 20°C (68°F) instead of the more common 18°C (64°F), can address these problems by reducing power consumption, decreasing energy demand growth (therefore black out in some regions), and fostering sustainable cooling practices.
We will delve into the environmental benefits of opting for energy-efficient cooling systems, demonstrating how setting your AC to 20°C can significantly cut down on electricity bills and peak electricity demand. Furthermore, we’ll explore the health benefits that come with this adjustment, contrasting it with other common settings to highlight its advantages. By understanding how AC temperature affects electricity bill and embracing energy savings strategies, we can contribute to a more sustainable future, both financially and ecologically. Join us on this journey to uncover the impact of a simple change in your AC settings on your wallet and the planet.
The Environmental Impact of Lower AC Settings
Increased Energy Consumption
Setting the AC to a lower temperature like 18°C not only spikes energy usage but also contributes to higher electricity costs. By adjusting the AC to 20°C or 22°C, we can significantly reduce this consumption. Studies show that even a slight increase in AC temperature can save up to 3% on energy bills [1].
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Air conditioners are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions due to their use of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, which are potent greenhouse gases. These refrigerants are 1,000–3,000 times more potent than CO2 and leak into the atmosphere during use and disposal of AC units [2]. The environmental impact is profound, with air conditioning responsible for nearly 4% of global greenhouse emissions, a figure comparable to double the emissions of the entire aviation industry [3].
Climate Change
The irony of using air conditioning is that while it cools us down temporarily, it exacerbates the very climate change that increases our need for cooling. The widespread use of AC contributes significantly to global warming. By 2050, emissions from air conditioning alone are expected to triple, accounting for a considerable percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions [4]. Adjusting AC settings to more moderate temperatures like 20°C can mitigate these effects, reducing the strain on energy resources and slowing climate change.
By making these adjustments, we not only save on energy costs but also contribute to a more sustainable and healthier planet. Adjusting our AC settings is a simple yet effective step towards combating the environmental issues we face today.
How Setting AC to 20°C Can Reduce Electricity Bills
Energy Efficiency at 20°C
Adjusting the AC temperature to 20°C is not just about comfort but also about enhancing energy efficiency. In India, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency highlights that a reduction in AC temperatures from the conventional 18°C to 24°C can result in 24% energy savings [5]. By setting the AC at 20°C, we engage in a practice that significantly lowers energy consumption, aligning with more sustainable energy usage patterns.
Reduced Compressor Usage
The role of the compressor in air conditioning systems is crucial as it regulates the temperature by cycling on and off. By setting our AC systems to a higher temperature like 20°C, the compressor does not have to work as hard or as frequently. This reduced workload means less energy consumption and, importantly, less wear and tear on the system. It has been found that the compressor will work more and use more electricity if the temperature is set to a lower level like 18°C. In contrast, a setting of 24°C reduces the compressor’s operational time, making it more energy-efficient and extending the lifespan of the unit [5].
From an Economic Perspective: The Impact of Setting Your AC Temperature
| Region | Cost Reduction (%) | Notes |
| California (USA) | 6-8% | Based on general U.S. data for energy savings |
| Florida (USA) | 6-8% | Similar to California, with high humidity affecting efficiency |
| Costa Rica | 10% | High electricity costs make savings significant |
| Brazil | 10% | New energy efficiency standards enhance savings |
| South Africa | 10% | High initial costs but significant savings on energy bills |
| Japan | 20% | High efficiency standards lead to greater savings |
| China | 10% | Rapid growth in cooling demand and efficiency improvements |
| India | 10% | Significant savings due to high cooling demand |
| Australia | 10% | Energy efficiency measures and high cooling costs |
Health Benefits of Setting Your AC to 20°C
Comfortable Indoor Temperature
Maintaining a comfortable temperature at home is crucial for our well-being. Ideally, a home temperature around 25°C (78°F) is recommended, though personal preferences and regional climate may influence this [6]. Setting the AC to 20°C helps maintain a temperature close to this ideal (personally 22°C is even better!), ensuring comfort without the excessive cold that can lead to discomfort and health risks.
Reduced Risk of Health Issues
Exposing ourselves to overly cold and dry environments, especially sudden drops in temperature, can increase the risk of developing health issues. Indoor temperatures below 16°C are associated with heightened risks of asthma and other respiratory conditions. [6]. Moreover, maintaining the right temperature in our bedrooms is vital for good sleep quality. The ideal temperature for sleep is between 18-20°C, as cooler environments complement the natural drop in our body’s temperature during sleep, aiding in quicker sleep onset and deeper sleep cycles [6].
On the other hand, environments that are too cold can disrupt sleep by causing our bodies to work harder to stay warm, leading to restlessness and discomfort. This is particularly concerning as many viruses, including the influenza virus, thrive and remain active longer in colder, low-humidity environments [7]. By setting our AC to a moderate 20°C, we can reduce these risks, creating a healthier living environment that supports our body’s natural functions and protects against illness.
Conclusion
Throughout my travels, including experiences in countries like Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico, and the Philippines, I’ve consistently encountered the challenges posed by unnecessary and excessive air conditioning usage. From enduring sudden blackouts due to overconsumption of energy to feeling uncomfortably cold in public spaces, the impact of setting air conditioners to lower temperatures is multifaceted, affecting everything from energy consumption rates to personal health. By advocating for a moderate adjustment of AC settings to 20°C or 22°C instead of the more conventional 18°C, we directly address these issues. Not only does this simple change promote significant energy savings, decreasing the strain on electrical grids and reducing the frequency of power blackouts, but it also mitigates the discomfort and health risks associated with overly cold environments, all while contributing positively to the planet’s well-being.
The decision to adjust our air conditioning settings encapsulates a broader commitment to both our personal health and the environment. Shifting to 20°C from 18°C can result in up to 3-5% savings in energy per degree, which translates into a tangible reduction in electricity bills and a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. This adjustment exemplifies how individual actions can lead to collective environmental benefits, including the slowdown of climate change and a reduction in energy resource depletion. By embracing such changes, we pave the way for a healthier planet and a more sustainable future, demonstrating that small adjustments in our daily lives can have profound impacts on our well-being and the environment.
References
[1] – https://www.hitachiaircon.com/us/magazine/ways-to-save-energy-through-efficient-use-of-your-ac
[2] – https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-prevent-air-conditioners-from-heating-the-planet/
[3] – https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/06/07/air-conditioners-humid-climate-change/
[4] – https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/air-conditioners-fuel-climate-crisis-can-nature-help
[5] – https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/economy/explained-why-you-should-keep-the-ac-at-24c-4711541.html
[6] – https://alwaysplumbing.ca/heating/how-your-homes-temperature-can-affect-your-health/
[7] – https://frederickair.com/home-comfort/reduce-the-stress-on-your-ac-with-the-20-degree-rule/
[8] – https://www.livemint.com/Money/VOUrj7s47bJreraISIca0J/Running-your-AC-at-27C-vs-18C-can-cut-your-electricity-bil.html
[9] – https://mistralcleaning.com/ac-temperature-settings/