With the scorching summer upon us, what people fear most is probably that "air conditioning bill" that brings a chill to the heart. Imagine opening the electricity bill and feeling even colder than after sipping a bubble milk tea—making you want to seal the air conditioner away. In fact, by following a few simple tips, you can stay cool this summer without worrying about an empty wallet. Here are 5 smart energy-saving methods!

Smartly Adjust Your Air Conditioner Temperature

Adjusting your air conditioner's temperature setting is the primary step to save energy. It is recommended to set the air conditioner temperature between 26 and 28 degrees, which is not only comfortable but also reduces power consumption. According to 台灣電力公司 data, lowering the temperature by 1 degree can increase electricity costs by about 6%. So if you want to save energy, start by adjusting the temperature!

Make Good Use of Circulation Fans and Electric Fans

Fans are not only a must-have for Taiwanese summers but also great energy-saving helpers. When used together with the air conditioner, fans promote air circulation and make the whole space feel cooler. If you turn on a fan while running the air conditioner, you can appropriately raise the AC temperature to achieve energy savings.

No Need to Turn Off the AC for Short Trips to Buy Food

For short outings, such as stepping out to buy food, you do not need to turn off the air conditioner. The reason is that turning off and restarting the AC within a short period can actually consume more power. When the AC is off, the room temperature rises; when you return and restart the unit, the compressor needs more time and electricity to bring the room back down to the set temperature.

Regularly Clean the AC Filter; Hire a Technician to Service the Unit

Regularly cleaning the air conditioner filter not only improves air quality but also increases AC efficiency. A dirty filter affects the AC's operational efficiency and leads to higher power consumption. Clean it every one to two months to prevent your AC from consuming electricity like water.

As for professional cleaning, residential ACs generally need a technician once a year, while commercial locations are recommended to have cleaning every quarter or more frequently. The cleaning frequency depends on the usage environment and frequency—for example, restaurants and other places with heavy cooking fumes require more frequent cleaning.

Invest in an Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner

If your air conditioner is already "ageing," consider upgrading to an energy-efficient model. Although the initial investment is higher, long-term savings on electricity bills can pay back the cost. Choose units with the 能源之星標章 to effectively reduce energy consumption, which is good for both your wallet and the planet.

Conclusion

This hot summer, follow these 5 methods to stay cool without feeling financially chilled! Saving energy is no longer an unattainable dream—now is the perfect time to take action. Leave a comment and tell us which energy-saving tips you use, or recommend any energy-saving gadgets. Share so more people can benefit!