EDP alert: air-conditioning can become the villain of your light bill
In some cases, the continuous use of the device represents an increase up to 118% in homes energy bills
In high summer temperatures, air-conditioning may become the great villain of a household expenses, and be responsible for a substantial increase in the light bill. With the objective of guiding customers in the efficient and conscientious use of equipment and to avoid disruption at the end of the month, EDP, the distributor of electrical energy for the regions of Alto do Tietê, Vale do Paraíba and Litoral North, highlights tips that can help to reduce the consumption of this device, without ignoring the comfort of the family.
According to Marcos Scarpa, Institutional Relations of EDP. "A conscious consumption of energy begins with the choice of equipment that is properly sized to the need of the place where it will be installed. The electrical circuit internal power also needs to be suitable for the high electrical potential of the equipment. Present on household appliances and considered a indicator of energy efficiency levels, the Procel Seal should be looked for at the time of purchase, "says the executive.
The Procel Seal recognizes equipment considered in the "A" range of the National Energy Conservation Label (ENCE), established by the Inmetro, which means that equipment with this certification is more efficient and contributes to the preservation of the environment and reduces the customer bill without reducing comfort.
A 7,500 BTU / h, window type air conditioner, for example, connected for eight hours a day uses an average of 126 KWh per month. Converting to Reais, the equipment might cause an increase of up to 118% in the energy bill of a family that consumes, on average, 150 kWh per month, that is, the monthly invoice amount can jump from R$99.06 to about R$216.32 (residential tariff with taxes and flag red, without considering the rate of Public Lighting).
Tips to make air conditioning more efficient
Place the equipment in a well-ventilated area, specially at the top - as cold air descends relative to warm air, making refrigeration more efficient;
Clean the filter at least once a month;
Turn it off every time you will go away for a long time;
Keep windows and doors closed to prevent the escape of cool air;
The cooling system must be installed and sized correctly to function well and maintain the efficiency for which it was designed.
Do not block the air outlet of the appliance;
Protect the outside of the air conditioner from the sun, without blocking the ventilation grilles.
Understand air conditioning
The duty cycle of an air conditioner comprises cooling and ventilation. When a very low temperature is required, the energy consumption will be much higher. For this reason, it is recommended to maintain a temperature of 24ºC, compatible with human comfort, so that the compressor does not need to work for a long time.
On days with warmer temperatures, a great tip is to replace the air conditioning with a fan. "Fans, especially ceiling ones, are a more economical solution for the environment. When they are used on average speed, they might consume up to 11 times less than air conditioning, "says Scarpa.
EDP also stresses that the efficient and rational use of electricity, along with the awareness and elimination of habits that lead to waste can help reduce energy consumption in the domestic economy and in the preservation of natural resources.
Check how much air conditioning can increase the power bill
Comparative: Increase in light bill residential (by track of consumption) with 1 air conditioning window type 7,500 BTU / hr (classification "The" of the Seal Procel)
- Monthly consumption of a residence without air conditioning (kWh)
150 kWh | 200 kWh | 250 kWh
- Equipment working 8 hours per day for one month
126 kWh | 126 kWh | 126 kWh
- Total of monthly consumption of residence with air conditioning
276 kWh | 326 kWh | 376 kWh
- Value approximate account light without air conditioning
R \ $ 99,06 | R \ $ 132,08 | R \ $ 195,94
- Value approximate account light with air conditioning
R \ 216,32 | R \ $ 255.50 | R \ $ 294.69
- Addition of value in account light
118% | ? 93% | ? 50%
\ * The amounts in reais correspond to the residential tariff with taxes and red flag, without considering the rate of Public Illumination. It is worth remembering that the Tax on the Circulation of Commodities and Services (ICMS) of the State of São Paulo varies according to consumption. Up to 90 kWh / month, the consumer is exempt; from 91 to 200 kWh / month, it increases to 12%, and above 201 kWh / month, it increases to 25% consumption.
