Air Conditioning alone makes up 70% of the total energy consumption in the UAE. If your home has 2 or more air conditioners, these may be the biggest contributor to your electricity bill.
So if you’re wondering how much electricity does an AC use per month so that you can plan your monthly budget or save on electricity bills, then FizFix – the premier home maintenance company in Dubai, is here to help you.
This blog breaks down air conditioner energy consumption, covering everything from how AC units work to practical tips for reducing electricity usage.
How Air Conditioners Work
A basic idea of how ACs work will help you understand their energy consumption metrics. To cool your home, ACs remove heat from indoor air and transfer it outside. The following are the main processes.
- Evaporation: Refrigerant absorbs heat from indoor air and evaporates into a gas.
- Compression: The refrigerant gas moves outside and is compressed by the compressor, increasing its pressure and temperature.
- Condensation: The hot, high-pressure refrigerant releases heat to the outside air and condenses back into a liquid.
- Expansion: The liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, lowering its pressure and temperature before returning to the indoor unit.
Main Components in an AC unit:
- Evaporator coils (indoor)
- Compressor
- Condenser coils (outdoor)
- Expansion valve
Factors Affecting Air Conditioner Energy Consumption in Dubai
With temperatures in the UAE soaring to 50℃ in July 2024, AC usage has drastically increased, naturally increasing the energy consumption in Dubai. Here are a few general factors that affect how much energy your AC consumes:
Capacity of the AC Unit
ACs come in different sizes and capacities, like 1 Ton, 1.5 Ton, etc. The box your AC came in will have specifications about the maximum area coverage for your AC. If the capacity of the AC you chose is too big or too small compared to your room’s area, energy usage will be high.
Efficiency Ratings (EER/SEER)
AC efficiency is measured by EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Higher ratings mean better efficiency. Investing in a unit with high EER and SEER can significantly reduce energy consumption.
Usage Patterns
How and when you use your AC affects energy use:
- Duration: Continuous operation uses more energy.
- Thermostat Settings: Lower settings increase energy use.
- Timing: Using the AC during peak heat hours, typically late afternoon, requires more energy.
Maintenance and Condition
If your AC is old or hasn’t been serviced, it may not perform to its full efficiency. While it is easy for some ACs to be cleaned by regular customers, modern ones require professional care. Check the following blog to find out if you need AC maintenance services in Dubai.
Card: Top 8 Warning Signs Your AC Needs Professional Maintenance Now (fizfix.website)
Environmental Factors
Dubai’s extreme heat and high humidity mean your AC works harder, increasing energy consumption.
How to Calculate Your AC’s Energy Consumption
Here’s a step-by-step guide to calculating your AC’s energy consumption.
- Find the Power Rating (kW)
- Look at the AC unit’s label or user manual to find its power rating in kilowatts (kW). This is often listed as input power or rated power.
- Estimate Usage Time (hours)
- Determine how many hours per day you use the AC. For example, if you run your AC for 8 hours a day, note this down.
- Calculate Daily Energy Consumption
- Use the formula:
Power (kW)× Time (hours) = Energy (kWh)
- For example, if your AC’s power rating is 2 kW and you use it for 8 hours a day:
2kW × 8 hours = 16kWh/day
- Calculate Monthly Energy Consumption
- Multiply the daily energy consumption by the number of days you use the AC in a month. If you use it every day:
16kWh/day × 30 days = 480kWh/month
- Estimate Monthly Energy Charges
- If the average electricity cost is AED 0.30 per kWh, then your monthly electricity charges from your AC alone is:
480kWh/month × AED 0.30 = AED 144
Tips to Reduce Air Conditioner Energy Consumption
Regular Maintenance
- Clean or Replace Filters: Dirty filters reduce efficiency, making your AC work harder.
- Check Refrigerant Levels: Proper levels ensure optimal cooling.
- Inspect and Clean Coils: Dirty coils can cause the AC to overheat and use more energy.
Card: 10 Most Important DIY AC Maintenance Tips for the Hot Summer (fizfix.website)
- Professional AC Servicing: Regular professional check-ups by AC cleaning services in Dubai can catch and fix small issues before they damage your AC.
Optimal Thermostat Settings
- Set at 24-26°C: These settings provide comfort and efficiency.
- Use Programmable Thermostats: Schedule the AC to run only when needed.
- Avoid Extreme Settings: Lower settings increase energy consumption significantly.
Using Fans to Supplement Cooling
- Ceiling Fans: Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting by a few degrees without losing comfort.
- Portable Fans: Strategically place portable fans to boost airflow in specific areas.
Upgrading to Energy-Efficient Models
- Look for High SEER/EER Ratings: These ratings indicate higher efficiency.
- Inverter Technology: Consider AC units with inverter technology for more efficient cooling.
- Energy Star Certification: Choose units with this certification for guaranteed energy savings.
Insulating Your Home
- Seal Windows and Doors: Prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering.
- Insulate Walls and Roof: Proper insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
- Use Curtains or Blinds: Reduce heat gain from sunlight by closing curtains or blinds during the hottest parts of the day.
Hire FizFix for Expert AC Maintenance in Dubai
With knowledge about how your AC works, the factors affecting its energy use, and how to calculate its energy consumption, you can take steps to reduce your electricity bills.
However, servicing an air conditioner to ensure it runs efficiently requires expertise from the best home maintenance services in Dubai. That’s where FizFix comes in. Our professional AC maintenance services in Dubai ensure that your unit operates at peak performance, saving you money and keeping you comfortable.
