Saving tips: air conditioning
An air conditioner is a real heavy consumer and ideally should therefore not be used at all. So always try to prevent a room from becoming too warm, for example by providing your home with good insulation or by keeping out sunlight, preferably from the outside. Only when there is no other way and other measures do not work can an air conditioner be considered. Even then, however, it is possible to save. In new-build projects, alternatives such as a ground source heat pump are also worth considering.
)
01Choosing an energy-efficient air conditioner
Saving on the energy consumption of the air conditioning starts with its purchase. There are different systems, but a split system with a natural refrigerant such as isobutane is preferred from an energy and ecological point of view.
Also look at the energy label, where A+++ is the holy grail. Do bear in mind, though, that the energy labels of split and monoblock systems cannot be compared with each other because they are calculated differently. A C-rated split air conditioner can therefore be more energy-efficient than an A-rated monoblock air conditioner. Moreover, it is not enough to look only at the type of air conditioner and the energy label, because the power of the air conditioner must also suit the home. Count on a power of 100 watts per square metre.
Do bear in mind that it is not always necessary to actually lower the temperature. A drop in the perceived temperature may be enough, and the fan, which uses considerably less anyway, is excellently suited to this. By comparison: an average fan has an electricity consumption of 10 kWh, whereas for a single-split air conditioner this is already 150 kWh and the consumption of a mobile air conditioner rises to more than 200 kWh.
02Saving energy with a good air conditioning installation
When connecting an air conditioner there is always a connection to the outside world. With so-called mobile air conditioners this is a hose that is led outside through an open window. This is of course not a good idea, because then the heat flows inside and the air conditioner is mainly cooling the outside world (or heating it, but that is another story). It is better to choose a hole in the wall through which the hose is pulled. Make sure there are good seals. Also insulate all pipes through which refrigerant runs, both inside and outside. If necessary, call in an air conditioning installer who will take a number of tasks off your hands.
Keeping heat out
The cooler it is inside and the less heat flows in, the less energy the air conditioner needs to use. A number of simple measures make it possible to keep the heat out better, for example by closing the windows during the day and opening them at night or by closing the curtains during the day.
Do the same inside the home. Often it is really not necessary to cool every room in the home. Keep doors closed so that only the right rooms are cooled. In addition, good insulation helps not only to keep the heat out during the warm summer months, but also keeps the heat in during cold winter months.
To keep the heat out, switch off unused electrical appliances, because these appliances not only keep using energy, but at the same time also create heat. This also applies when they are on standby. Taking less hot showers also helps a great deal, especially since higher humidity also raises the perceived temperature.
Finally, think of the shade of plants or trees that block direct sunlight. By cleverly planting trees and shrubs around the house, the heat can easily be kept out. In the short term, a shade cloth is of course a more practical solution.
Maintaining the air conditioner
An air conditioner must be properly maintained, because otherwise it will work less and less well. The air conditioner will then not only use more energy, but it will also take longer to actually get the room cooled. Do not forget to clean the outdoor unit regularly.
At least once every two years the air conditioner must be refilled and the pipes vacuumed. For an optimal result it is advisable to call in a maintenance company. Many of these companies offer various contracts so that the service is never forgotten.
Paying attention to the home
Whereas a smart thermostat adds value for efficient heating in the home, automation can also deliver energy benefits in other ways. Using home automation-based solutions it is possible, for example, to automate the raising and lowering of sunshades so that the sun cannot heat up the home. Also think of detectors that know when a window is open, so that the air conditioner switches itself off and energy is not used needlessly. A plus point is that some smart thermostats have extensions with which the air conditioner can also be controlled. This way, one system is enough to regulate the temperature in winter and summer.
Golden combination
If possible, combine the air conditioner with solar panels. Solar panels generate a lot of energy when the sun is doing its best, while the air conditioner is guzzling energy at exactly that moment. This allows the energy from the solar panels to flow directly to the air conditioner. The combination with a humidifier, on the other hand, is not a good idea. A humidifier does extract heat from the home on the one hand, but on the other hand also makes the air more humid. This humidity results in a higher perceived temperature. Moreover, higher humidity can bring health problems with it, while humidity during the summer months is actually already fairly high. Only with WTW (heat recovery ventilation) installations can an air cooler with water evaporation be worthwhile.
Ground source heat pump as an alternative to air conditioning
If it is an option, for example in a new-build project, we recommend considering a ground source heat pump. This makes it possible to cool the home passively, so that the average electricity consumption is only 2,5 times higher than that of a fan. Here the ground temperature, on average around 12°C in the Netherlands, is brought up during the summer months. Of course, an expensive ground drilling is necessary and moreover, for it to work well, the home must already be well to very well insulated, so it is not an option for everyone.
03Frequently asked questions
With a split air conditioner you have an indoor and an outdoor unit. With a multi-split air conditioner you have several indoor units.
What is the difference between a split air conditioner and a multi-split air conditioner?
A mobile air conditioner uses much more energy, especially when it is vented outside with a hose and a window or door has to be opened. For prolonged use it is therefore not recommended. However, when an air conditioner is only needed very exceptionally, it is worth considering because there are no expensive purchase and installation costs involved. Also bear in mind that a mobile air conditioner is often not able to cool large rooms.
I need an air conditioner for a short period. Is a mobile air conditioner a good idea?
In general, an installer's final invoice consists of more than 70% material costs. The remaining part then consists of call-out and installation costs. It is therefore possible to save up to more than 30% on the final invoice, provided that you already have the necessary installation materials and knowledge.
Can I save a lot by installing the air conditioner myself?
This depends on the size of the bedroom. For a bedroom up to 70 m³, an air conditioner with a power of 2,5 kW will suffice. For bedrooms between 70 and 120 m³, an air conditioner with a power of 2,5 to 3,5 kW is a good idea. Finally, up to 170 m³ an air conditioner with a power of 5 kW is recommended.
I want an air conditioner in my bedroom. How much power should it have?
This depends on many things, such as the number of indoor and outdoor units. Moreover, each company of course has its own prices and any call-out charges. In general you pay 100 to 150 euros per year for a maintenance contract. Repair work is not included in the price.
How much does a maintenance contract for my air conditioner cost?
Energy-efficient air conditioning? ➜ Save energy and money with your air conditioner, cool!
An air conditioner uses a great deal of energy. ➜ Fortunately, it is possible to reduce its energy consumption. ➜ Check our saving tips!
Work out the monthly amount with your usage and feed-in.