With the increase in air temperature, the use of air conditioners in homes and offices increases, while cooling and air conditioning systems in businesses are starting to work more. However, improper use of these systems both reduces efficiency and causes a serious increase in electricity bills. Onur Unlu, General Manager of ESCON Energy, shared tips on reducing bills when cooling in residences, commercial buildings and industry. Unlu also made suggestions for businesses that will be closed during the 9-day holiday.
The use of air conditioners in homes and offices is increasing in these days when the air temperatures
“Air conditioner should be used at comfort temperature”
Stating that the comfort temperature should be taken into account when adjusting the temperature of the air conditioner, Onur Unlu said, “We often use air conditioners incorrectly. If the weather is very hot, we keep the setting temperature of the air conditioner at 16-17 degrees. However, the setting temperature that will provide comfort conditions for summer months should be 24-25 degrees. Since the air conditioner also takes the moisture, there will be no need for more cooling. Moreover, each degree increase in the air conditioner saves 5 percent. It is possible to achieve a high saving rate of 10% by changing the setting of the air conditioner from 22 degrees to 24 degrees. Noting that cleaning the filter of the air conditioner increases efficiency, Unlu also stated that the exterior unit should be placed on the north facade or in a well-ventilated place that is not exposed to sunlight.
“Do not run white goods with air conditioner”
Unlu listed his other suggestions for residences as follows; “Products that cause additional temperature increase inside should be used carefully. For example, efficient luminaires should be preferred for lighting. Daylight should be utilized as much as possible, but heat gain should be reduced by using sunshades or blinds during daylight hours. White goods such as ovens, dishwashers and washing machines should be operated during the hours when the sun loses its effect. Because these devices also create a heat load, they increase the cooling load of the air conditioner and thus the energy consumption. Applying exterior insulation to the building and double glazing on the windows are among the options that prevent heat.”
“It is possible to provide some of the cooling in industry and commercial buildings without using electricity”
Reminding that the use of air handling units has changed with the pandemic, Unlu said, “The use of indoor air in buildings such as factories, hotels and shopping malls has completely ceased with the pandemic. The air taken from inside is not given back inside anymore, fresh air is used continuously from outside. However, since the fresh air taken from outside is hot, more energy is used to cool this air. The way to prevent this is to install heat recovery units, which is a very practical method. In this system, the cold air ejected from the inside to the outside pre-cools the fresh air taken in. In this way, some of the cooling is provided without consuming any electricity.”
Onur Unlu listed his other suggestions for industrial and commercial buildings as follows:
– If the products in a warehouse are suitable for storing at six degrees instead of four degrees, this must be applied. Thus, efficiency can be achieved without any investment.
– If there is a need for hot water in the process, a heat pump should be used. Since one side of the heat pump is heating and the other side is cooling, it saves both electricity and natural gas.
– Installation of insulation increases efficiency in cooling as well as in heating.
– Operating the compressed air compressors in cooler places in summer increases the efficiency of the machine and saves 2% for every 5 degrees.
– If a chiller is used as a cooling system, a special honeycomb application should be applied to the outdoor unit of the device and water spray should be applied. Thanks to a system called evaporative cooling, the efficiency of the device increases by around 10%, and the system works efficiently even when energy usage is most intense.
– Control of the automation system should be done correctly. The energy used to cool an inactive space raises the bills significantly.
– Applications such as natural lighting, exterior insulation, film glass, double doors or air curtains also increase efficiency and reduce bills.
“Add chemicals to the water in the installation before you go on holiday”
Onur Unlu, General Manager of ESCON Energy, made the following recommendations to businesses and business centers that will be closed during the 9-day holiday; “For 9 days, the movement of the water in the installation.