Energy consultant explains air conditioning costs and efficiency

Energy consultant Alex Bermudez has addressed common concerns regarding the cost of running air conditioning units overnight. According to Bermudez, leaving an air conditioner on while sleeping has a minimal impact on electricity bills, with the cost for a full night estimated at only a few cents.

Key findings suggest that energy consumption is driven more by temperature settings than by total operating time. Reducing the thermostat by just one degree can increase consumption by between 6% and 8%. To optimize efficiency, it is recommended to maintain a constant temperature between 23°C and 25°C.

Bermudez also advises against the habit of turning the unit off and on again to manage heat. He compares this to a car driving at a constant speed versus frequent stopping and starting; the initial effort required to rapidly lower the room temperature when restarting the unit causes significant energy spikes. Maintaining a steady temperature allows the compressor to operate at a lower, more efficient speed.