Vietnamese homes waste electricity as ACs run nonstop but rooms stay hot

During the summer months, many Vietnamese families keep their air‑conditioners operating from sunrise to sunset. Despite the constant operation, rooms often remain uncomfortably warm and electricity bills surge.

Experts explain that the problem is not a faulty unit but excessive heat entering the home through direct sunlight on windows, western‑facing walls, hot roofs, continuously running appliances, and frequent door openings. As one article puts it, the rooms experience a state of “mát không tới nơi” (cool but not reaching the desired spot).

To improve cooling efficiency, homeowners are advised to check five key areas: block direct sunlight with curtains or reflective film, use thicker thermal curtains, insulate western walls and roofs, reduce internal heat sources such as TVs and computers, and keep doors closed as much as possible. Lowering the thermostat further can actually increase energy consumption because the unit must work harder against incoming heat.

Implementing these simple measures can lower indoor temperatures, reduce AC workload, and lead to noticeable savings on electricity bills during the peak heat season.