Follow these five tips on how to keep your home cool and reduce your electricity usage.
Temperatures in Malaysia remain fairly consistent year round. Hovering around the late 20 degrees Celisus, March is the hottest month for Kuala Lumpur. With this bring heats that we often try and shy away from where we can. Electricity usage peaks as we crank up the air conditioning, but what other means can we use to try and keep our homes cool?
1. Switch on the fan.
Air conditioning has replaced fans. Whilst the latter may seem an outdated they still have their uses. Fans circulate the air well and freestanding ones make it easier to control the temperature in different parts of your home. Plus the icing on the cake is that fans uses a fraction of the energy to run as opposed to air conditioning. Install a ceiling one above your bed and you will quickly enjoy the breeze it brings without feeling you are in sub zero temperatures.
2. Use air conditioning wisely.
How you use your air conditioning will influence its efficiency. If a fan is not going to cut it for you, then make sure you think about how you are using the air conditioning. Get it cleaned and maintained regularly for optimal performance. When it is in use make sure all the windows and doors are closed. Remember to set the temperature to around 25 degrees Celsius. Experiment with different temperatures. Set it at 21 degrees you may find that your room gets too cold and you are constantly turning it off and on again. This will put further strain on the unit than a steady temperature.
3. Protect your home from the sun.
There is a good reason why properties not facing the sun often sell first. They are cool, do not get struck by blazing sunshine and can even enjoy a breeze. If you are subject to direct sunshine then help control the temperature of your home with restricting the sun from coming in. Tinted windows will stop the sun’s UV rays from pouring in without distorting your view out. But if changing the windows is not an option, then consider applying a film that has the same qualities instead. Alternatively, fit curtains and blinds that absorb the sun and remember to shut them when you are not in that room.
4. Use any natural cool air.
Should you be fortunate enough to experience a breeze in the afternoon or a cooler evening temperature, then open your windows and doors up to take advantage of this. The hot air will soon escape. And if you have a window in your bathroom remember to leave this open to let the hot air leave after a shower.
5. Turn off appliances.
Electrical appliances generate heat. So it is best (if possible) to avoid using them in the heat of the day. For example keep ironing to first thing in the morning or the evening. Fridges tend to let out significant warmth so make sure it is set the temperature to medium as any lower and it will be working hard to keep itself cool thus using more electricity and generating more outward heat.