SANTO DOMINGO– The Dominican Republic is experiencing another day of intense heat. The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) has warned that high temperatures will continue due to the presence of Saharan dust, an anticyclonic circulation, and the hottest time of year, conditions that raise the heat index and increase the use of air conditioning in homes, offices, and businesses.
In this context, one of the most frequent questions is whether lowering the air conditioning to 18 or 20 degrees actually cools the home faster or simply increases the electricity bill.
Various specialized organizations agree that the answer is more related to energy efficiency than to the power of the equipment.
The balance point between comfort and consumption
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping air conditioning around 24°C (75°F) when the home is occupied. This temperature maintains a comfortable temperature while reducing electricity consumption compared to lower settings.
Similarly, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) points out that thermal comfort depends not only on temperature, but also on relative humidity, air circulation, and the clothing a person wears.
Therefore, setting the unit to 18°C will not necessarily make a room cool down faster.
Why doesn't lowering the temperature cool things down faster?
One of the most common mistakes is thinking that the air conditioner works at a higher power when a very low temperature is selected.
Manufacturers like Daikin explain that the equipment operates at virtually the same capacity from the moment it is switched on; the difference is that, by setting a temperature much lower than necessary, the compressor remains running for a longer time to try to reach it.
This implies higher energy consumption, additional wear and tear on components, and a higher electricity bill.
According to LG Electronics, every degree the temperature is reduced below the recommended level can increase electricity consumption by between 6% and 8%, depending on factors such as home insulation, room size, and equipment efficiency.
Efficiency begins before the equipment is even turned on
The programmed temperature is not the only element that influences the performance of the air conditioner.
Carrier specialists recommend keeping filters clean, performing preventative maintenance at least once a year, and regularly checking the refrigerant level. A system with clogged filters can lose cooling capacity and consume more energy to reach the same temperature.
Likewise, closing doors and windows, using curtains during the hours of greatest solar radiation and avoiding the direct entry of heat helps to reduce the workload of the equipment.
The type of air conditioner also matters
Not all devices consume the same amount of energy.
According to the ENERGY STAR, air conditioners with Inverter technology gradually regulate the compressor speed, avoiding the constant on/off cycles of conventional models. This can represent savings of between 20% and 40% in electricity consumption, depending on usage and equipment maintenance.
An ally against heat waves
With the high temperatures forecast by Indomet for the coming days due to Saharan dust, air conditioning will continue to be one of the main allies for maintaining comfort inside homes.
However, using it efficiently can make a significant difference in both energy consumption and equipment lifespan. Maintaining the temperature around 24°C, performing regular maintenance, and avoiding extreme settings are measures that allow you to cope with the heat without unnecessarily increasing your electricity bill.
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