Simply turning the air-conditioning (AC) down a few degrees this summer could help you save significant money on utility bills, according to an expert.
That is because colder AC settings consume more power, explained Sustainable Energy Centre (SEC) acting executive director Alexander Al Samahiji.
Another increase in electricity rates in March for expats and businesses, combined with a trend of rising temperatures, means this summer could be an expensive one for those who improperly use their AC.
That is why Mr Al Samahiji is advising people to turn it off in rooms they are not using – and adjust the temperature settings when it is switched on.
“When you leave the room turn off all the things you don’t need, like the air-conditioner,” said Mr Al Samahiji.
“When you are in a room and are running the air conditioner in the summer, a lot of people don’t realise that by turning up the thermostat you greatly influence the energy output.
“If you set it at 16C in one room and 22C in another, the amount of power (consumed) between the two is very different – although the comfort level is about the same.”
In fact, he said the AC probably won’t even cool the room to 16C. “The room is not efficient; the machine is trying to reach 16C, but never does,” he said.
“The other one does not try to reach that temperature, it is set at a higher point. The compressor switches on and off more often, therefore you get less (power) consumption.”
Bahrain raised electricity and water rates for the fourth year running in March, after imposing VAT on utility bills in January.
Electricity charges rose to 29 fils per unit, while water charges increased to 750 fils per unit.
Mr Al Samahiji said AC accounted for 60 per cent of most people’s power bills and urged the public to make sure their properties were running at optimal levels.
“You need to be looking at your property, doing installations, replacing older equipment, installing newer more efficient equipment, which all starts with an energy audit,” he added.
Another option is installing solar panels, which the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) has been providing to homes and businesses. He was speaking on the sidelines of the International Sustainable Energy Event, which concluded at the Gulf Hotel Convention Centre and Spa yesterday. The event was organised by the SEC, in co-operation with the Bahrain Society of Engineers and the United Nations Development Programme.
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