As summer approaches with its intense heat waves, air conditioning units become essential to keep your home cool. However, the high cost of electricity can turn the constant use of these devices into a financial nightmare. Fortunately, there is a simple trick that can help reduce these costs without sacrificing comfort.

Many modern air conditioners have a little-known but very effective function: “humidity mode” or “dry mode”. This mode, represented by a water droplet icon on the control, does not cool the environment significantly, but it does reduce the humidity of the air. In humid climates, such as coastal areas, this function can be an effective and economical alternative to dealing with the heat.

When humidification mode is activated, the air conditioner acts as a dehumidifier, keeping the room temperature more stable and comfortable without using as much energy as traditional cooling mode. This not only saves on electricity bills, but also improves comfort on high humidity days.

In addition to using the humidifier mode, El Español lists other strategies to reduce your air conditioner's energy consumption:

1. Choose efficient equipment: Choose appliances with inverter technology and a high energy rating (A). Although the initial cost may be higher, the long-term savings are significant.
2. Set the power and temperature correctly.: Make sure the appliance has enough power for the room size and maintain the temperature between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius in summer. Each additional degree can increase energy consumption by up to 8%.
3. Proper insulation: Close doors and windows and use curtains or blinds to reduce outside heat entry. This helps maintain a stable indoor temperature and reduces the work of the air conditioner.
4. Periodic maintenance: Keep your filters and components clean and well maintained. Annual maintenance by a professional can extend the life of your equipment and ensure efficient performance.
5. Natural ventilationWhenever possible, use natural ventilation instead of running the air conditioner. Opening the windows during cold weather may be enough to keep the house comfortable without additional costs.