Want to cut down on your air conditioning costs while keeping your home comfortable? Here are a few easy tips tailored to ductless mini split air conditioners that can help you save energy and reduce your electricity bill:
1. Use Dehumidification Mode (DRY Mode)
Most ductless mini split systems come with a dehumidification mode (DRY mode), which is designed to remove excess moisture from the air without aggressively cooling it. This mode can make your room feel cooler by reducing humidity, which is especially helpful in humid climates. Keeping the humidity around 50-60% is optimal for comfort and health.
2. Set the Temperature for Efficiency
For the best balance of comfort and energy savings, set your mini split to a temperature of around 75°F (24°C). If you set the system to a much lower temperature, like 60°F, it will work harder, causing the compressor to run continuously, which spikes energy usage. A setting of 75°F is generally cool enough for comfort without driving up your energy bill.
3. Start Cool, Then Switch to DRY Mode
If your room feels stuffy, you can start by using the cooling mode (COOL mode) at around 72°F (22°C) to cool things down. Once the room feels more comfortable, switch to DRY mode to maintain a pleasant temperature while using less energy. DRY mode uses the compressor at a lower frequency, so it can save a lot of power over time.
4. Understand Your Energy Use
Running your mini split in DRY mode can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to running it continuously in COOL mode. Here’s a rough estimate of how much it costs to run your ductless mini split system per hour:
- 9,000 BTU (about 900 watts) = $0.12 per hour
- 12,000 BTU (about 1,200 watts) = $0.16 per hour
- 18,000 BTU (about 1,900 watts) = $0.25 per hour
- 24,000 BTU (about 2,200 watts) = $0.29 per hour
By using dehumidification mode and setting your temperature wisely, you’ll save energy and reduce your electricity bills without sacrificing comfort.
Bonus Tip: Regular Maintenance
Make sure your mini split system is serviced regularly to keep it running efficiently. Clean filters and check for any issues to ensure it’s operating at its best.