Global warming continues to be a prevalent environmental issue today and many of us are starting to feel the effects of rising temperatures. This is especially true in Singapore’s hot and humid, tropical climate. 2023 was by far recorded as the hottest year! Fortunately, air conditioner units serve as the perfect solution to keep us cool on warmer days. While we might be tempted to have the air conditioner running 24/7 to beat the heat, leaving it on for that long can bring about many drawbacks. Here are some reasons to avoid doing so.

Higher Energy Costs 

Air conditioners consume a lot of electricity and when they’re running continuously, they draw energy without pause, leading to an excessive buildup on electricity bills. The unit must constantly work to maintain a consistent temperature even when cooling may not be necessary. Not only does this increase energy consumption but it also forces the system to work harder, reducing its efficiency over time. As such, keeping your home cool becomes much more expensive compared to using the aircon only when needed or programming it to cycle on and off.

Excessive Wear and Tear 

Frequent use of any equipment can contribute to excessive wear and tear and air conditioner units are no exception. Critical parts like the compressor fans and filters are under continuous strain, which can result in recurring breakdowns and the need for aircon servicing. Without regular maintenance, small issues escalate quickly, leading to costly aircon repairs. The different components may start to fail prematurely over time, forcing you to fix the aircon more often, which is both inconvenient and expensive. Regular serving helps mitigate these problems but overuse can still shorten the system’s lifespan.

Learn more: 3 Things You Can Expect When Hiring Professional Aircon Services 

Potential Overcooling

Overcooling occurs when indoor temperatures drop below a comfortable level due to constant cooling without proper regulation. Spaces begin to feel excessively cold, creating an uncomfortable living environment, particularly during times when air conditioner units continue to operate even after the ideal temperature has been reached. Apart from wasting energy unnecessarily, users will have to adjust the aircon settings and layer up to feel warm again, defeating the purpose of the system. 

Environmental Impact  

Did you know that air conditioning accounts for 7% of global electricity and 3% of carbon emissions? They typically rely on electricity generated from fossil fuels and the constant power demand contributes to higher greenhouse gas, increasing carbon footprint. The continuous energy use strains power grids and depletes natural resources, further exacerbating environmental degradation. Additionally, the refrigerants used in air conditioner units can also give rise to ozone depletion and global warming if not properly maintained. Leaving your aircon on for long hours causes a larger ecological concern, aggravating climate change and pollution.

The disadvantages of leaving your air conditioner on 24/7 extend beyond personal costs, affecting the environment on a larger scale. With the planet heating up, it's more important than ever to do our part in reducing energy consumption. Only use your aircon when truly necessary, and turn it off once it has done its job. However, keep in mind that even if you're not running your system constantly, regular servicing is vital for its longevity. On days when your aircon is working for extended periods, timely maintenance becomes even more essential to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

At Coldway Aircon, we offer a range of quality services including aircon troubleshooting, aircon general servicing and more to keep your unit operating at its best. 

Contact us today for more information.