Hong Kong Man Surprised by Low Electricity Bill Despite Frequent Use of Air Conditioner
Summer heatwaves have left many Hong Kong residents searching for ways to stay cool. While some rely on USB fans, others turn to air conditioners. However, one netizen recently received an electricity bill that left him pleasantly surprised. Despite using his air conditioner almost constantly during the hot weather, his bill only amounted to around $270. He described it as “good value.”
The man, who shared his experience on the Facebook group “Home Improvement Sharing Valley,” revealed that his household appliances included two refrigerators, an inverter split air conditioner, and a dehumidifier. Due to the hot and humid weather, he kept the dehumidifier running all night and made it a habit to turn on the air conditioner without hesitation.
During his holidays, the man kept the air conditioner on 24 hours a day. Even when he returned to work, he continued to use it while sleeping at night. Despite this constant usage, his electricity bill remained surprisingly low.
The bill showed that he used 256 kilowatt-hours of electricity from May 18 to June 14, amounting to $273. The man explained that he set the air conditioner to 18 degrees when turning it on and then raised it to 25 degrees after two and a half hours. He also mentioned that combining the use of inverter refrigerators and washing machines could further reduce the electricity bill. Many netizens agreed that his bill was unusually low, with some questioning its authenticity.
The Consumer Council conducted tests on various types of split air conditioners and found that inverter models can consume up to 40% less power than fixed-frequency models. This difference in power consumption can result in up to a 90% variance in electricity bills.
Inverter air conditioners are more energy-efficient because they operate at high speeds initially and automatically lower their speeds as the room temperature approaches the desired level. The Consumer Council’s tests on 14 models of “1 HP” split machines, including variable-frequency and fixed-frequency models, revealed that the variable-frequency type can save approximately 40% of annual electricity consumption compared to the fixed-frequency type. This translates to a potential 9% difference in electricity bills. Although variable frequency air conditioners are 15 to 20% more expensive than fixed frequency ones, the savings in electricity bills over 2 to 3 years can offset the price difference.
Additionally, experts suggest that leaving the air conditioner on may be more energy-saving than frequently turning it on and off. A Japanese TV program, “そもそも総研” (Somosomo Souken), tested air conditioners for 24 hours and found that power consumption is highest when the air conditioner is first turned on and gradually decreases as the room temperature stabilizes. According to their analysis, if the original room temperature is around 31 degrees and the air conditioner is turned off for less than 5 hours and 27 minutes due to going out, it is actually more energy-saving to leave it on.
However, Xu Xiqiang, the director of the Hong Kong Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Workers Union, warns that prolonged use of the air conditioner may strain its components, especially if it is an inverter type. He suggests that if the shutdown time is 2 hours or less, it may be more energy-saving to keep the air conditioner running. Nevertheless, he emphasizes the importance of considering the long-term effects on the air conditioner’s performance.
While the netizen’s low electricity bill may be an exception, it highlights the potential energy-saving benefits of using inverter air conditioners and adopting efficient usage habits. As the summer heat continues, many Hong Kong residents may consider these factors to keep their homes cool without breaking the bank.
How can residents use energy-saving features such as sleep mode and timer functions to reduce electricity consumption with their air conditioners?
Council also recommended using energy-saving features such as sleep mode and timer functions to further reduce electricity consumption.
It is worth noting that the size of the room, insulation, and overall usage patterns can also affect the electricity bill. The man in the Facebook post may have achieved such a low bill due to factors such as efficient appliances, proper insulation, and careful usage habits.
This story serves as a reminder that it is possible to use air conditioners frequently without incurring exorbitant electricity bills. By investing in energy-efficient appliances, optimizing usage patterns, and taking advantage of energy-saving features, residents can stay cool during the summer while keeping their bills under control.
Great article! The comparison of power consumption of inverter air conditioners was really helpful. The cost-saving tips shared at the end are a bonus. Thanks for shedding light on an important aspect of energy efficiency in air conditioners.
Great article! The comparison between inverter air conditioners’ power consumption was insightful. The cost-saving tips provided are practical and useful for anyone looking to reduce their energy bills. Keep up the good work!