High temperatures mark a summer that forces us to reflect on how we use air conditioning and protect the air we breathe. Today, the increase in electricity demand caused by the intensive use of refrigeration systems collides head-on with the challenge of maintaining a cleaner and healthier atmosphere in urban environments.
Concern about energy consumption and pollution is on the rise, especially in countries like Spain, where the majority of the population lives exposed to air that exceeds the limits recommended by the WHO. The search for solutions is increasingly urgent, both to preserve health and to prevent electricity bills from skyrocketing further during the hottest months.
How to save energy without overheating at home?
In view of the successive heat waves, it is essential to employ strategies so that the air conditioning does not increase electricity consumption. The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) Many experts advise regulating the desired room temperature and letting the appliance maintain the climate, rather than constantly turning it off and on. This prevents the appliance from operating at full power every time it restarts, which increases energy consumption.
Keep the thermostat around 24°C This is usually sufficient. For every degree the temperature is lowered, consumption can increase by up to 10%. It's also recommended that the difference with the outside temperature not exceed 8°C. Thus, if it's 35°C outside, the ideal setting would be to set the appliance to around 27°C.
There are other key measures, such as take advantage of fans to redistribute fresh air, use blinds and awnings to avoid direct heat from the sun and ensure that the filters are clean, since a clogged filter can increase consumption by 5% to 15%. The mode ECO and timers also help prevent unnecessary use, especially at night or when no one is home.
The choice of the device is equally relevant: equipment with A+++ certification and inverter technology They offer greater efficiency and allow you to keep the environment cool while consuming less energy. Furthermore, it is recommended turn off the air completely if the home is going to be empty for several hours.
Air pollution: a silent threat
Beyond the economic issue, the latest reports on air quality in Spain and Europe reveal worrying data. It is estimated that poor air quality causes tens of thousands of premature deaths each year in our country, mainly due to fine particles and gases such as nitrogen dioxide. The main source remains road traffic, although heating, industry, and maritime and air transport also contribute.
El health and economic cost The incidence of this air pollution is high, with losses estimated at several billion euros in Spain alone. The European Union has set a goal of reducing air pollution-related deaths by at least 2030% by 55 compared to 2005.
Urban Solutions: Innovation for Cleaner Cities
As a complement to the measures for responsible use of air conditioning, cities like Madrid are implementing urban technologies to improve air qualityAn example is the AirNetwork canopies JCDecaux, equipped with photocatalytic systems capable of removing nitrogen oxides from the air. This initiative, already successfully tested in Zaragoza, aims not only to make urban spaces more sustainable, but also to integrate environmental functionality into public furniture itself.
Innovation also comes in the form of special paints for buildings, such as the one developed in Singapore: a layer capable of absorbing water and releasing vapor into the environment, mimicking the principle of human sweating to passively dissipate heat. These types of solutions, applicable to existing buildings, can reduce air conditioning use by up to 40% and are especially useful in humid areas where heat and pollution are exacerbated by urban concentration.
Advances in the design and management of cities They involve adopting technologies that facilitate air renewal and purification, in addition to promoting more rational consumption of traditional air conditioning systems.
The balance between comfort in our homes and environmental quality in cities increasingly depends on the intelligent use of energy and the adoption of new technological approaches. Committing to efficient consumption and innovations that improve air quality is both an economic decision and a commitment to collective health and well-being.
