High temperatures mark a summer that compels us to reflect on how we use air conditioning and how we care for the air we breathe. Currently, the increased electricity demand caused by the intensive use of cooling systems clashes head-on with the challenge of maintaining a cleaner and healthier atmosphere in urban environments.
Concern about energy consumption and pollution is growing, especially in countries like Spain, where most of the population lives exposed to air that exceeds the limits recommended by the WHO. Finding solutions is becoming increasingly urgent, both to protect health and to prevent electricity bills from skyrocketing even further during the hottest months.
How to save energy without overheating at home?
Given the successive heat waves , it's essential to employ strategies to prevent air conditioning from causing excessive electricity consumption . The Spanish Consumers and Users Organization (OCU) and numerous experts advise setting the desired room temperature and letting the unit maintain the climate, rather than constantly turning it on and off. This prevents the unit from operating at maximum power each time it restarts, which increases energy waste.
Keeping the thermostat around 24°C is usually sufficient. For every degree the temperature is lowered, energy consumption can increase by up to 10%. It is also recommended that the difference with the outside temperature not exceed 8°C. So, if it is 35°C outside, ideally the appliance should be set to around 27°C.
Other key measures include using fans to redistribute fresh air , using blinds and awnings to block direct sunlight, and ensuring filters are clean , as a clogged filter can increase energy consumption by 5% to 15%. ECO mode and timers also help prevent unnecessary use, especially at night or when no one is home.
The choice of appliance is equally important: units with A+++ certification and inverter technology offer greater efficiency and allow you to keep the environment cool while consuming less energy. Furthermore, it is advisable to turn the air conditioning off completely if the house will be empty for several hours.
Air pollution: a silent threat
Beyond the economic aspect, 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 particulate matter and gases such as nitrogen dioxide. The main source remains road traffic, although heating systems, industry, and maritime and air transport also contribute.
The health and economic costs of this air pollution are high, with estimated losses in Spain alone amounting to several billion euros. The European Union has set a target of reducing air pollution-related deaths by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.
Urban Solutions: Innovation for Cleaner Cities
As a complement to measures promoting the responsible use of air conditioning, cities like Madrid are implementing urban technologies to improve air quality . One example is the AirNetwork bus shelters by 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 coating capable of absorbing water and releasing vapor into the environment, mimicking the principle of human perspiration 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 density.
Advances in the design and management of cities involve adopting technologies that facilitate air renewal and purification, as well as promoting a more rational use 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.
