During heatwaves in Spain, turning on the air conditioning becomes a necessity for many households, but is setting it to 25ºC beneficial in terms of energy savings? This topic has sparked debate and experts have expressed varied opinions.
According to the Institute for Diversification and Energy Saving (IDAE), setting the air conditioning to 25ºC is one of the key recommendations for achieving a more efficient use of the air conditioning system. From an energy perspective, maintaining the thermostat at this temperature can significantly reduce electricity consumption compared to lower settings, such as 20ºC or 21ºC. “For every degree the temperature is lowered, energy consumption can increase between 6% and 8%,” a spokesperson for the IDAE states.
Dr. Alberto García, a climatologist from the Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT), adds that setting a higher temperature not only helps save energy, but also reduces stress on the electrical grid during peak demand. “During high demand times, especially in heatwaves, the electrical grid can collapse if too many air conditioning units are running at very low temperatures. Maintaining the thermostat at 25ºC mitigates this risk.”
On the other hand, Ana Belén Sánchez, an energy efficiency specialist, emphasizes the importance of combining cooling methods and sustainable habits. “Simply setting the air conditioning to 25ºC is not enough; it is also crucial to use ceiling fans, lower blinds during peak sunlight hours, and take advantage of cross ventilation during the cooler hours of the day. These complementary practices can improve thermal comfort without increasing energy consumption,” Sánchez points out.
However, not everyone agrees that 25ºC is the ideal point. Some health specialists point out that this temperature may be insufficient for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and young children. “For these populations, a lower temperature may be necessary to prevent health problems related to excessive heat,” comments Dr. María Ferrer, a public health expert.
Although there is no absolute consensus on the ideal air conditioning temperature during heatwaves, the recommendation to set it at 25ºC seems to be supported by the majority of energy and air conditioning experts. This practice not only contributes to energy savings and reduces the strain on the electrical grid, but also is part of a broader sustainability and efficiency strategy. Each household should evaluate its specific needs and consider both the well-being of its inhabitants and the environmental impact when adjusting their air conditioning systems.
Source: MiMub in Spanish