In Singapore's hot and humid environment and never ending summer, air conditions are seen as must. But since electricity prices are expensive and the weather is always hot in Singapore, the cost of running the air con all year around can be very high depending on how large the area you are trying to keep cool (if you do not have proper insulation you will practically try to cool entire Singapore which will cost you a lot). In fact total monthly utilities bill (gas, water and electricity) can range from a low of S$200 to a high of S$600 a month, depending on your air-conditioning usage.[1] As Mr. Electricity says in the typical home, air conditioning uses more electricity than anything else. In warmer regions AC can be 60-70% of your summer electric bill, according to Austin Energy. This is where the savings are folks, not in worrying that you left your cell phone charger plugged in too long.[2]
A good alternative or at least complement to air condition is a simple ceiling fan which is easy to install and operate. Most ceiling fans uses 55-90 watts per hour which is less than 10% of most air conditioning units use. In most of the nights, a ceiling fan can decrease the temperature enough to make you sleep comfortably in Singapore (yes, even in Singapore). And if the air condition is strictly needed, it can help you to increase the temperature setting of the AC a couple of decrees since it helps to circulate the cool air better. And personally, I find the breeze of the ceiling fan more natural and comfortable compared to a standing fan.
Most ceiling fans are energy efficient even in high speeds. You can also set the speed to your comfort level and a gentle slow speed can easily replace the air condition usage. For many who cannot live without air cons, it can still help a lot to save energy by reducing the total hours an air condition is run. For example you can replace your before sleep air condition usage with a ceiling fan usage and save 60-120 hours of AC electricity bill.
[1] - Singapore Cost of Living Guide
[2] - 39 super tips for saving money on cooling and air conditioning costs
A good alternative or at least complement to air condition is a simple ceiling fan which is easy to install and operate. Most ceiling fans uses 55-90 watts per hour which is less than 10% of most air conditioning units use. In most of the nights, a ceiling fan can decrease the temperature enough to make you sleep comfortably in Singapore (yes, even in Singapore). And if the air condition is strictly needed, it can help you to increase the temperature setting of the AC a couple of decrees since it helps to circulate the cool air better. And personally, I find the breeze of the ceiling fan more natural and comfortable compared to a standing fan.
Most ceiling fans are energy efficient even in high speeds. You can also set the speed to your comfort level and a gentle slow speed can easily replace the air condition usage. For many who cannot live without air cons, it can still help a lot to save energy by reducing the total hours an air condition is run. For example you can replace your before sleep air condition usage with a ceiling fan usage and save 60-120 hours of AC electricity bill.
[1] - Singapore Cost of Living Guide
[2] - 39 super tips for saving money on cooling and air conditioning costs
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