Practical and simple tips aimed at reducing electricity consumption by up to 60% during the summer months were shared on the “Alpha News” program Avraam Georgiou, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at CUT.

He explained how good habits, thermal insulation, and understanding how the unit works can save consumers money without sacrificing comfort.

According to the professor, the key to both saving money and staying healthy is air conditioner maintenance, which should be performed by a professional at least twice a year.

“Maintenance reduces your energy consumption by 20–25%, maybe even 30%,” emphasized Mr. Georgiou, adding that we should clean the filters ourselves with water every two weeks, as the dust that accumulates impairs the unit’s operation.

Special mention was made of the remote control’s “secrets,” which most consumers are unaware of. Mr. Georgiou explained that the setting marked with the drop symbol (dry mode) removes moisture and is recommended for coastal areas, while he recommended that air conditioner louvers be kept pointing upward at all times during the summer.

“Cold air is heavier and sinks. I want to cool the warm air that’s up high, so I aim there to achieve a comfortable temperature,” he explained.

Regarding nighttime use, the professor debunked the myth that turning the unit on and off is cost-effective, emphasizing that it’s better for the air conditioner to run continuously all night at 26 to 27 degrees Celsius. Giving a clear example, he said:

“Two air conditioners running all night for 8–9 hours at 26–27 degrees consume about 8 kilowatt-hours, or 2.5 euros a day. But if you set it to 18, the cost skyrockets to 7.5 euros a day,” he said.

According to Mr. Georgiou, the total daily energy consumption of an average household in the summer (for example, including three air conditioners, cooking, and laundry) should not exceed 20 kilowatt-hours. At the same time, he urged citizens not to leave windows and balcony doors open while the air conditioner is running, as this allows heat to “seep” into the home.

In closing, the professor sounded the alarm regarding safety issues and the risk of fire from overloading the electrical grid.

“Please avoid using power strips, especially for large appliances. Don’t leave devices plugged in when you’re not using them,” he concluded, reminding everyone that negligence can have fatal consequences.

Air Conditioners and Health

On the proper use of air conditioners and the effects that poor maintenance can have on human health, he spoke on the program “Alpha News,” where he discussed the proper use of air conditioners and the effects that poor maintenance can have on human health. He explained that “here in Cyprus, getting through the summer—especially these months—without air conditioning is something we can’t even imagine. With these temperatures, it’s a necessity,”

Mr. Armeftis added, however, that the device does not cause health problems, provided it is used and maintained properly.

Particular emphasis was placed on temperature settings, with the President of the Pulmonology Society making it clear that very low temperatures are not advisable. As he explained, the ideal setting is between 25 and 26 degrees Celsius to avoid sudden changes.

“Imagine going from 40 degrees Celsius to 18… that can cause serious problems, especially for people in vulnerable groups,” he pointed out, citing asthmatics as an example, for whom a sudden change can trigger asthma symptoms.

Mr. Armeftis emphasized the importance of regular maintenance and filter cleaning, as this reduces the risk of mold and dust, which place a strain on the respiratory system. At the same time, he clarified that the risk of Legionella bacteria primarily concerns large, central piping systems (such as those in hotels or clinics) that are not properly maintained, and not the standard air conditioners we have in our homes.

Even in people with no history of respiratory diseases, very cold and dry air can dry out the mucous membranes of the nose and airways, causing a dry cough, hoarseness, or discomfort. To address these symptoms, the doctor noted that a humidifier can help, while offering the practical advice “to avoid having air blow directly on your face,” as this triggers the discomfort.

In conclusion, Mr. Armeftis sent a clear message to the public, emphasizing that with proper maintenance, setting the temperature to 25–26 degrees, frequently ventilating the room by leaving a window slightly open, and completely avoiding smoking indoors, “the use of air conditioners is both necessary and safe.”