Drought and high temperatures to continue in spring

Spring officially began on September 23 and many people are wondering if it will bring relief from the hot, dry weather that prevailed in Brazil even during the winter months. According to INMET / INPE forecasts, thermometers should continue to record temperatures above historical averages in all regions of Brazil over the coming months. The arrival of the flower season also marks the return of the rainy season in much of Brazil, but the volume of rain is still expected to be below average in almost all regions, with exceptions in isolated spots such as Acre, Roraima, southwest Amazonas, southeast Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul. As a result, the dry and hot weather should still prevail until mid-November, favoring the occurrence of new heat waves.

In addition to the effects on health and the environment, the dry, hot weather also brings another concern for Brazilians: an increase in energy consumption. With high temperatures, there is an increase in the use of fans and air conditioning, which can end up making electricity bills more expensive, as they are already on the red flag. But is it possible to relieve the hot days without putting a strain on the budget?

Thiago Peres de Oliveira, Energisa Group's energy efficiency coordinator, explains that persistent weather conditions will require a "new normal" in energy consumption in order to balance the electricity bill. Therefore, anyone who wants to avoid a scare at the end of the month needs to re-evaluate their daily consumption practices:

Rising temperatures and prolonged periods of high heat can cause a jump of up to 60% in the consumption of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment," says Thiago.

Tips for saving money with air conditioning

The biggest villains on the electricity bill on hot days are undoubtedly air conditioners. The heat causes them to be turned on more often and for longer, as well as consuming more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature. But there are some simple practices that can help reduce consumption.

First of all, keeping air conditioners up to date with maintenance and cleaning is essential. This can save you up to 15% on your electricity bill, without any other changes to your usage habits:

Dirty and unmaintained air conditioning accumulates dirt, dust and debris in your system, including the filter. This can clog the air passages and reduce proper airflow. As a result, the unit has to work harder to provide the same amount of cooling, which consumes more energy, increasing electricity costs," he says.

When the appliance is on, try to keep it at a standard temperature of 23ºC, even if it's very hot. Studies show that consumption rises by 7% for every degree the temperature is lowered.

Finally, if you have an older unit, it may be time to consider buying a new one. As the summer months approach, the demand for air conditioners tends to rise sharply - and with it, their price. When buying, look for a unit with a Procel class A label. They are more efficient and consume less energy, although the cost is a little higher:

In the long term, the customer will make up for the initial outlay with the energy bill savings guaranteed by more economical equipment. The inverter saves up to 60% on energy consumption, as well as being quieter," says Thiago.

Other habits to reduce consumption

The consumer's "new normal" also requires changes in other basic behaviors, such as how hot coffee is stored. Instead of keeping it warm in the electric kettle while it's on, transfer the coffee to a thermos and turn off the kettle.

In the case of the fridge, a test with a sheet of paper helps to identify whether the appliance is working properly or is using too much energy. Close the fridge door with a sheet of paper. If the paper slides off easily, the rubber needs to be replaced. Otherwise, the appliance is working fine.

The layout of household appliances can also make a difference to your electricity bill. Leaving the fridge next to the stove can heat up the appliance and make it work harder to keep food cool. Also, in times of high temperatures, don't put hot pans inside the fridge - this won't damage the equipment, but it will certainly make it consume more energy and impact the final bill.

With the effects of climate change increasingly evident in our daily lives, it's essential to adopt conscious habits to avoid surprises on your energy bill. Energisa reinforces the importance of new attitudes that can make a big difference at the end of the month, maintaining comfort without weighing on the pocket.