Korean Expat Community for National Disasters

Hello everyone, and welcome to my podcast. Today, I want to talk about how we can use air conditioning more efficiently, and how small changes in our habits can help reduce energy use and contribute to addressing climate change. During the summer, air conditioning is no longer a luxury — it has become a necessity. Especially in countries like South Korea, where summers are becoming hotter and longer, it is difficult to live without it. However, the way we use air conditioners is also very important. Many people believe that setting the temperature very low will cool the room faster. But in reality, air conditioners work at the same speed regardless of the temperature setting. Lowering the temperature too much only increases energy consumption. Instead, setting the temperature to around 24 to 26 degrees Celsius is more efficient and still comfortable. Another common habit is turning the air conditioner on and off frequently to save electricity. But this can actually use more energy, because the system consumes more power when it restarts. Keeping a steady temperature is often more efficient. Using a fan together with an air conditioner is also a good idea. A fan helps circulate cool air more effectively, allowing you to feel cooler without lowering the temperature further. In addition, simple actions like closing curtains to block sunlight, or cleaning the air conditioner filter regularly, can improve efficiency and reduce energy use. These may seem like small actions, but they can make a meaningful difference. Air conditioning uses a significant amount of electricity, and that electricity is often generated by fossil fuels. This means that the way we use our air conditioners is directly connected to carbon emissions and climate change. So instead of avoiding air conditioning completely, which is not realistic, we should focus on using it wisely. In the end, fighting climate change does not always mean making big sacrifices. Sometimes, it starts with small changes in our daily habits — even something as simple as adjusting the temperature by one degree. Thank you for listening.