The Cool Down
Homeowner settles debate over which number to pay attention to on home AC unit:…
An artist living off-grid in the Caribbean shared valuable advice for keeping one's home cool while using much less energy.
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Off-Grid Island Life: Man Uncovers Key to Lower Electricity Bills Through Humidity Control
An island resident, known online as "Traveling Artist Island Life," has revealed a unique approach to managing household electricity consumption, particularly relevant for those living in humid climates or off-grid. The individual, who resides on a small Caribbean island, shared his personal journey of grappling with "astronomical" electricity bills, which once soared to $1200 for a two-week period, a cost he noted was "about 10 times what they are in the United States." Initially, the resident focused solely on lowering the temperature with air conditioners, an expensive and often ineffective strategy in high humidity. "We were running air conditioners continuously trying to keep it cool, and we couldn't keep it cool enough," he recounted. The turning point came with the realization that comfort is defined by a combination of temperature and humidity, not just temperature alone. "It's not just temperature, it's also humidity," he explained. By shifting focus to reducing humidity levels, which he now maintains around 40-45% using his split AC units, he found he could be comfortable at a higher indoor temperature of 82-83 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 28 degrees Celsius). This method has led to a "drastic" drop in energy consumption. "If you do it, it means your electric bill is lower," he concluded, offering a practical tip for others seeking to save money on their utility expenses.
