How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently
As the warmer months get closer, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without skyrocking your utility bills. The secret lies in using your air conditioning unit more effectively. Follow these 12 simple ideas and strategies to keep your AC in optimal condition, minimize energy consumption and save money.
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
Frequently altering the thermostat makes your cooling system work harder, raising energy consumption and causing excessive wear and tear. To optimize efficiency, set the temperature at a comfortable level—preferably around 78 degrees F (25 degrees C)—when you’re home. Then, refrain from changing it. If you get overheated, take off a layer of clothing, spray water on your skin or turn on a fan to cool off without turning down the temperature.
2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away
For optimum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees higher than your standard setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” it might be a good idea to consider installing a programmable thermostat. This convenient upgrade allows you to program temperatures based on your everyday routines, automatically changing the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and conserving energy when you’re not home.
3. Keep the Curtains Closed
Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your cooling system to work more than it really should. To reduce heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows in the afternoon. Window coverings with light-colored backings reflect sunlight the best.
4. Keep the Vents Open
Obstructed or closed air vents throw off your HVAC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and raising operating expenses. To avoid this, keep at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and be sure no return vents are obstructed by curtains, furniture or rugs.
5. Create Airflow with Fans
Using fans in combination with your air conditioning system circulates cool air more effectively, making your home feel more comfortable while slightly increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, specifically, create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to set the temperature higher without giving up comfort.
6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air
Cooking and showering create heat and humidity. Turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to decrease your home’s cooling workload. Also, make sure your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to deter hot, humid air from releasing into your residence.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
Elevated humidity levels cause your home to feel cool but clammy, tempting you to turn down the temperature. A dehumidifier takes away excess moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while requiring much less electricity than running the air conditioner.
8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade
The outdoor unit’s location impacts its effectiveness dramatically. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shades it in the afternoon for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest hours of the day, consider planting a tree or using a screen to shade it. Just ensure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t impede airflow.
9. Save Your Chores for the Evening
Cooking, laundry and doing the dishes cause indoor heat gain, making your HVAC system work harder. Doing these activities later in the day when temperatures aren’t as high reduces the cooling load during the hottest part of the day and saves energy.
10. Replace the Air Filter
A clogged filter limits airflow and increases energy consumption, so replace it routinely to promote optimal performance. Most basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate replacement schedule for your product.
11. Seal and Insulate the Ductwork
Leaky, uninsulated ducts waste significant amounts of energy, especially if they run through unconditioned areas such as the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork preserves system efficiency and lowers energy costs.
12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Regular tune-ups are crucial to keep your AC running properly. Use a certified specialist to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This proactive measure extends your HVAC system’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to find and fix potential issues before they become high-priced problems.
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At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing we pride ourselves on offering complete AC services, such as installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in the U.S.. Our customers choose us again and again for our unmatched know-how and devotion to customer satisfaction. In fact, we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on every service we provide! Let our team help keep your home cool, comfortable and energy efficient this summer.