You may very well not think twice about turning up the air conditioning when it’s sweltering outside—until you see your energy bill. Air conditioning accounts for about 12% of the typical U.S. home’s annual energy bills and up to 70% of your utility costs during the summer. If you’re frustrated by overpaying for air conditioning, follow these 13 tips to improve AC efficiency and save money on your monthly bills.
- Prioritize routine service: Dirt and debris collect in your air conditioner over time, decreasing efficiency. Plan annual maintenance to have a specialist clean your unit’s coils, replace the filter, tighten electrical connections, lubricate moving pieces and more. A yearly inspection also makes it possible for your tech to discover and fix any potential issues before they become significant problems.
- Keep the outdoor unit free of obstructions: Loose debris and nearby vegetation growing around your air conditioner can minimize airflow and make the system work harder. Check the unit throughout the summer, pruning back vegetation and removing debris as needed to keep your cooling system working correctly.
- Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set automatic temperatures based on your routine. In the warm months, program a higher temperature when you’re away from home and have it resume a comfortable temperature before you come back. This reduces electrical consumption and saves money without losing comfort.
- Avoid overriding programmed settings: While you can always bypass the temperature on your programmable thermostat, try turning on a fan or removing a layer of clothes before you change the setting. When you want to adjust the temperature, do so by just a degree or two. Cranking down the temperature will never cool your home any quicker and only serves to needlessly consume electricity.
- Make use of the auto fan setting: While fan-only mode spreads air to keep rooms from becoming stuffy, HVAC professionals recommend using this setting sparingly. “Auto fan” is the more efficient setting because the blower only runs when the rest of the AC does, avoiding unwanted power waste.
- Block solar heat gain: Closing blinds and curtains, getting outdoor awnings and applying window film helps block the sun’s heat to keep your home cooler. These methods are most useful on south- and west-facing windows where the sun shines right in.
- Install the outdoor unit in the shade: Direct sunlight can force your system to work harder and lowers efficiency. So, if possible, position the condensing unit so it’s shaded in the afternoon.
- Keep your air vents open: It’s a frequent misconception that closing the vents in unused rooms conserves energy. Unfortunately, this throws off the supply and return air balance, making your AC much less efficient. Generally speaking, keep at least 80% of your registers open all the time and make certain no vents are hindered by rugs, curtains or furniture.
- Use ceiling fans along with your air conditioner: Ceiling fans circulate air throughout the room, producing a wind chill effect that makes you feel about 4 degrees cooler. This might allow you to turn up the temperature a few degrees without feeling unpleasant, reducing your dependence on the air conditioner and decreasing your bills.
- Use a dehumidifier: High humidity causes a “cool but clammy” feeling, which is an uncomfortable sensation that may force you to repeatedly lower the temperature. In reality, you need less humidity, not cooler air. Running a whole-house dehumidifier takes away excessive moisture, making your home feel more comfortable for a fraction of the cost of air conditioning.
- Use natural ventilation carefully: When it’s hot and humid outside, keep your windows and doors closed to restrict cool air from escaping. If you reside in a place with cool summer evenings, open the windows and doors overnight to cool off the house naturally, reducing the load on your air conditioner.
- Seal air leaks: Leaky windows and doors let hot summer air inside of the house even when closed, making it more challenging and more expensive to keep things cool. Seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping to keep conditioned air inside where it is supposed to be.
- Seal duct leaks: A typical home loses 20% or more of the conditioned air inside of it to leaks, holes and shoddily connected ducts. Hire a professional to seal your ductwork and put an end to this energy waste.
If you still have comfort troubles or big energy costs after implementing these tips, turn to Parker Pearce Service Experts for help. We [can|are able to|will]130] diagnose and repair air conditioning issues, provide preventive maintenance, or replace your outdated, poorly performing system with a newer, high-efficiency model. For your security, we back everything we do with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! Reach out to a Service Experts office near you today to learn more or request air conditioning services in Gaithersburg.