How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently

As the hotter months approach, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without your energy costs soaring. The secret lies in using your air conditioning unit better. Follow these 12 simple recommendations and techniques to keep your HVAC system in optimal condition, minimize energy consumption and save money.

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Repeatedly changing the thermostat makes your air conditioner 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 in the house. Then, refrain from moving it. If you start to get hot, 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 above your typical setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” it might be a good idea to consider using a programmable thermostat. This simple upgrade allows you to set temperatures based on your everyday routines, automatically modifying the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and conserving energy when you’re away.

3. Keep the Curtains Closed

Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your cooling system to work more than it really should. To decrease heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows during the hottest part of the day. Window coverings with light-colored backings work the best at reflecting the sun’s rays.

4. Keep the Vents Open

Obstructed or closed air vents throw off your HVAC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and increasing operating expenses. To avoid this, make sure to have at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and ensure that no return vents are blocked by curtains, furniture or rugs.

5. Create Airflow with Fans

Using fans along with your air conditioning system circulates cool air more, 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 generate heat and dampness. Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to lower your home’s cooling workload. Additionally, ensure that your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to prevent hot, humid air from releasing into your house.

7. Use a Dehumidifier

Significant humidity levels make your home feel cool but clammy, tempting you to decrease the temperature. A dehumidifier removes excess moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while consuming a lot less electricity than operating 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 from the afternoon heat for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest time of the day, consider planting a tree or installing a screen to shade it. Just make sure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t hamper airflow.

9. Save Your Chores for the Evening

Cooking, laundry and dishwashing cause indoor heat gain, making your air conditioner work harder. Doing these activities in the evening when temperatures cool down reduces the cooling load during the hottest part of the day and saves energy.

10. Replace the Air Filter

A dirty filter restricts airflow and increases energy consumption, so be sure to exchange it on a regular basis to promote optimal performance. Most basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct 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 spots in your home like the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork maintains system efficiency and brings down energy expenses.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Regular tune-ups are essential to keep your AC running efficiently. Employ a licensed specialist to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This preventative measure extends your AC’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to uncover and deal with potential issues before they become costly problems.

Request Air Conditioning Service in Fort Lauderdale

At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Fort Lauderdale. Our customers choose us again and again for our unparalleled expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction. In fact, we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on every service we provide! Work with our crew to keep your home cool, comfortable and energy efficient this summer.

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