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 sending your electricity bills through the roof. The secret lies in using your air conditioning unit more efficiently. Follow these 12 simple recommendations and techniques to keep your AC in optimal condition, decrease energy consumption and save money.

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Repeatedly altering the thermostat makes your AC work harder, raising energy consumption and causing excessive wear and tear. To boost efficiency, set the temperature at a comfortable level—preferably around 78 degrees F (25 degrees C)—when you’re inside the residence. Next, refrain from changing it. If you get too warm, peel away} a layer of clothing, spray water on your skin or turn on a fan to cool off without changing the temperature.

2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away

For optimum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees beyond your standard setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” consider installing a programmable thermostat. This simple upgrade allows you to set temperatures based on your daily routines, automatically adjusting the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and not wasting 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 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 reflect sunlight the best.

4. Keep the Vents Open

Blocked or closed air vents throw off your AC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and upping operating expenses. To prevent this, always keep 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

Running fans in combination with your air conditioner circulates cool air more efficiently, making your home feel more comfortable while barely increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, specifically, create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, enabling you to set the temperature higher without sacrificing comfort.

6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air

Cooking and showering produce heat and moisture. Use your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to reduce your home’s cooling workload. In addition, make certain your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to deter 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 turn down the temperature. A dehumidifier takes away excess moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while requiring a lot less electricity than operating the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

The outdoor unit’s location affects its operation significantly. Installing it on your home’s north or east side protects the unit in the afternoon for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest part of the day, consider planting a tree or using a screen to shade it. Just be sure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t hamper airflow.

9. Save Your Chores for the Evening

Cooking, laundry and washing the dishes create indoor heat gain, making your AC work harder. Conducting energy-using activities like these 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 blocks airflow and increases energy consumption, so be sure to exchange it routinely to promote optimal performance. Many 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 squander significant amounts of energy, especially if they run through unconditioned areas like the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork maintains system efficiency and brings down energy costs.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Regular tune-ups are crucial to keep your air conditioner running properly. Hire a licensed professional to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This precautionary measure extends your HVAC system’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to identify 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, including installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in the U.S.. Our customers choose us again and again for our unmatched know-how and dedication 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.