How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently

As the hot summer months draw near, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without skyrocking your utility bills. The secret lies in using your AC more effectively. Follow these 12 simple tips and techniques to keep your AC in optimal condition, decrease energy consumption and save money.

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Repeatedly changing the thermostat makes your cooling system work harder, elevating energy consumption and causing excessive wear and tear. To maximize efficiency, set the temperature at a comfortable level—preferably around 78 degrees F (25 degrees C)—when you’re inside the residence. After that, refrain from changing 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 lowering the temperature.

2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away

For maximum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees above your standard setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” consider using a programmable thermostat. This simple upgrade allows you to set temperatures based on your day-to-day routines, automatically changing the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and not wasting 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 has to. To reduce heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows when the temperature is the hottest. Window coverings with light-colored backings reflect sunlight the best.

4. Keep the Vents Open

Blocked or closed air vents throw off your air conditioning system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and increasing operating costs. To stop this, always keep at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and make certain no return vents are blocked by curtains, furniture or rugs.

5. Create Airflow with Fans

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

6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air

Cooking and showering generate heat and humidity. Turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to reduce your home’s cooling load. In addition, verify your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to deter hot, humid air from releasing into your residence.

7. Use a Dehumidifier

Elevated humidity levels make your home feel cool but clammy, tempting you to turn down the temperature. A dehumidifier takes out unwanted moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while using substantially less electricity than operating the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

The outdoor unit’s location impacts its performance considerably. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shades the equipment 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 getting a screen to shade it. Just ensure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t hinder airflow.

9. Save Your Chores for the Evening

Cooking, laundry and doing the dishes lead to indoor heat gain, making your AC work harder. Completing these tasks in the evening when temperatures aren’t as high reduces the cooling load during the hottest hours of the day and saves energy.

10. Replace the Air Filter

A dirty filter limits airflow and increases energy consumption, so be sure to exchange it routinely to promote optimal performance. The majority of basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but its best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the recommended replacement schedule for your product.

11. Seal and Insulate the Ductwork

Leaky, uninsulated ducts lose 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 increases system efficiency and brings down energy costs.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Routine tune-ups are crucial to keep your AC running properly. Hire an accredited specialist to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This preventative measure extends your HVAC system’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to uncover and address potential issues before they become expensive problems.

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At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing we pride ourselves on offering extensive AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in the U.S.. Our customers choose us again and again for our unmatched knowledge and commitment 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.