How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently

As the warmer months approach, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without skyrocking your utility bills. The secret lies in using your AC better. Follow these 12 simple recommendations and techniques to keep your AC in optimal condition, reduce energy consumption and save money.

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Frequently changing the thermostat makes your cooling system work harder, raising 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 home. After that, refrain from changing it. If you get overheated, remove} 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 the most savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees beyond your usual 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 adjusting the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and not wasting energy when you’re out.

3. Keep the Curtains Closed

Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your air conditioner to work harder than it really should. To minimize 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

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

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

6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air

Cooking and showering create heat and dampness. Use 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 home.

7. Use a Dehumidifier

High humidity levels results in your home feeling cool but clammy, tempting you to turn down the temperature. A dehumidifier takes away excessive moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while using significantly less electricity than using the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

The outdoor unit’s location impacts its performance dramatically. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shelters 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 using a screen to shade it. Just make sure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t hinder airflow.

9. Save Your Chores for the Evening

Cooking, laundry and doing the dishes create indoor heat gain, making your HVAC system work harder. Completing these tasks later in the day 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 filthy filter limits airflow and increases energy consumption, so be sure to exchange it regularly to promote maximum performance. The majority of basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but check 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 preserves system efficiency and lowers energy costs.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Routine tune-ups are essential to keep your air conditioner running successfully. Hire a certified specialist to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This proactive measure extends your AC’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to uncover and deal with potential issues before they become expensive problems.

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At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive AC services, such as installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in the U.S.. Our customers choose us again and again for our unrivaled expertise 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.