How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently

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

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Repeatedly 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 inside the residence. Next, refrain from touching 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 lowering the temperature.

2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away

For optimum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees beyond your typical 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 saving energy when you’re out.

3. Keep the Curtains Closed

Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your cooling system to work more than it has to. To decrease 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

Obstructed or closed air vents throw off your AC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and raising operating bills. To prevent this, make sure to have at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and be sure no return vents are obstructed by curtains, furniture or rugs.

5. Create Airflow with Fans

Utilizing fans along with your HVAC system circulates cool air more efficiently, making your home feel more comfortable while barely 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 giving up 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 reduce your home’s cooling load. In addition, make sure your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to stop hot, humid air from releasing into your residence.

7. Use a Dehumidifier

High humidity levels make your home feel cool but clammy, tempting you to lower the temperature. A dehumidifier takes out unwanted 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 affects its performance dramatically. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shades the equipment in the afternoon for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest hours of the day, consider planting a tree or using a screen to shade it. Just ensure 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. Completing these tasks in the evening when temperatures are cooler reduces the cooling load during the hottest time of the day and saves energy.

10. Replace the Air Filter

A filthy filter limits airflow and increases energy consumption, so switch it out routinely 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 appropriate 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 such as the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork maintains system efficiency and lowers energy costs.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Regular tune-ups are crucial to keep your air conditioning system running successfully. Hire an accredited technician to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This preventative measure extends your air conditioner’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to find 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, which include quality 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.