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

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Frequently adjusting the thermostat makes your air conditioner work harder, increasing 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 home. Next, 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 turning down the temperature.

2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away

For optimum 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,” think about using a programmable thermostat. This convenient upgrade allows you to program temperatures based on your daily routines, automatically changing 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 makes your AC run longer than it has to. To reduce heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows in the afternoon. 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 air conditioning system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and raising operating costs. To prevent this, keep at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and make certain 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, 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, enabling 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 decrease your home’s cooling burden. Additionally, verify your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to deter hot, humid air from releasing into your house.

7. Use a Dehumidifier

High humidity levels cause your home to 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 using significantly less electricity than running the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

The outdoor unit’s location affects its performance significantly. Installing it on your home’s north or east side protects it during the hottest part of the day for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest part of the day, consider planting a tree or installing a screen to shade it. Just be 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 AC work harder. Conducting energy-using activities like these 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 dirty filter restricts airflow and increases energy consumption, so replace it on a regular basis to promote maximum performance. Many basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but its best to follow 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 spaces like the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork increases system efficiency and reduces energy costs.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Regular tune-ups are recommended to keep your AC running properly. Use a certified 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 find and deal with potential issues before they become high-priced problems.

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At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing we pride ourselves on offering extensive 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 devotion 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.