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 your energy costs soaring. The secret lies in using your AC more efficiently. Follow these 12 simple tips and techniques to keep your AC in optimal condition, reduce energy consumption and save money.
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
Repeatedly adjusting the thermostat makes your AC 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 moving it. If you get overheated, 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 higher than your standard setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” it might be a good idea to consider using a programmable thermostat. This easy upgrade allows you to set temperatures based on your everyday routines, automatically modifying the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and conserving energy when you’re away.
3. Keep the Curtains Closed
Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your air conditioner to work harder than it normally would. To reduce heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows in the afternoon. Window coverings with light-colored backings reflect sunlight the best.
4. Keep the Vents Open
Obstructed or closed air vents throw off your HVAC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and upping operating bills. To stop this, 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 conjunction with your air conditioning system circulates cool air more effectively, 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 giving up comfort.
6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air
Cooking and showering create heat and moisture. Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to decrease your home’s cooling workload. In addition, ensure that your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to deter hot, humid air from releasing into your house.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
High humidity levels results in your home feeling cool but clammy, tempting you to lower the temperature. A dehumidifier removes unwanted moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while using much less electricity than operating the air conditioner.
8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade
The outdoor unit’s location influences its effectiveness considerably. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shades it in the afternoon 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 make sure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t hinder airflow.
9. Save Your Chores for the Evening
Cooking, laundry and dishwashing cause indoor heat gain, making your HVAC system work harder. Doing these activities in the evening when temperatures cool down reduces the cooling load during the hottest hours of the day and saves energy.
10. Replace the Air Filter
A filthy filter restricts airflow and increases energy consumption, so be sure to exchange it on a regular basis to promote maximum performance. Many basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the ideal replacement schedule for your product.
11. Seal and Insulate the Ductwork
Leaky, uninsulated ducts waste significant amounts of energy, especially if they run through unconditioned spaces such as the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork preserves system efficiency and lowers energy expenses.
12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Regular tune-ups are essential to keep your air conditioning system running properly. Use an accredited specialist 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 identify and address potential issues before they become costly problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Voorhees
At Atmostemp Service Experts, we pride ourselves on offering extensive AC services, such as installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Voorhees. Our customers choose us again and again for our unparalleled knowledge and dedication to customer satisfaction. In fact, we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on every service we provide! Work with our crew at to keep your home cool, comfortable and energy efficient this summer.
