How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently

As the hot summer months get closer, 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 ideas and tactics to keep your air conditioning unit in optimal condition, decrease energy consumption and save money.

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Frequently changing the thermostat makes your air conditioner work harder, elevating 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 in the house. After that, refrain from moving it. If you get too warm, remove} 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 higher than your typical setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” it might be a good idea to consider installing a programmable thermostat. This easy upgrade allows you to program temperatures based on your daily routines, automatically modifying the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and saving energy when you’re not home.

3. Keep the Curtains Closed

Solar heat gain from direct sunlight makes your AC run longer than it has to. To decrease 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 are the most effective at reflecting sunlight.

4. Keep the Vents Open

Covered or closed air vents throw off your air conditioning system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and upping operating bills. To prevent this, always keep at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and be sure no return vents are blocked by curtains, furniture or rugs.

5. Create Airflow with Fans

Running fans in combination with your HVAC system circulates cool air more effectively, making your home feel more comfortable while barely increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, especially, 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 moisture. Turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to reduce your home’s cooling load. Additionally, make sure your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to prevent hot, humid air from releasing into your house.

7. Use a Dehumidifier

Elevated humidity levels results in your home feeling 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 consuming a lot less electricity than using the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

The outdoor unit’s location impacts its effectiveness considerably. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shades the unit 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 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 cause indoor heat gain, making your AC work harder. Conducting energy-using activities like these at night 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 blocks airflow and increases energy consumption, so replace it regularly to promote maximum performance. Most 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 waste significant amounts of energy, especially if they run through unconditioned spaces like the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork maintains system efficiency and reduces energy spending.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Routine tune-ups are crucial to keep your AC running properly. Employ a certified specialist to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This precautionary measure extends your HVAC system’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to find and fix potential issues before they become expensive problems.

Request Air Conditioning Service in the U.S.

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 unparalleled expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction. In fact, we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on every service we provide! Work with our friendly staff to keep your home cool, comfortable and energy efficient this summer.