As the hot summer 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 air conditioning unit better. Follow these 12 simple recommendations and techniques to keep your air conditioning unit in optimal condition, minimize energy consumption and save money.
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
Frequently altering 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. After that, 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 changing the temperature.
2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away
For optimum 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 installing a programmable thermostat. This convenient upgrade allows you to schedule temperatures based on your everyday routines, automatically changing the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and conserving 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 minimize 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
Covered or closed air vents throw off your AC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and upping operating costs. To prevent this, make sure to have 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
Utilizing fans in conjunction with your air conditioning system circulates cool air more effectively, making your home feel more comfortable while barely increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, specifically, create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to set the temperature higher without sacrificing comfort.
6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air
Cooking and showering create heat and humidity. Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to decrease your home’s cooling workload. Additionally, verify your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to stop hot, humid air from releasing into your home.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
Elevated humidity levels make your home feel cool but clammy, tempting you to decrease the temperature. A dehumidifier takes out excess moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while using much less electricity than using the air conditioner.
8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade
The outdoor unit’s location impacts its performance significantly. 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 part 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 hinder airflow.
9. Save Your Chores for the Evening
Cooking, laundry and washing the dishes cause indoor heat gain, making your air conditioner work harder. Doing these activities at night when temperatures cool down 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 switch it out regularly to promote superior performance. Many basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate replacement schedule for your product.
11. Seal and Insulate the Ductwork
Leaky, uninsulated ducts lose significant amounts of energy, especially if they run through unconditioned spots in your home like 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 AC running efficiently. Hire an accredited specialist to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This preventative measure extends your AC’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to find and deal with potential issues before they become costly problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Fort Wayne
At Rolf Griffin Service Experts , we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Fort Wayne. Our customers choose us again and again for our unparalleled know-how and devotion 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.