How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently

As the warmer 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 AC more efficiently. Follow these 12 simple tips and strategies to keep your HVAC system in optimal condition, decrease energy consumption and save money.

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Constantly adjusting the thermostat makes your air conditioner work harder, raising energy consumption and causing excessive wear and tear. To optimize efficiency, set the temperature at a comfortable level—preferably around 78 degrees F (25 degrees C)—when you’re home. After that, refrain from changing 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 turning down the temperature.

2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away

For maximum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees beyond your usual setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” it might be a good idea to consider setting up a programmable thermostat. This convenient 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 saving energy when you’re not home.

3. Keep the Curtains Closed

Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your air conditioner to work harder than it really should. 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

Blocked or closed air vents throw off your HVAC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and raising operating costs. To avoid this, keep 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 in conjunction with your air conditioner circulates cool air more efficiently, making your home feel more comfortable while hardly 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 sacrificing comfort.

6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air

Cooking and showering generate heat and dampness. 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

Significant humidity levels make your home feel cool but clammy, tempting you to turn down the temperature. A dehumidifier removes excessive moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while requiring a lot less electricity than operating the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

The outdoor unit’s location influences its operation dramatically. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shelters 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 installing 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 create indoor heat gain, making your air conditioner work harder. Conducting energy-using activities like these at night when temperatures are cooler reduces the cooling load during the hottest part of the day and saves energy.

10. Replace the Air Filter

A dirty filter restricts airflow and increases energy consumption, so replace it regularly 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 lose 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 brings down energy costs.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Scheduled tune-ups are essential to keep your AC running efficiently. Use a licensed technician to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This precautionary measure extends your AC’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to uncover and address potential issues before they become expensive problems.

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At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in the U.S.. Our customers choose us again and again for our unrivaled knowledge 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.