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 your energy costs soaring. The secret lies in using your air conditioning unit more effectively. Follow these 12 simple ideas and tactics to keep your AC in optimal condition, minimize energy consumption and save money.
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
Constantly adjusting the thermostat makes your cooling system 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. After that, refrain from touching 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 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,” think about installing a programmable thermostat. This convenient upgrade allows you to set temperatures based on your day-to-day routines, automatically changing the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and not wasting 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 when the temperature is the hottest. Window coverings with light-colored backings are the most effective at reflecting sunlight.
4. Keep the Vents Open
Obstructed or closed air vents throw off your AC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and increasing operating bills. To avoid this, make sure to have at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and ensure that no return vents are obstructed by curtains, furniture or rugs.
5. Create Airflow with Fans
Using fans in combination with your air conditioning system circulates cool air more, making your home feel more comfortable while slightly 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 losing comfort.
6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air
Cooking and showering produce heat and dampness. Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to decrease your home’s cooling workload. Also, ensure that your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to deter hot, humid air from releasing into your home.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
Significant humidity levels cause your home to feel cool but clammy, tempting you to turn down the temperature. A dehumidifier takes away unwanted moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while consuming significantly less electricity than running the air conditioner.
8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade
The outdoor unit’s location impacts its effectiveness 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 time of the day, consider planting a tree or getting 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 dishwashing lead to indoor heat gain, making your AC work harder. Completing these tasks 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 clogged filter limits airflow and increases energy consumption, so be sure to exchange it on a regular basis 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 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 reduces energy spending.
12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Routine tune-ups are essential to keep your air conditioner running efficiently. Hire a licensed technician to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This precautionary measure extends your air conditioner’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to find and fix potential issues before they become high-priced problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Windsor
At Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive AC services, such as installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Windsor. Our customers choose us again and again for our unrivaled knowledge and commitment 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.