13 Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips for Homeowners

You might not think twice about turning up the air conditioning when it’s hot outside—until you see your electricity bill. Air conditioning accounts for about 12% of the typical U.S. home’s 12-month energy expenses and up to 70% of your utility costs during the summer. If you’re frustrated by overpaying for air conditioning, try these 13 tips to improve AC efficiency and save money on your monthly bills. 

1. Prioritize routine maintenance: Dirt and debris collect in your air conditioner over time, decreasing efficiency. Plan annual maintenance to have a professional clean your unit’s coils, replace the filter, tighten electrical connections, lubricate moving pieces and more. A yearly inspection also allows your tech to find and fix any potential issues before they become major problems. 
2. Keep the outdoor unit free of obstructions: Loose debris and nearby flowers growing around your air conditioner can minimize airflow and make the system work harder. Examine the unit throughout the summer, pruning back vegetation and sweeping up debris as needed to keep your cooling system functioning correctly. 
3. Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat enables you to set automatic temperatures based on your routine. In the summertime, program a higher temperature when you’re away from your residence and have it resume a comfortable temperature before you come back. This reduces energy consumption and saves money without sacrificing comfort. 
4. Try to avoid overriding programmed settings: While you can always manually change the temperature on your programmable thermostat, try turning on a fan or removing a layer of clothes before you change the setting. When you have to modify the temperature, do so by merely a degree or two. Cranking down the temperature won’t cool your home any quicker and only serves to squander power. 
5. Use the auto fan setting: While fan-only mode circulates air to prevent rooms from becoming stuffy, HVAC professionals recommend using this setting sparingly. “Auto fan” is the more efficient setting because the blower only runs when the rest of the AC does, preventing unnecessary electricity waste. 
6. Stop solar heat gain: Closing blinds and curtains, putting in outside awnings and applying window film helps block the sun’s heat to keep your house cooler. These techniques are most useful on south- and west-facing windows where the sun shines straight inside. 
7. Install the outdoor components in the shade: Direct sunlight can force your system to work harder and decreases efficiency. So if feasible, position the condensing unit so it’s out of the direct sunlight in the afternoon.  
8. Keep your air vents open: It’s a common misconception that closing the vents in rarely used rooms conserves energy. Unfortunately, this throws off the supply and return air symmetry, making your AC less efficient. Generally speaking, keep at least 80% of your registers open continuously and make sure no vents are hindered by rugs, curtains or furniture. 
9. Use ceiling fans in tandem with your air conditioner: Ceiling fans distribute air throughout the room, producing a wind chill effect that makes you feel about 4 degrees cooler. This might allow you to increase the temperature a few degrees without feeling hot, dropping your dependence on the air conditioner and lowering your bills. 
10. Use a dehumidifier: High humidity creates a “cool but clammy” feeling, which is an uncomfortable sensation that may force you to routinely lower the temperature. In reality, you need less humidity, not cooler air. Running a whole-house dehumidifier removes excessive moisture, making your home feel more comfortable for a fraction of the cost of air conditioning. 
11. Use natural ventilation carefully: When it’s hot and humid outside, keep your windows and doors closed to restrict cool air from getting out. If you are living in somewhere with cool summer evenings, open the windows and doors overnight to cool off the house naturally, reducing the burden on your air conditioner. 
12. Seal air leaks: Leaky windows and doors give access to hot summer air indoors even when closed, making it harder and more expensive to keep things cool. Seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping to keep conditioned air inside of your home where it is supposed to be.  
13. Seal duct leaks: A typical home loses 20% or more of the conditioned air inside of it to leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts. Reach out to a professional to seal your ductwork and stop this energy waste. 

If you still have comfort issues or extreme energy bills after trying out these tips, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for help. We are able to diagnose and repair air conditioning issues, provide preventative maintenance, or replace your outdated, poorly performing system with a brand-new, high-efficiency model. For your ease of mind, we stand behind all the work that we do with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! Call a Service Experts office near you today to learn more or request air conditioning services in North America.