As the hotter months approach, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without your energy costs soaring. The secret lies in using your AC more efficiently. Follow these 12 simple tips and strategies to keep your air conditioning unit in optimal condition, minimize 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 maximize 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 start to get hot, peel away 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 the most savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees above 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 simple upgrade allows you to set temperatures based on your everyday routines, automatically changing the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and not wasting energy when you’re away.
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
Blocked or closed air vents throw off your HVAC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and upping operating expenses. To avoid 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 conjunction with your HVAC system circulates cool air more efficiently, making your home feel more comfortable while slightly increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, specifically, create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, enabling you to set the temperature higher without sacrificing comfort.
6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air
Cooking and showering generate heat and humidity. Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to lower your home’s cooling workload. Additionally, make sure your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to prevent hot, humid air from releasing into your home.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
High humidity levels results in your home feeling cool but clammy, tempting you to decrease the temperature. A dehumidifier removes excess moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while requiring substantially 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 during the hottest part of the day 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 make sure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t hamper airflow.
9. Save Your Chores for the Evening
Cooking, laundry and washing the dishes lead to indoor heat gain, making your AC work harder. Conducting energy-using activities like these later in the day when temperatures cool down reduces the cooling load during the hottest part of the day and saves energy.
10. Replace the Air Filter
A filthy filter blocks airflow and increases energy consumption, so switch it out routinely to promote maximum performance. Many basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the ideal 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 including the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork maintains system efficiency and brings down energy costs.
12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Regular tune-ups are essential to keep your air conditioner running successfully. Employ a certified specialist to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This proactive measure extends your AC’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to find and address potential issues before they become expensive problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Windsor
At Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts, we pride ourselves on offering complete AC services, such as installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Windsor. Our customers choose us again and again for our unmatched knowledge and devotion 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.