As the warmer 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 conditioner more effectively. Follow these 12 simple ideas and strategies to keep your AC in optimal condition, reduce energy consumption and save money.
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
Repeatedly altering the thermostat makes your air conditioner work harder, elevating 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. Next, refrain from moving 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 changing the temperature.
2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away
For optimum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees above your typical 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 simple upgrade allows you to set temperatures based on your daily routines, automatically adjusting the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and saving 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 during the hottest part of the day. Window coverings with light-colored backings work the best at reflecting the sun's rays.
4. Keep the Vents Open
Obstructed or closed air vents throw off your air conditioning system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and increasing operating expenses. To stop this, always keep 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 along with your air conditioning system circulates cool air more efficiently, making your home feel more comfortable while hardly increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, specifically, 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 create heat and moisture. Use your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to reduce your home’s cooling burden. Also, ensure that your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to deter hot, humid air from releasing into your residence.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
High humidity levels make your home feel cool but clammy, tempting you to lower the temperature. A dehumidifier takes away 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 influences its effectiveness considerably. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shades the equipment 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 doing the dishes create indoor heat gain, making your AC work harder. Completing these tasks at night 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 replace it on a regular basis to promote optimal performance. The majority of basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but check 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 like the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork preserves system efficiency and lowers energy expenses.
12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Routine tune-ups are crucial to keep your air conditioning system running successfully. Use an accredited technician to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This preventative measure extends your air conditioner's life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to uncover and address potential issues before they become expensive problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Indianapolis
At Broad Ripple Service Experts, we pride ourselves on offering complete AC services, such as installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Indianapolis. Our customers choose us again and again for our unparalleled knowledge and commitment 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.