How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently

As the warmer months draw near, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without skyrocking your utility bills. The secret lies in using your air conditioning unit more effectively. Follow these 12 simple ideas and tactics to keep your air conditioning unit in optimal condition, minimize energy consumption and save money.

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Constantly altering the thermostat makes your cooling system work harder, elevating 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. Then, refrain from changing it. If you get overheated, 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 optimum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees higher than your typical setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” think about setting up a programmable thermostat. This easy upgrade allows you to schedule 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 during the hottest part of the day. Window coverings with light-colored backings reflect sunlight the best.

4. Keep the Vents Open

Covered or closed air vents throw off your AC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and upping operating expenses. To avoid this, make sure to have 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

Running fans in conjunction with your air conditioner circulates cool air more effectively, making your home feel more comfortable while barely 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 losing comfort.

6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air

Cooking and showering generate heat and humidity. Use your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to lower your home’s cooling workload. In addition, verify your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to stop hot, humid air from releasing into your residence.

7. Use a Dehumidifier

Elevated humidity levels results in your home feeling cool but clammy, tempting you to turn down the temperature. A dehumidifier takes out excess moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while requiring a lot less electricity than using the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

The outdoor unit’s location affects its effectiveness dramatically. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shades 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 using a screen to shade it. Just ensure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t impede airflow.

9. Save Your Chores for the Evening

Cooking, laundry and dishwashing create indoor heat gain, making your air conditioner work harder. Doing these activities later in the day when temperatures cool down reduces the cooling load during the hottest time of the day and saves energy.

10. Replace the Air Filter

A dirty filter blocks airflow and increases energy consumption, so switch it out routinely to promote superior performance. The majority of basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but its best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the ideal replacement schedule for your product.

11. Seal and Insulate the Ductwork

Leaky, uninsulated ducts squander significant amounts of energy, especially if they run through unconditioned areas like the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork maintains system efficiency and lowers energy expenses.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Regular tune-ups are essential to keep your AC running efficiently. Employ a certified technician to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This preventative measure extends your AC’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to find and deal with potential issues before they become high-priced problems.

Request Air Conditioning Service in the U.S.

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing we pride ourselves on offering complete AC services, including installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in the U.S.. Our customers choose us again and again for our unmatched expertise 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.