How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently
As the hot summer 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 tactics to keep your AC in optimal condition, decrease energy consumption and save money.
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
Frequently adjusting the thermostat makes your cooling system work harder, raising 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 inside the residence. After that, 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 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,” consider setting up a programmable thermostat. This easy upgrade allows you to schedule temperatures based on your day-to-day routines, automatically adjusting the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and conserving energy when you’re out.
3. Keep the Curtains Closed
Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your cooling system to work more than it normally would. To reduce 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 air conditioning system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and raising operating costs. To stop this, keep 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
Utilizing fans in combination with your air conditioning 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, permitting you to set the temperature higher without losing comfort.
6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air
Cooking and showering generate heat and dampness. Turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to lower your home’s cooling load. Also, make sure your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to prevent hot, humid air from releasing into your residence.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
Elevated humidity levels cause your home to feel cool but clammy, tempting you to decrease the temperature. A dehumidifier takes away excess 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 considerably. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shelters 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 using a screen to shade it. Just ensure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t hamper airflow.
9. Save Your Chores for the Evening
Cooking, laundry and dishwashing create indoor heat gain, making your air conditioner work harder. Conducting energy-using activities like these 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 filthy filter limits airflow and increases energy consumption, so switch it out on a regular basis to promote optimal 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 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
Scheduled tune-ups are essential to keep your AC running successfully. Hire an accredited 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 identify and deal with potential issues before they become costly problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Fort Myers
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Fort Myers. 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.
