13 Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips for Homeowners

You might not think twice about cranking up the air conditioning when it’s hot outside—until you see your energy bill. Air conditioning accounts for about 12% of the average U.S. home’s yearly energy expenses and up to 70% of your utility expenses during the summer. If you’re tired of paying too much for air conditioning, try these 13 tips to improve AC efficiency and save money on your monthly expenditures. 

1. Prioritize routine upkeep: Dirt and debris accumulate in your air conditioner over time, reducing efficiency. Schedule annual maintenance to have a professional clean your unit’s coils, switch out the filter, tighten electrical connections, lubricate moving parts and more. A once-per-year inspection also allows your serviceman to identify and fix any potential issues before they become severe problems. 
2. Keep the outdoor unit free of junk: Loose dirt and nearby trees growing around your air conditioner can restrict airflow and make the system work harder. Look at the unit throughout the summer, clipping back vegetation and sweeping up debris as needed to keep your cooling system operating correctly. 
3. Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat permits you to set automatic temperatures based on your routine. In the summer months, program a higher temperature when you’re away from your residence and have it resume a comfortable temperature before you return. This reduces energy consumption and saves money without sacrificing comfort. 
4. Try to avoid overriding programmed settings: While you can always override the temperature on your programmable thermostat, try turning on a fan or shedding a layer of clothes before you change the setting. When you want to change the temperature, do so by just a degree or two. Cranking down the temperature will not cool your home any more rapidly and only serves to waste energy. 
5. Utilize the auto fan setting: While fan-only mode spreads air to prevent rooms from becoming stuffy, HVAC professionals suggest using this setting sparingly. “Auto fan” is the more efficient setting because the blower only runs when the rest of the AC does, avoiding needless power waste. 
6. Prevent 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 methods are most useful on south- and west-facing windows where the sun shines straight in. 
7. Install the outdoor unit in the shade: Direct sunlight can force your system to work harder and lowers efficiency. So if possible, position the condensing unit so it’s in the shade in the afternoon.  
8. Keep your air vents open: It’s a frequent misconception that closing the vents in rarely used rooms conserves energy. However, this throws off the supply and return air balance, making your AC much less efficient. As a rule, keep at least 80% of your registers open at all times and make sure no vents are hindered by rugs, curtains or furniture. 
9. Use ceiling fans in conjunction with your air conditioner: Ceiling fans circulate air throughout the room, generating a wind chill effect that makes you feel about 4 degrees cooler. This might allow you to raise the temperature a few degrees without feeling hot, lowering your dependence on the air conditioner and bringing down 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 fact, you need less humidity, not necessarily cooler air. Running a whole-house dehumidifier takes away excess 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 stop cool air from getting out. If you are living in in a place with cool summer evenings, open the windows and doors during the night to cool off the house naturally, reducing the strain on your air conditioner. 
12. Seal air leaks: Leaky windows and doors let hot summer air inside of the house even when closed, making it more difficult and more expensive to keep things cool. Seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping to keep conditioned air in the house where it belongs.  
13. Seal duct leaks: An average home loses 20% or more of the conditioned air flowing through it to leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts. Hire a professional to seal your ductwork and stop this energy waste. 

If you still have comfort troubles or large energy expenses after trying out these tips, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for help. We will diagnose and repair air conditioning problems, provide preventative maintenance, or replace your outdated, poorly performing system with a new, high-efficiency model. For your security, we support everything we do with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! Reach out to a Service Experts office near you today to learn more or request air conditioning services in the U.S..