As the warmer months draw near, 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 tips and tactics to keep your air conditioning unit in optimal condition, decrease energy consumption and save money.
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
Constantly altering the thermostat makes your AC 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 in the house. Then, refrain from moving it. If you get too warm, remove a layer of clothing, spray water on your skin or turn on a fan to cool off without turning down 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 program temperatures based on your everyday routines, automatically changing 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 normally would. To reduce heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows when the temperature is the hottest. Window coverings with light-colored backings are the most effective at reflecting sunlight.
4. Keep the Vents Open
Obstructed or closed air vents throw off your air conditioning system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and raising operating costs. To avoid this, always keep at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and make certain no return vents are obstructed by curtains, furniture or rugs.
5. Create Airflow with Fans
Using fans in combination with your air conditioner circulates cool air more effectively, making your home feel more comfortable while hardly increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, in particular, create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to set the temperature higher without sacrificing comfort.
6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air
Cooking and showering create heat and moisture. Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to reduce your home’s cooling load. Also, verify 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 turn down the temperature. A dehumidifier takes away unwanted moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while using a lot less electricity than operating the air conditioner.
8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade
The outdoor unit’s location impacts its operation dramatically. Installing it on your home’s north or east side protects it 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 getting a screen to shade it. Just be sure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t hinder airflow.
9. Save Your Chores for the Evening
Cooking, laundry and dishwashing cause indoor heat gain, making your HVAC system work harder. Doing these activities at night when temperatures cool down reduces the cooling load during the hottest hours of the day and saves energy.
10. Replace the Air Filter
A filthy filter blocks airflow and increases energy consumption, so switch it out regularly to promote superior performance. Many basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate 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 areas including the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork preserves system efficiency and brings down energy expenses.
12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Regular tune-ups are recommended to keep your AC running efficiently. Hire an accredited professional to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This precautionary measure extends your AC’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to find and deal with potential issues before they become costly problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Dayton
At Stevenson Service Experts, we pride ourselves on offering complete AC services, such as installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Dayton. 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.