How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently

As the hot summer months get closer, 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 AC better. Follow these 12 simple tips and strategies to keep your air conditioning unit in optimal condition, minimize energy consumption and save money.

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Constantly adjusting the thermostat makes your air conditioner work harder, increasing 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 in the house. After that, refrain from touching it. If you start to get hot, 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 beyond your usual setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” think about installing a programmable thermostat. This convenient upgrade allows you to set temperatures based on your everyday routines, automatically adjusting the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and saving energy when you’re not home.

3. Keep the Curtains Closed

Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your cooling system to work more than it normally would. To decrease heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows in the afternoon. 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 upping operating costs. To stop this, make sure to have at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and ensure that no return vents are hindered by curtains, furniture or rugs.

5. Create Airflow with Fans

Utilizing fans in conjunction with your air conditioner circulates cool air more effectively, making your home feel more comfortable while hardly increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, especially, 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 create heat and dampness. Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to decrease your home’s cooling burden. Additionally, verify your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to prevent hot, humid air from releasing into your home.

7. Use a Dehumidifier

Significant humidity levels make your home feel cool but clammy, tempting you to decrease the temperature. A dehumidifier removes excess moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while consuming substantially less electricity than operating the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

The outdoor unit’s location impacts its performance dramatically. 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 hours of the day, consider planting a tree or using 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 create indoor heat gain, making your HVAC system work harder. Doing these activities at night when temperatures aren’t as high reduces the cooling load during the hottest time of the day and saves energy.

10. Replace the Air Filter

A dirty filter restricts airflow and increases energy consumption, so be sure to exchange it regularly to promote superior performance. The majority of basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct 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 including the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork preserves system efficiency and lowers energy costs.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Scheduled tune-ups are recommended to keep your air conditioner running properly. Hire a licensed specialist to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This preventative measure extends your HVAC system’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to identify and address potential issues before they become costly problems.

Request Air Conditioning Service in Fort Lauderdale

At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning we pride ourselves on offering extensive AC services, such as installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Fort Lauderdale. Our customers choose us again and again for our unmatched know-how 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.