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 air conditioner more effectively. Follow these 12 simple ideas and tactics to keep your HVAC system in optimal condition, decrease energy consumption and save money.
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
Frequently altering the thermostat makes your AC work harder, raising 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 inside the residence. Next, refrain from touching it. If you get too warm, take off 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 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 modifying the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and not wasting energy when you’re away.
3. Keep the Curtains Closed
Solar heat gain from direct sunlight makes your AC run longer than it has to. 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
Blocked or closed air vents throw off your AC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and upping operating bills. To prevent this, make sure to have at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and make certain no return vents are hindered by curtains, furniture or rugs.
5. Create Airflow with Fans
Running fans along with your air conditioning system circulates cool air more, 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, enabling you to set the temperature higher without losing comfort.
6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air
Cooking and showering produce heat and dampness. Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to decrease your home’s cooling workload. Additionally, verify your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to deter hot, humid air from releasing into your house.
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 requiring much less electricity than operating the air conditioner.
8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade
The outdoor unit’s location influences its effectiveness considerably. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shades it in the afternoon for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest hours of the day, consider planting a tree or installing a screen to shade it. Just be sure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t impede airflow.
9. Save Your Chores for the Evening
Cooking, laundry and washing the dishes lead to indoor heat gain, making your air conditioner work harder. Doing these activities in the evening when temperatures are cooler 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 on a regular basis to promote maximum 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 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 spaces including the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork increases system efficiency and brings down energy expenses.
12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Regular tune-ups are recommended to keep your AC running successfully. Employ an accredited technician to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This proactive measure extends your AC’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to identify and deal with potential issues before they become high-priced problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Champaign
At Chief/Bauer Service Experts, we pride ourselves on offering extensive AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Champaign. Our customers choose us again and again for our unmatched know-how and dedication 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.
