How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently
As the hotter months get closer, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without skyrocking your utility bills. The secret lies in using your AC more effectively. Follow these 12 simple ideas and strategies to keep your air conditioning unit in optimal condition, decrease energy consumption and save money.
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
Frequently altering 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 in the house. After that, refrain from moving it. If you get too warm, peel away} 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 beyond 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 using 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 saving energy when you’re not home.
3. Keep the Curtains Closed
Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your air conditioner to work harder than it has to. To reduce heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows during the hottest part of the day. Window coverings with light-colored backings work the best at reflecting the sun’s rays.
4. Keep the Vents Open
Blocked or closed air vents throw off your air conditioning system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and upping operating bills. To avoid this, always keep at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and make certain no return vents are blocked by curtains, furniture or rugs.
5. Create Airflow with Fans
Using fans in combination with your air conditioner circulates cool air more efficiently, making your home feel more comfortable while barely 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 generate heat and moisture. Turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to decrease your home’s cooling burden. Also, verify your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to deter hot, humid air from releasing into your residence.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
Elevated humidity levels results in your home feeling 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 influences its effectiveness considerably. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shelters it in the afternoon for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest time of the day, consider planting a tree or using a screen to shade it. Just make sure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t hinder airflow.
9. Save Your Chores for the Evening
Cooking, laundry and washing the dishes create indoor heat gain, making your AC work harder. Doing these activities at night when temperatures aren’t as high reduces the cooling load during the hottest hours of the day and saves energy.
10. Replace the Air Filter
A clogged filter limits airflow and increases energy consumption, so replace it routinely to promote optimal performance. Most 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 squander significant amounts of energy, especially if they run through unconditioned areas such as the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork increases system efficiency and brings down energy costs.
12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Routine tune-ups are crucial to keep your air conditioning system running successfully. Employ a licensed professional 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 uncover and fix potential issues before they become costly problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Edmonton
At Rob's Albertan Service Experts we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive AC services, including installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Edmonton. 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 crew to keep your home cool, comfortable and energy efficient this summer.
