As the hot summer months approach, 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 recommendations 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 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 inside the residence. Then, refrain from moving it. If you get overheated, 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 optimum 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,” think about installing a programmable thermostat. This convenient upgrade allows you to program temperatures based on your day-to-day routines, automatically adjusting the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and not wasting energy when you’re out.
3. Keep the Curtains Closed
Solar heat gain from direct sunlight makes your AC run longer than it really should. To decrease 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 reflect sunlight the best.
4. Keep the Vents Open
Obstructed or closed air vents throw off your AC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and upping operating expenses. To stop this, 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
Utilizing fans in combination with your HVAC system circulates cool air more effectively, making your home feel more comfortable while slightly increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, specifically, create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, permitting you to set the temperature higher without sacrificing comfort.
6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air
Cooking and showering generate heat and humidity. Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to decrease your home’s cooling load. Also, make sure your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to prevent hot, humid air from releasing into your house.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
High humidity levels make your home feel cool but clammy, tempting you to lower the temperature. A dehumidifier takes away unwanted 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 impacts its effectiveness considerably. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shades the equipment 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 installing 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 doing the dishes create indoor heat gain, making your AC work harder. Conducting energy-using activities like these later in the day when temperatures aren't as high reduces the cooling load during the hottest part of the day and saves energy.
10. Replace the Air Filter
A filthy filter limits airflow and increases energy consumption, so switch it out on a regular basis to promote optimal performance. Most basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but its best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the recommended replacement schedule for your product.
11. Seal and Insulate the Ductwork
Leaky, uninsulated ducts waste significant amounts of energy, especially if they run through unconditioned areas such as the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork maintains system efficiency and reduces energy spending.
12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Routine tune-ups are essential to keep your AC running properly. Employ a licensed professional to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This proactive measure extends your air conditioner's life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to uncover and deal with potential issues before they become high-priced problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Edmonton
At Rob's Albertan Service Experts, we pride ourselves on offering extensive AC services, such as installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Edmonton. Our customers choose us again and again for our unrivaled know-how and dedication 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.