How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently
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 conditioning unit more efficiently. Follow these 12 simple tips and tactics to keep your HVAC system in optimal condition, minimize energy consumption and save money.
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
Frequently altering the thermostat makes your cooling system work harder, elevating 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 changing 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 changing the temperature.
2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away
For maximum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees above your typical 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 convenient upgrade allows you to schedule temperatures based on your everyday routines, automatically adjusting the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and conserving 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 really should. To minimize 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
Blocked or closed air vents throw off your AC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and raising operating costs. To prevent 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
Using fans in conjunction with your air conditioning system circulates cool air more, making your home feel more comfortable while slightly 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 sacrificing 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 reduce your home’s cooling load. In addition, verify your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to prevent hot, humid air from releasing into your residence.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
High humidity levels make your home feel cool but clammy, tempting you to lower the temperature. A dehumidifier removes 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 dramatically. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shelters the equipment from the afternoon heat 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 ensure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t hinder airflow.
9. Save Your Chores for the Evening
Cooking, laundry and dishwashing lead to indoor heat gain, making your AC work harder. Completing these tasks at night when temperatures are cooler 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. 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 spots in your home such as the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork increases system efficiency and lowers energy costs.
12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Routine tune-ups are essential to keep your air conditioning system running successfully. Hire a certified professional 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 find and deal with potential issues before they become high-priced problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Calgary
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning we pride ourselves on offering extensive AC services, including installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Calgary. Our customers choose us again and again for our unrivaled knowledge 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.