Summer is a time for fun and excitement, but sometimes the heat can be unbearable. The temptation to stay at home in the comfort of your AC and to try to beat the heat is tempting. But continually running your air conditioner can lead to a significant rise in your energy bills. Here are some helpful hints to improve your AC’s energy efficiency while saving you money.
5 Tips for an Energy-Efficient AC
If you find yourself using your air conditioning regularly, you may notice that you have humidity problems, some of your rooms are either too hot or too cold, your unit needs frequent repairs or most likely, your energy bills are going up. These energy-efficient AC practices will help you stay cool without breaking the bank.
1. Use a Fan
Fans are a complement to your HVAC system by circulating the air throughout your house. Your ceiling or floor fans can make your rooms feel cooler, allowing you to raise your thermostat temperature about 4 degrees higher without reducing your comfort.
Using fans is a great way to conserve energy and electricity while helping your AC unit do its job more efficiently.
2. Set Your Thermostat
Speaking of your thermostat temperature, try to set your thermostat to the highest temperature possible but at which you still feel comfortable and cool.
A programmable thermostat is a great investment that helps your unit be the most energy-efficient. A smart thermostat’s temperature settings can be automated, allowing you to adjust the temperature at certain times of the day such as when everyone leaves for work and cooling down before you get home. This tool alone can help you save about 10 percent of your annual cooling and heating costs.
3. Keep the Sun Out
During the warmest part of the day, closing your windows and blinds that face the direct sunlight can help from heating up your house. Your unit shouldn’t have to work overtime through the summer months because of how much sunlight is let in.
4. Don’t Let Your Cold Air Escape
Older houses commonly have insufficient insulation due to cracks and worn seals. A poorly insulated home leads to all of your cold air seeping out through your doors and windows. You can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs just by sealing and insulating your home. Make sure to utilize caulk or weatherstripping to help seal the gaps and lower your energy use.
5. Maintain Your Equipment
Neglecting your AC system and its equipment is the main reason for inefficiency and failure. If you don’t properly take care of your unit, you won’t be able to reduce energy costs no matter what you do.
Helpful habits include:
- Avoid placing other appliances near your thermostat. Your thermostat senses the heat from these appliances and keeps your unit running longer than necessary.
- Make sure to keep your air filters clean to ensure the air is flowing smoothly through your unit.
- Maintain and clean your ducts to make sure there are no leaks or disconnected ductwork.
Dirty air filters and an overworked thermostat can force your system to work harder to keep your home cool.
Preventive maintenance is essential to guarantee all parts are clean and working properly and efficiently. Having regular maintenance checks can help avoid any unexpected surprises such as a system failure or costly, but necessary repairs.
Save Your Energy and Follow These Practices
These tips will not only help you save money but help your unit from overworking itself. If you notice any issues with your unit or are interested in scheduling regular maintenance, contact our Comfort Temp team to help.
