You may very well not think twice about revving up the air conditioning when it’s sweltering outside—until you see your electric bill. Air conditioning accounts for about 12% of the standard U.S. home’s annual energy bills and up to 70% of your utility spending during the summer. If you’re tired of paying too much for air conditioning, try these 13 tips to improve AC efficiency and save money on your monthly bills.
- Prioritize routine upkeep: Dirt and debris build up in your air conditioner over time, decreasing efficiency. Plan annual maintenance to have a specialist clean your unit’s coils, replace the filter, tighten electrical connections, lubricate moving elements and more. An annual inspection also allows your serviceman to discover and fix any potential issues before they become severe problems.
- Keep the outdoor unit free of junk: Loose trash and nearby plants growing around your air conditioner can minimize airflow and make the system work harder. Look at the unit throughout the summer, pruning back vegetation and removing debris as needed to keep your cooling system working effectively.
- Put in a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat enables you to set automatic temperatures based on your schedule. In the summer, program a higher temperature when you’re away from your residence and have it resume a comfortable temperature before you return. This lowers power consumption and saves money without losing comfort.
- Stay away from overriding programmed settings: While you can always bypass the temperature on your programmable thermostat, try turning on a fan or removing a layer of clothes before you change the setting. When you need to change the temperature, do so by only a degree or two. Cranking down the temperature will not cool your home any quicker and only serves to needlessly consume energy.
- Make use of the auto fan setting: While fan-only mode circulates air to keep rooms from becoming stuffy, HVAC professionals recommend using this setting sparingly. “Auto fan” is the more efficient setting because the blower only runs when the rest of the AC does, avoiding needless energy waste.
- Block solar heat gain: Closing blinds and curtains, getting outdoor awnings and applying window film helps block the sun’s heat to keep your home cooler. These methods are most useful on south- and west-facing windows where the sun shines right inside the house.
- Install the outdoor part of your system in the shade: Direct sunlight can force your system to work harder and reduces efficiency. So, if you can, position the condensing unit so it’s out of the direct sunlight in the afternoon.
- Keep your air vents open: It’s a common misconception that closing the vents in unused rooms helps you to save energy. The truth is, this throws off the supply and return air equilibrium, making your AC less efficient. Generally speaking, keep at least 80% of your registers open all the time and make sure no vents are hindered by rugs, curtains or furniture.
- Use ceiling fans in conjunction with your air conditioner: Ceiling fans move air throughout the room, generating a wind chill effect that makes you feel about 4 degrees cooler. This could allow you to turn up the temperature a few degrees without feeling hot, lowering your dependence on the air conditioner and minimizing your bills.
- Use a dehumidifier: High humidity causes a “cool but clammy” feeling, which is an uncomfortable sensation that may force you to repeatedly lower the temperature. Actually, you need less humidity, rather than cooler air. Running a whole-house dehumidifier removes unwanted moisture, making your home feel more comfortable for a fraction of the cost of air conditioning.
- Use natural ventilation carefully: When it’s hot and humid outside, keep your windows and doors closed to prevent cool air from leaking out. If you live somewhere with cool summer evenings, open the windows and doors overnight to cool off the house naturally, reducing the load on your air conditioner.
- Seal air leaks: Leaky windows and doors give access to hot summer air inside even when closed, making it more difficult and more expensive to keep things cool. Seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping to keep conditioned air in the house where it belongs.
- Seal duct leaks: A regular home loses 20% or more of the conditioned air moving through it to leaks, holes and shoddily connected ducts. Call a professional to seal your ductwork and put an end to this energy waste.
If you still have comfort troubles or high energy expenses after trying out these tips, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for help. We [can|are able to|will]130] diagnose and repair air conditioning problems, provide preventive maintenance, or replace your outdated, poorly performing system with a brand-new, high-efficiency model. For your ease of mind, we stand behind all the work that we do with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! Reach out to a Service Experts office near you today to learn more or request air conditioning services in North America.