13 Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips for Homeowners

You may not think twice about revving up the air conditioning when it’s hot outside—until you see your power bill. Air conditioning accounts for about 12% of the typical U.S. home’s 12-month energy expenses and up to 70% of your utility costs during the summer. If you’re frustrated by paying too much for air conditioning, practice these 13 tips to improve AC efficiency and save money on your monthly expenditures. 

1. Prioritize routine servicing: Dirt and debris build up in your air conditioner over time, reducing efficiency. Make appointments for annual maintenance to have a professional clean your unit’s coils, switch out the filter, tighten electrical connections, lubricate moving parts and more. A once-per-year inspection also enables your serviceman to discover and fix any potential issues before they become significant problems. 
2. Keep the outdoor unit free of obstructions: Loose trash and nearby trees growing around your air conditioner can reduce airflow and make the system work harder. Look at the unit throughout the summer, trimming back vegetation and cleaning up debris as needed to keep your cooling system operating effectively. 
3. Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set automatic temperatures based on your routine. In the summer months, program a higher temperature when you’re away from your residence and have it resume a comfortable temperature before you return. This reduces energy consumption and saves money without sacrificing comfort. 
4. Try to avoid overriding programmed settings: While you are able to bypass the temperature on your programmable thermostat, try turning on a fan or shedding a layer of clothes before you change the setting. When you have to adjust the temperature, do so by only a degree or two. Cranking down the temperature will never cool your home any faster and only serves to needlessly consume electricity. 
5. Utilize the auto fan setting: While fan-only mode spreads air to stop rooms from becoming stuffy, HVAC professionals advocate using this setting sparingly. “Auto fan” is the more efficient setting because the blower only runs when the rest of the AC does, preventing unwanted energy waste. 
6. Block solar heat gain: Closing blinds and curtains, putting in exterior awnings and applying window film helps block the sun’s heat to keep your residence cooler. These strategies are most useful on south- and west-facing windows where the sun shines directly inside the house. 
7. Install the outdoor components in the shade: Direct sunlight causes your system to work harder and lowers efficiency. So if you can, position the condensing unit so it’s out of the direct sunlight in the afternoon.  
8. Keep your air vents open: It’s a common misconception that closing the vents in empty rooms helps you to save energy. Unfortunately, this throws off the supply and return air balance, making your AC not as efficient. Generally speaking, keep at least 80% of your registers open all the time and ensure that no vents are obstructed by rugs, curtains or furniture. 
9. Use ceiling fans along with your air conditioner: Ceiling fans move air throughout the room, producing a wind chill effect that makes you feel about 4 degrees cooler. This may allow you to turn up the temperature a few degrees without feeling hot, reducing your dependence on the air conditioner and decreasing your bills. 
10. Use a dehumidifier: High humidity creates a “cool but clammy” feeling, which is an uncomfortable sensation that may influence you to routinely lower the temperature. In fact, you need less humidity, not necessarily cooler air. Running a whole-house dehumidifier removes excessive moisture, making your home feel more comfortable for a fraction of the cost of air conditioning. 
11. Use natural ventilation wisely: When it’s hot and humid outside, keep your windows and doors closed to restrict cool air from getting out. If you reside in in an area with cool summer evenings, open the windows and doors at night to cool off the house naturally, reducing the load on your air conditioner. 
12. Seal air leaks: Leaky windows and doors give access to hot summer air indoors even when closed, making it more difficult and more expensive to keep things cool. Seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping to keep conditioned air inside where it belongs.  
13. Seal duct leaks: A standard home loses 20% or more of the conditioned air moving through it to leaks, holes and badly connected ducts. Hire a professional to seal your ductwork and put an end to this energy waste. 

If you still have comfort troubles or large energy expenses after trying out these tips, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for help. We are able to diagnose and repair air conditioning concerns, provide preventative maintenance, or replace your outdated, poorly performing system with a 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! Get in touch with a Service Experts office near you today to learn more or request air conditioning services in the U.S..