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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 skyrocking your utility bills. The secret lies in using your AC more efficiently. Follow these 12 simple ideas and tactics to keep your air conditioner in optimal condition, minimize energy consumption and save money.

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Repeatedly adjusting the thermostat makes your AC 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 in the house. Then, refrain from changing it. If you start to get hot, peel away a layer of clothing, spray water on your skin or turn on a fan to cool off without lowering the temperature.

2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away

For the most savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees above your standard setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” consider using a programmable thermostat. This easy upgrade allows you to schedule temperatures based on your everyday routines, automatically modifying the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and saving energy when you’re out.

3. Keep the Curtains Closed

Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your air conditioner to work harder 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 work the best at reflecting the sun’s rays.

4. Keep the Vents Open

Blocked or closed air vents throw off your air conditioning system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and raising operating costs. To stop this, always 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 conditioner circulates cool air more, making your home feel more comfortable while hardly increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, in particular, create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to set the temperature higher without losing comfort.

6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air

Cooking and showering create heat and humidity. Turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to decrease your home’s cooling workload. Also, ensure that your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to stop hot, humid air from releasing into your house.

7. Use a Dehumidifier

Significant humidity levels cause your home to feel cool but clammy, tempting you to lower the temperature. A dehumidifier takes out unwanted moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while consuming a lot less electricity than running the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

The outdoor unit’s location impacts its performance dramatically. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shades the unit during the hottest part of the day for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest part 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 cause indoor heat gain, making your HVAC system work harder. Doing these activities 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 superior performance. Most basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the recommended 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 spaces like the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork maintains system efficiency and brings down energy expenses.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Scheduled tune-ups are recommended to keep your air conditioner running successfully. Employ a certified technician to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This precautionary measure extends your AC’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to uncover and address potential issues before they become expensive problems.

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At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in the U.S.. Our customers choose us again and again for our unrivaled expertise 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.

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