How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently

As the hot summer months approach, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without skyrocking your utility bills. The secret lies in using your air conditioner better. Follow these 12 simple ideas and techniques to keep your air conditioner in optimal condition, minimize energy consumption and save money.

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Constantly adjusting the thermostat makes your air conditioner work harder, increasing 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. Then, refrain from touching it. If you get overheated, 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 maximum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees beyond 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 setting up a programmable thermostat. This simple upgrade allows you to set temperatures based on your day-to-day routines, automatically modifying the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and not wasting energy when you’re not home.

3. Keep the Curtains Closed

Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your air conditioner to work harder 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 upping operating expenses. To prevent this, keep at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and make certain no return vents are obstructed by curtains, furniture or rugs.

5. Create Airflow with Fans

Running fans in combination with your air conditioner circulates cool air more, making your home feel more comfortable while hardly increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, specifically, create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, permitting you to set the temperature higher without losing comfort.

6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air

Cooking and showering generate heat and humidity. Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to reduce your home’s cooling load. Additionally, make sure your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to stop hot, humid air from releasing into your house.

7. Use a Dehumidifier

Significant humidity levels results in your home feeling cool but clammy, tempting you to decrease the temperature. A dehumidifier takes away excessive moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while using substantially less electricity than operating the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

The outdoor unit’s location impacts its performance significantly. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shelters the unit in the afternoon for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest time of the day, consider planting a tree or installing 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 washing the dishes cause indoor heat gain, making your AC work harder. Doing these activities in the evening when temperatures are cooler 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 replace it routinely to promote optimal performance. Many basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but its best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct replacement schedule for your product.

11. Seal and Insulate the Ductwork

Leaky, uninsulated ducts squander 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 lowers energy costs.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Scheduled tune-ups are essential to keep your AC running efficiently. Hire an accredited specialist to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This preventative measure extends your AC’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to uncover and fix potential issues before they become high-priced problems.

Request Air Conditioning Service in Fort Lauderdale

At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Fort Lauderdale. 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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