How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently
As the hotter months get closer, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without sending your electricity bills through the roof. The secret lies in using your AC more efficiently. Follow these 12 simple tips and strategies to keep your AC in optimal condition, reduce energy consumption and save money.
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
Constantly altering the thermostat makes your AC work harder, increasing 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 inside the residence. After that, refrain from changing it. If you start to get hot, take off a layer of clothing, spray water on your skin or turn on a fan to cool off without changing the temperature.
2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away
For the most savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees above your typical setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” consider installing a programmable thermostat. This convenient upgrade allows you to program temperatures based on your day-to-day routines, automatically adjusting the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and conserving energy when you’re not home.
3. Keep the Curtains Closed
Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your cooling system to work more than it really should. To decrease heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows when the temperature is the hottest. Window coverings with light-colored backings are the most effective at reflecting sunlight.
4. Keep the Vents Open
Blocked or closed air vents throw off your air conditioning system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and upping operating costs. To prevent this, always keep at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and be sure no return vents are blocked by curtains, furniture or rugs.
5. Create Airflow with Fans
Using fans in conjunction with your air conditioning system circulates cool air more, making your home feel more comfortable while slightly increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, especially, create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, permitting you to set the temperature higher without sacrificing comfort.
6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air
Cooking and showering produce heat and moisture. Use your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to decrease your home’s cooling load. Additionally, verify your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to deter hot, humid air from releasing into your house.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
Significant humidity levels make your home feel cool but clammy, tempting you to decrease the temperature. A dehumidifier takes out excessive 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 influences its effectiveness considerably. Installing it on your home’s north or east side protects it 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 impede airflow.
9. Save Your Chores for the Evening
Cooking, laundry and doing the dishes create indoor heat gain, making your AC work harder. Completing these tasks later in the day when temperatures cool down reduces the cooling load during the hottest time of the day and saves energy.
10. Replace the Air Filter
A filthy filter blocks airflow and increases energy consumption, so be sure to exchange it regularly to promote maximum performance. Most basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but its best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate 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 preserves system efficiency and reduces energy costs.
12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Scheduled tune-ups are crucial to keep your AC running efficiently. Hire an accredited professional to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This precautionary measure extends your HVAC system's life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to uncover and deal with potential issues before they become expensive problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Savannah
At Coastal Service Experts, we pride ourselves on offering complete AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Savannah. Our customers choose us again and again for our unrivaled know-how and devotion to customer satisfaction. In fact, we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on every service we provide! Work with our crew at to keep your home cool, comfortable and energy efficient this summer.
