You can improve the efficiency of your air conditioner with a little effort. Homeowners all across America are looking at the arrival of their utility bills with a fair amount of alarm. Hot summers are almost unbearable without an excellent air conditioning system, but just as they keep us cool, they also use a lot of energy. Air conditioning can account for around 12% of your total annual home energy expenditures; up to 70% during the summer months. Read this article for ways to save on air conditioning.
Ways to Improve the Efficiency of Your System
You can take some concrete steps to improve the efficiency of your air conditioning system and save some cash. Get the most from your system and control your expenses with these tips:
Do Some Cleaning
The outdoor condenser unit often gets clogged due to debris like leaves, bird feathers, and other trash. All of this can get lodged in or around your unit. Make sure to clean around the unit’s housing and ensure that it has enough clearance. Also, trim all the plants, bushes, and other growth to make enough room for the AC to operate correctly.
Dirty Air Filters
Make sure your air filters are clean, as dirty filters slow air circulation. If cleaning doesn’t improve efficiency, then it’s time to replace it with a new filter. Here’s why you should make sure you change your air filters.
Use Ceiling Fans to Help the AC
Fans are a significant contributor to making your house cooler, as well as a great help in saving on cooling costs. If you own a ceiling fan, make sure to run it simultaneously as the AC. The ceiling fan pushes the cooler air down and over the room occupants. Don’t forget to check if the ceiling fan’s blades are turning counter-clockwise, so as not to defeat the purpose of running it.
Increase the Thermostat
Adjusting the thermostat by a few degrees (5-8 degrees down in winter and up in summer) can help you save money and energy. If you own a programmable thermostat, you can automatically adjust the temperature for different times of the day or during times when you are away from home.
Keep the Blinds Closed
When the direct sun hits the windows in your house, keeping the curtains and blinds closed can stop some of the heat from warming the inside of your home.
Insulate Your Home
If you have areas in your home that are not adequately insulated, you can lose a substantial amount of conditioned air and increase your energy bills. Make sure to insulate any exposed ductwork with proper duct insulating material.
Conclusion
These are just some of the tips we recommend using, along with regular professional maintenance to save you from unnecessary expenses. If you want to have your HVAC system checked by a professional and reliable team, contact us today.
Want more? Here are 25 Quick & Easy Energy Saving Tips from Direct Energy.