You might not think twice about cranking up the air conditioning when it’s hot outside—until you see your energy bill. Air conditioning accounts for about 12% of the average U.S. home’s annual energy bills and up to 70% of your utility expenses during the summer. If you’re sick of spending too much for air conditioning, follow these 13 tips to improve AC efficiency and save money on your monthly expenses.
- Prioritize routine service: Dirt and debris collect in your air conditioner over time, reducing efficiency. Make appointments for annual maintenance to have a specialist clean your unit’s coils, switch out the filter, tighten electrical connections, lubricate moving elements and more. An annual inspection also makes it possible for your technician to find and fix any potential issues before they become severe problems.
- Keep the outdoor unit free of junk: Loose trash and nearby plants growing around your air conditioner can reduce airflow and make the system work harder. Check the unit throughout the summer, clipping back vegetation and removing debris as needed to keep your cooling system working properly.
- Put in a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat helps you to set automatic temperatures based on your lifestyle. In the warm months, program a higher temperature when you’re away from your residence and have it resume a comfortable temperature before you return. This lowers electrical consumption and saves money without sacrificing comfort.
- 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 need to change the temperature, do so by merely a degree or two. Cranking down the temperature won’t cool your home any more rapidly and only serves to squander power.
- Make use of the auto fan setting: While fan-only mode spreads air to prevent rooms from becoming stuffy, HVAC professionals say that you should be using this setting sparingly. “Auto fan” is the more efficient setting because the blower only runs when the rest of the AC does, avoiding unwanted energy waste.
- Block solar heat gain: Closing blinds and curtains, putting in outdoor awnings and applying window film helps block the sun’s heat to keep your property cooler. These strategies are most useful on south- and west-facing windows where the sun shines straight inside.
- Install the outdoor part of your system in the shade: Direct sunlight makes your system to work harder and reduces efficiency. So, if feasible, position the condensing unit so it’s out of the direct sunlight in the afternoon.
- Keep your air vents open: It’s a frequent misconception that closing the vents in empty rooms helps you to save energy. The truth is, this throws off the supply and return air symmetry, making your AC less efficient. Generally speaking, keep at least 80% of your registers open continuously and ensure that no vents are blocked by rugs, curtains or furniture.
- Use ceiling fans in conjunction with your air conditioner: Ceiling fans move air throughout the room, creating 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 uncomfortable, lowering your dependence on the air conditioner and decreasing your bills.
- Use a dehumidifier: High humidity creates a “cool but clammy” feeling, which is an uncomfortable sensation that may compel you to frequently lower the temperature. In reality, you need less humidity, instead of cooler air. Running a whole-house dehumidifier takes away excessive moisture, making your home feel more comfortable for a fraction of the cost of air conditioning.
- Use natural ventilation wisely: When it’s hot and humid outside, keep your windows and doors closed to restrict cool air from getting outside. If you are living in an area with cool summer evenings, open the windows and doors overnight to cool off the house naturally, reducing the load on your air conditioner.
- Seal air leaks: Leaky windows and doors give access to hot summer air inside of the house even when closed, making it harder and more expensive to keep things cool. Seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping to keep conditioned air in the house where it belongs.
- Seal duct leaks: A regular home loses 20% or more of the conditioned air flowing through it to leaks, holes and badly connected ducts. Hire a professional to seal your ductwork and stop this energy waste.
If you still have comfort troubles or high energy costs after employing these tips, turn to TML Service Experts for help. We [can|are able to|will]130] diagnose and repair air conditioning concerns, provide preventive maintenance, or replace your outdated, poorly performing system with a brand-new, high-efficiency model. For your peace of mind, we back everything we do with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! Reach out to a Service Experts office near you today to learn more or request air conditioning services in Boise.