After a long, hot summer, nothing hurts more than getting your power bill. Your air conditioner may be a godsend, but it need not break the bank. There is a way to maintain your house at a pleasant temperature without paying exorbitant amounts for cooling.
With only a few simple tweaks to your air conditioner’s settings, you can save money and maintain your house at a comfortable temperature. Follow these simple steps to get the most out of your air conditioner without emptying your money account.
Contents
- 1 Make Regular Changes to Your Air Filters
- 2 Think About Getting a New Air Conditioner
- 3 Caulk Off Air Leaks Near Doors and Windows
- 4 Make Use of Ceiling Fans to Move Air Around
- 5 Maintain Clean Cooling Coil Surfaces
- 6 Learn to Control Your Thermostat
- 7 Plan Regular Maintenance
- 8 Minimize Activities That Generate Heat
- 9 Close the Shades and Keep the Heat Out
- 10 Wrapping it up…
Make Regular Changes to Your Air Filters
Like a stuffy nose, a blocked air filter makes it hard to breathe (or, more specifically, airflow). Reduced efficiency and higher energy costs result from your air conditioner having to work harder due to dirty filters. During the summer months, in particular, it is important to clean or replace your filter more often.
Air can move more easily via a clean filter, which improves indoor air quality and eases pressure on your system. To get the most out of your system, think about getting pleated filters with high efficiency.
Think About Getting a New Air Conditioner
No amount of care for an older air conditioner will make it perform as efficiently as a brand-new one. It may be time to replace your system if it is 10-15 years old, has trouble cooling your house, or requires maintenance often.
Newer, more energy-efficient versions can save 20–40% on cooling expenses. To get the most out of your HVAC system, search for a model with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating.
Although the initial investment in a new system may seem substantial, the long-term benefits of reduced energy costs, improved cooling, and fewer maintenance hassles more than justify the expense.
In addition, utility providers offer a lot of rebates and incentives for energy-efficient system upgrades. Consider it a long-term investment in your comfort and financial security. A reputable installer will advise on rebates and incentives in your local area.
Caulk Off Air Leaks Near Doors and Windows
Just as when you leave a window open and attempt to cool your house, unregulated air leaks are almost the same. Find any holes or cracks in your ducting, doors, or windows and cover them with weather-stripping or caulk.
In addition to retaining the cold air, this will also block the entrance of heated air, so lessening the burden on your air conditioner. Another thing to check is the insulation in your attic. If it’s not good, cooled air may escape, and your system will have to work harder.
Make Use of Ceiling Fans to Move Air Around
A ceiling fan might be the ideal ally to your air conditioner, as it performs the bulk of the work at very low cost. By distributing the cold air more uniformly, ceiling fans make it possible to set your thermostat a few degrees higher without compromising comfort.
To make a room seem cooler in the summer, turn your fan counterclockwise so cool air is pushed down. By reducing the strain on the AC system, using a fan in tandem with it can lead to decreased energy usage and further savings.
Maintain Clean Cooling Coil Surfaces
Dust, filth, and other material may accumulate on the evaporator and condenser coils of your air conditioner, causing them to become less efficient over time. The system has to work harder when the coils are dirty, which may cause failures and increased energy expenditures.
Trim any neighboring plants or shrubs to give your outside unit some space, and give the coils a gentle spray down once every few months. Dust them to keep the air handler and evaporator coils inside clean and in good working order.
Learn to Control Your Thermostat
The moment has come to level up if you’re still doing things like manually setting the thermostat. You can maximize cooling efficiency while decreasing energy waste by using a programmed or smart thermostat. Put it on a higher setting while you’re not home and turn it down when you are. U.S. Department of Energy guidelines suggest keeping indoor temperatures at 78°F (26°C) when you are home and to raise the temperature by 7°F (29°C) when you’re away from home.
A smart thermostat can be invaluable because it learns your patterns and adjusts itself to your lifestyle and comings and goings. Some will even let you ‘call home’ to tell your AC that you’re on your way!
Plan Regular Maintenance
Your air conditioner, like your automobile, needs regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Make sure everything is in good working order by having a professional evaluate the system once a year to check the refrigerant levels, look for leaks, clean the components, and schedule a check-up.
Regular maintenance prevents expensive malfunctions, increases efficiency, and extends the lifetime of your device. A well-kept system does more than just keep you cool; it also reduces energy costs over time.
Minimize Activities That Generate Heat
Heating your home using appliances like the oven, stove, and even certain devices forces your air conditioner to work harder. Do your best to avoid doing things that generate a lot of heat while the weather is hot.
Avoid overheating by cooking in the morning or evening, using the microwave or an outside barbecue, and switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs from incandescent ones. Modifications of this kind lessen the strain on your air conditioner and cut down on energy use generally.
Close the Shades and Keep the Heat Out
Though it adds a touch of beauty, sunlight flowing in through your windows also heats your house. To maintain a lower interior temperature, close your blinds, curtains, or shades during the warmest portion of the day.
Thermal shades or blackout curtains are great at keeping heat out and cutting down on air conditioning consumption. Installing energy-efficient windows or applying window films may be a long-term solution to the problem of unwanted heat.
Wrapping it up…
To maximize air conditioner efficiency and reduce energy bills, homeowners should prioritize regular maintenance such as changing air filters, cleaning coils, and scheduling professional check-ups.
Upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient AC unit with a high SEER rating can also yield significant savings.
Simple adjustments like sealing air leaks, utilizing ceiling fans, and programming a smart thermostat to optimize temperature settings can further enhance efficiency.
Additionally, minimizing heat-generating activities and blocking sunlight through windows can reduce the workload on the AC, ultimately lowering energy consumption and costs.
