Running your air conditioner can make your electricity bill shoot up. Fortunately, there are several different ways to increase air conditioner efficiency whilst saving you money as the weather becomes hotter.
9 Summer AC Tips to improve Air Conditioner Efficiency
1. Close the blinds
A window that allows the hot sun to enter will not just heat you up but your thermostat as well. So during the hottest part of the day, you must close your window blinds. This will help insulate the windows, thus stopping the cold air from escaping.
2. Use a fan
A fan is a great help when it comes to saving on cooling costs. You don’t need to control the thermostat to feel cooler because a ceiling fan can actually make a room feel 10 degrees cooler.
Also, it only consumes 10% of the energy of a central air conditioner.
You can opt for smart ceiling fans that you can connect to an app. This allows you to easily schedule when these electric fans turn on and off. Moreover, you will be able to control their speed without standing.
3. Stop cooling your neighborhood
If your house is not brand new, the cool air inside may seep out into your neighborhood via worn window and door seals, sneaky cracks, and poorly insulated attics.
So it is very important for you to check how well your property is keeping the cool air in. A licensed HVAC professional can inspect for leaks. Also, this expert will suggest how to properly make your home energy-efficient and even provide you with summer AC tips (like these).
4. Upgrade the thermostat
If you don’t have a smart thermostat, it is time to make a change. Smart thermostats will regulate cooling and heating if you are not at home. Furthermore, you can adjust the settings remotely through an app on your smartphone.
5. Place the thermostat on the right wall
Thermostat placement plays a huge part in how well the AC works. By putting it on a wall that is near a hot window, your AC will surely kick on much more often than it needs to since it assumes that the room is hot.
Furthermore, do not place TV sets, lamps, and other heat-producing appliances close to the thermostat. It senses the heat, which will then cause the AC to run longer than required.
Instead, place it on the interior wall of a room that is most used. Make sure that the smart thermostat is not obstructed by decorations, bookshelves, and doors. This ensures that its sensors will work properly. Moreover, you must place it near your Wi-Fi so it will always stay connected to your account.
6. Increase the temperature if you leave the house
Most people think that leaving their AC at the same temperature when they leave their house will help them save money since it does not need to work hard to make the house cool again. Well, this is not the case.
“The cheapest way of using your AC is to turn the thermostat up whenever you leave your house.”
During longer periods of time, air conditioning systems will operate most efficiently at full speed. Therefore, lowering the temperature if you get home will help save you more money than letting your AC cycle on and off while you are away.
With a smart thermostat, it will be a lot easier for you to keep your AC at the right temperature.
All you have to do is to program the unit to work at an increased temperature if you go out and cool it down before getting home.
7. Don’t set the thermostat low
To save the most money, you need to set your thermostat always at the highest temperature that you can stand. A small change in the temperature can actually save you big bucks.
For instance, you can save 10% each year on your cooling bills by putting the thermostat at 10-15 degrees higher for eight hours a day. According to the US Department of Energy, you must set your indoor temperature at 26°C if you are at home.
8. Check the AC filter once a month
Always check the air filter every month and replace it when necessary. During the summer, dust and allergens circulate.
Once the filter becomes clogged, your air conditioning system must work harder to supply a similar amount of cool air. Replacing air filters is among the most effective ways to conserve energy.
9. Mind the landscaping
Avoid using plenty of cement, asphalt or rocks on the west or south sides of your property when landscaping. If this is not shaded, it will raise the temperature around your home and radiate heat.
Moreover, keep the shrubs and plants about 2-4 feet away from the outdoor unit to guarantee an adequate flow of air.
Do not let your air conditioning systems blow your hard-earned money away. Use these tips to make sure that your Air Conditioner Efficiency is top notch this summer. Make sure to schedule an AC Serivce appointment now!