How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently

As the hot summer months get closer, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without skyrocking your utility bills. The secret lies in using your air conditioning unit more efficiently. Follow these 12 simple tips and strategies to keep your air conditioner in optimal condition, decrease energy consumption and save money.

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Frequently altering the thermostat makes your cooling system work harder, raising 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 in the house. After that, refrain from changing it. If you get too warm, take off a layer of clothing, spray water on your skin or turn on a fan to cool off without turning down the temperature.

2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away

For maximum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees higher than your typical setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” think about using a programmable thermostat. This convenient upgrade allows you to schedule temperatures based on your day-to-day routines, automatically modifying the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and not wasting energy when you’re not home.

3. Keep the Curtains Closed

Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your air conditioner to work harder than it has to. To decrease heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows during the hottest part of the day. Window coverings with light-colored backings are the most effective at reflecting sunlight.

4. Keep the Vents Open

Obstructed or closed air vents throw off your air conditioning system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and increasing operating costs. To stop this, keep at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and be sure no return vents are hindered by curtains, furniture or rugs.

5. Create Airflow with Fans

Using fans along with your air conditioner circulates cool air more effectively, 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, enabling you to set the temperature higher without losing comfort.

6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air

Cooking and showering generate heat and dampness. Turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to decrease your home’s cooling workload. Also, ensure that your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to deter hot, humid air from releasing into your residence.

7. Use a Dehumidifier

Significant humidity levels make your home feel cool but clammy, tempting you to lower the temperature. A dehumidifier removes unwanted moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while using much less electricity than using the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

The outdoor unit’s location impacts its effectiveness dramatically. Installing it on your home’s north or east side protects it in the afternoon for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest time of the day, consider planting a tree or getting 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 washing the dishes create indoor heat gain, making your air conditioner work harder. Doing these activities 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 limits airflow and increases energy consumption, so be sure to exchange it regularly to promote superior performance. Most basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct replacement schedule for your product.

11. Seal and Insulate the Ductwork

Leaky, uninsulated ducts waste significant amounts of energy, especially if they run through unconditioned spots in your home like the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork increases system efficiency and lowers energy expenses.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Routine tune-ups are crucial to keep your AC running successfully. Use a licensed technician to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This precautionary measure extends your air conditioner’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to find and deal with potential issues before they become high-priced problems.

Request Air Conditioning Service in Fort Lauderdale

At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Fort Lauderdale. Our customers choose us again and again for our unparalleled knowledge and devotion to customer satisfaction. In fact, we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on every service we provide! Work with our friendly staff to keep your home cool, comfortable and energy efficient this summer.