How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently

As the hotter months get closer, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without sending your electricity bills through the roof. The secret lies in using your air conditioner more effectively. Follow these 12 simple ideas and tactics to keep your AC in optimal condition, decrease energy consumption and save money.

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Repeatedly altering the thermostat makes your air conditioner work harder, elevating energy consumption and causing excessive wear and tear. To maximize efficiency, set the temperature at a comfortable level—preferably around 78 degrees F (25 degrees C)—when you’re inside the residence. Next, refrain from touching it. If you get overheated, 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 the most savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees above your standard setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” consider using a programmable thermostat. This easy upgrade allows you to program temperatures based on your everyday routines, automatically changing the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and conserving energy when you’re not home.

3. Keep the Curtains Closed

Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your cooling system to work more than it has to. To minimize 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 work the best at reflecting the sun’s rays.

4. Keep the Vents Open

Blocked or closed air vents throw off your HVAC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and raising operating expenses. To prevent 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

Running fans in combination with your HVAC system circulates cool air more, making your home feel more comfortable while hardly increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, specifically, create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, enabling you to set the temperature higher without sacrificing comfort.

6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air

Cooking and showering generate heat and humidity. Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to reduce your home’s cooling burden. Additionally, ensure that your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to prevent 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 turn down the temperature. A dehumidifier takes away excessive moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while using substantially less electricity than running the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

The outdoor unit’s location impacts its performance significantly. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shades it in the afternoon for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest part of the day, consider planting a tree or using a screen to shade it. Just make sure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t impede airflow.

9. Save Your Chores for the Evening

Cooking, laundry and doing the dishes create indoor heat gain, making your AC work harder. Doing these activities later in the day when temperatures are cooler reduces the cooling load during the hottest time of the day and saves energy.

10. Replace the Air Filter

A clogged filter blocks airflow and increases energy consumption, so be sure to exchange it on a regular basis to promote maximum performance. The majority of basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the recommended replacement schedule for your product.

11. Seal and Insulate the Ductwork

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

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Scheduled tune-ups are recommended to keep your air conditioner running properly. Employ a licensed professional to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This precautionary measure extends your AC’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to uncover and fix potential issues before they become expensive problems.

Request Air Conditioning Service in Fort Lauderdale

At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning we pride ourselves on offering extensive AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Fort Lauderdale. Our customers choose us again and again for our unrivaled know-how 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.