How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently

As the warmer months approach, 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 AC better. Follow these 12 simple ideas and strategies to keep your AC in optimal condition, decrease energy consumption and save money.

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Frequently changing the thermostat makes your cooling system work harder, increasing 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 home. After that, 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 lowering the temperature.

2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away

For maximum 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,” think about setting up a programmable thermostat. This convenient upgrade allows you to set temperatures based on your daily routines, automatically modifying the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and saving 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 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 work the best at reflecting the sun’s rays.

4. Keep the Vents Open

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

5. Create Airflow with Fans

Running fans in combination with your air conditioner circulates cool air more effectively, making your home feel more comfortable while barely 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 create heat and moisture. Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to lower your home’s cooling load. In addition, make certain your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to prevent hot, humid air from releasing into your residence.

7. Use a Dehumidifier

High humidity levels make your home feel cool but clammy, tempting you to turn down the temperature. A dehumidifier takes away excess moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while requiring significantly less electricity than running the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

The outdoor unit’s location influences its effectiveness dramatically. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shelters 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 doing the dishes create indoor heat gain, making your air conditioner work harder. Completing these tasks at night when temperatures cool down reduces the cooling load during the hottest time of the day and saves energy.

10. Replace the Air Filter

A dirty filter restricts airflow and increases energy consumption, so replace it on a regular basis to promote superior performance. The majority of basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate 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 areas including the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork increases system efficiency and reduces energy spending.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Regular tune-ups are crucial to keep your air conditioner running efficiently. Use a certified professional to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This preventative measure extends your air conditioner’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to find and address 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 complete AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Fort Lauderdale. Our customers choose us again and again for our unparalleled expertise 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.