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 conditioning unit more effectively. Follow these 12 simple recommendations and strategies to keep your air conditioner in optimal condition, reduce energy consumption and save money.

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Frequently altering the thermostat makes your air conditioner work harder, increasing 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 home. Next, refrain from changing it. If you get overheated, remove 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 the most 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,” it might be a good idea to consider using a programmable thermostat. This simple upgrade allows you to schedule temperatures based on your everyday routines, automatically adjusting 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 makes your AC run longer than it normally would. To reduce heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows in the afternoon. Window coverings with light-colored backings reflect sunlight the best.

4. Keep the Vents Open

Covered or closed air vents throw off your AC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and raising operating costs. To prevent this, always keep at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and make certain no return vents are blocked by curtains, furniture or rugs.

5. Create Airflow with Fans

Utilizing fans in conjunction with your HVAC system circulates cool air more, making your home feel more comfortable while barely increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, especially, create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, permitting you to set the temperature higher without losing 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 lower your home’s cooling load. In addition, ensure that your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to prevent hot, humid air from releasing into your house.

7. Use a Dehumidifier

Significant humidity levels make your home feel cool but clammy, tempting you to decrease the temperature. A dehumidifier takes away excessive 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 affects its effectiveness dramatically. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shades it from the afternoon heat for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest part 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 HVAC system work harder. Doing these activities in the evening when temperatures cool down reduces the cooling load during the hottest part of the day and saves energy.

10. Replace the Air Filter

A clogged filter blocks airflow and increases energy consumption, so switch it out regularly to promote superior performance. Many basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but its best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the recommended replacement schedule for your product.

11. Seal and Insulate the Ductwork

Leaky, uninsulated ducts squander 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 brings down energy costs.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Routine tune-ups are recommended to keep your air conditioner running properly. Hire an accredited specialist to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This proactive measure extends your HVAC system’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to find and deal with 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, such as installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Fort Lauderdale. Our customers choose us again and again for our unmatched know-how and commitment to customer satisfaction. In fact, we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on every service we provide! Work with our crew to keep your home cool, comfortable and energy efficient this summer.