As the hot summer months draw near, 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 strategies to keep your HVAC system in optimal condition, reduce energy consumption and save money.
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
Constantly altering the thermostat makes your cooling system 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 in the house. After that, refrain from changing it. If you start to get hot, remove a layer of clothing, spray water on your skin or turn on a fan to cool off without changing 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,” consider setting up a programmable thermostat. This convenient upgrade allows you to program temperatures based on your day-to-day routines, automatically modifying the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and conserving energy when you’re out.
3. Keep the Curtains Closed
Solar heat gain from direct sunlight makes your AC run longer than it really should. To decrease heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows when the temperature is the hottest. Window coverings with light-colored backings reflect sunlight the best.
4. Keep the Vents Open
Blocked or closed air vents throw off your air conditioning system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and upping operating bills. To stop this, make sure to have at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and make certain no return vents are obstructed by curtains, furniture or rugs.
5. Create Airflow with Fans
Using fans in conjunction with your HVAC system circulates cool air more efficiently, 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, allowing you to set the temperature higher without losing comfort.
6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air
Cooking and showering create heat and humidity. Turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to reduce your home’s cooling burden. Also, ensure that your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to prevent hot, humid air from releasing into your residence.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
High humidity levels cause your home to feel cool but clammy, tempting you to lower the temperature. A dehumidifier takes away excessive moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while consuming much less electricity than operating the air conditioner.
8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade
The outdoor unit’s location influences its effectiveness considerably. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shelters the equipment in the afternoon for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest hours 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 hinder airflow.
9. Save Your Chores for the Evening
Cooking, laundry and dishwashing create indoor heat gain, making your AC work harder. Completing these tasks in the evening 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 blocks airflow and increases energy consumption, so be sure to exchange it routinely 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 areas like the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork increases system efficiency and reduces energy spending.
12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Routine tune-ups are crucial to keep your air conditioning system running efficiently. Use a certified professional to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This proactive measure extends your air conditioner's life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to identify and address potential issues before they become expensive problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Long Island
At Matz-Rightway, we pride ourselves on offering complete AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Long Island. Our customers choose us again and again for our unrivaled know-how and dedication 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.