How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently

As the hot summer months approach, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without your energy costs soaring. 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

Repeatedly altering the thermostat makes your cooling system work harder, increasing energy consumption and causing excessive wear and tear. To boost efficiency, set the temperature at a comfortable level—preferably around 78 degrees F (25 degrees C)—when you’re inside the residence. Then, refrain from touching 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 lowering the temperature.

2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away

For maximum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees higher than your usual 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 daily routines, automatically adjusting 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 air conditioner to work harder than it normally would. To reduce 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

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

5. Create Airflow with Fans

Utilizing fans in combination with your air conditioning system circulates cool air more effectively, 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 moisture. Turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to decrease your home’s cooling burden. Additionally, 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 results in your home feeling cool but clammy, tempting you to decrease the temperature. A dehumidifier takes out excessive moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while consuming significantly less electricity than running the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

The outdoor unit’s location influences its operation considerably. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shelters the unit 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 be sure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t hamper airflow.

9. Save Your Chores for the Evening

Cooking, laundry and dishwashing lead to indoor heat gain, making your air conditioner work harder. Completing these tasks at night when temperatures aren’t as high reduces the cooling load during the hottest time of the day and saves energy.

10. Replace the Air Filter

A clogged filter limits airflow and increases energy consumption, so replace it regularly to promote optimal performance. Most 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 such as the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork maintains system efficiency and brings down energy costs.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Routine tune-ups are crucial to keep your air conditioning system running successfully. Use an accredited specialist to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This proactive measure extends your AC’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to identify 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 unparalleled knowledge and dedication 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.