How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently

As the hot summer months get closer, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without your energy costs soaring. The secret lies in using your air conditioning unit more efficiently. Follow these 12 simple recommendations and techniques to keep your air conditioning unit in optimal condition, reduce energy consumption and save money.

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Frequently adjusting 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 in the house. Then, 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 higher than your standard 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 daily routines, automatically modifying the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and conserving energy when you’re away.

3. Keep the Curtains Closed

Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your air conditioner to work harder than it normally would. 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

Covered or closed air vents throw off your AC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and raising operating costs. To stop this, make sure to have at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and ensure that no return vents are hindered by curtains, furniture or rugs.

5. Create Airflow with Fans

Using 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, permitting you to set the temperature higher without sacrificing 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 stop hot, humid air from releasing into your home.

7. Use a Dehumidifier

Significant humidity levels cause your home to feel cool but clammy, tempting you to decrease the temperature. A dehumidifier takes out unwanted moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while requiring much less electricity than operating the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

The outdoor unit’s location impacts its effectiveness dramatically. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shelters the equipment during the hottest part of the day 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 make sure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t hinder 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 aren’t as high reduces the cooling load during the hottest part of the day and saves energy.

10. Replace the Air Filter

A filthy filter restricts airflow and increases energy consumption, so switch it out routinely to promote optimal performance. Many 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 lose significant amounts of energy, especially if they run through unconditioned spaces like the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork preserves system efficiency and brings down energy spending.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Scheduled tune-ups are essential to keep your AC running efficiently. Employ an accredited specialist to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This preventative 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 costly problems.

Request Air Conditioning Service in Fort Lauderdale

At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive AC services, including installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Fort Lauderdale. Our customers choose us again and again for our unmatched expertise and devotion 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.