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 skyrocking your utility bills. The secret lies in using your air conditioner more effectively. Follow these 12 simple recommendations and techniques to keep your HVAC system in optimal condition, decrease energy consumption and save money.
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
Constantly changing the thermostat makes your AC work harder, raising 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 inside the residence. After that, refrain from touching it. If you start to get hot, take off a layer of clothing, spray water on your skin or turn on a fan to cool off without turning down the temperature.
2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away
For maximum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees above your usual setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” think about setting up a programmable thermostat. This easy 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 away.
3. Keep the Curtains Closed
Solar heat gain from direct sunlight makes your AC run longer 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 costs. To avoid this, make sure to have 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 efficiently, 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, enabling you to set the temperature higher without losing comfort.
6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air
Cooking and showering create heat and dampness. Turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to decrease your home’s cooling workload. Additionally, verify your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to prevent hot, humid air from releasing into your home.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
High humidity levels cause your home to feel cool but clammy, tempting you to decrease the temperature. A dehumidifier removes excessive 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 influences its performance significantly. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shades the equipment during the hottest part of the day 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 hamper airflow.
9. Save Your Chores for the Evening
Cooking, laundry and washing the dishes cause indoor heat gain, making your HVAC system work harder. Conducting energy-using activities like these later in the day when temperatures aren't as high reduces the cooling load during the hottest hours of the day and saves energy.
10. Replace the Air Filter
A filthy filter restricts airflow and increases energy consumption, so be sure to exchange it routinely to promote superior performance. Most basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct 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 such as the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork increases system efficiency and lowers energy spending.
12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Routine 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 proactive measure extends your air conditioner's life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to uncover and address potential issues before they become expensive problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Birmingham
At Norrell Service Experts, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Birmingham. Our customers choose us again and again for our unparalleled expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction. In fact, we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on every service we provide! Work with our crew at to keep your home cool, comfortable and energy efficient this summer.
