How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently

As the hotter months draw near, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without skyrocking your utility bills. The secret lies in using your air conditioning unit better. Follow these 12 simple ideas and tactics 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 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 inside the residence. Next, refrain from touching it. If you get overheated, peel away 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 beyond 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 easy upgrade allows you to set temperatures based on your everyday routines, automatically changing the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and saving 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 really should. To minimize 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

Obstructed or closed air vents throw off your AC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and increasing operating costs. To prevent 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

Running fans along with your air conditioning system circulates cool air more efficiently, making your home feel more comfortable while slightly 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 losing comfort.

6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air

Cooking and showering produce heat and dampness. Turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to reduce your home’s cooling workload. In addition, make sure your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to stop hot, humid air from releasing into your home.

7. Use a Dehumidifier

Elevated humidity levels make your home feel cool but clammy, tempting you to lower the temperature. A dehumidifier takes out excess moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while consuming substantially less electricity than running the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

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

9. Save Your Chores for the Evening

Cooking, laundry and washing the dishes lead to indoor heat gain, making your HVAC system work harder. Doing these activities later in the day when temperatures cool down reduces the cooling load during the hottest hours of the day and saves energy.

10. Replace the Air Filter

A dirty filter limits 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 its best to follow 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 spaces like the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork increases system efficiency and reduces energy spending.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Regular tune-ups are crucial to keep your air conditioner running properly. Employ a licensed technician to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This preventative measure extends your AC’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to find and fix potential issues before they become high-priced 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 unparalleled know-how and dedication to customer satisfaction. In fact, we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on every service we provide! Let our team help keep your home cool, comfortable and energy efficient this summer.