According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, air conditioning accounts for 12 percent of total household energy costs. Due to the warmer weather in spring and summer, you can expect your energy bills to go up as the demand for space cooling increases in your home.
Save money on your monthly air conditioning bills without compromising indoor comfort and safety. Follow these no-cost ways to improve air conditioner efficiency:
Keep the area clean around your AC unit.
To perform efficiently, your AC unit needs to be clean on the inside as well on the outside. Leaves, branches, and other yard debris could have collected around your outdoor unit during winter, which can restrict airflow to the system. Make sure to get rid of these obstructions, so your AC can perform better this cooling season. Industry experts advise homeowners to provide a minimum of 12 inches clearance on all sides of the unit.
Replace dirty AC air filters.
AC air filters are designed to clean the air throughout your home. Over time, it can get clogged with dust and dirt, causing it to work less efficiently. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can reduce your household cooling costs by 5 percent to 15 percent. On the other hand, ignoring the filter replacement your air conditioner needs may result in performance issues like short cycling, uneven cooling, and reduced system efficiency.
Minimize the use of your dryer and oven appliance.
On a very hot summer day, try to avoid using heat-producing appliances in your home, such as your oven and dryer. Running these appliances can result in warm air being circulated throughout the home. This forces your air conditioner to work harder to maintain your comfort level at home; thus, increasing your cooling system’s energy consumption.
Increase your thermostat by a few degrees.
Equipping your HVAC system with a programmable thermostat can help lower your household cooling costs. However, you can only get that benefit if you know how to use your thermostat wisely. To save money and energy, the DOE recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) only when you are at home and increasing it by a few degrees when you are away.
Keep your curtains closed during the day.
Reduce heat gain in your home by keeping your curtains and blinds closed during a hot day. The DOE says that 76 percent of the sunlight that falls on windows enters to become heat. By minimizing heat gain through windows, you can help reduce the load on your cooling system.
When it’s time to replace your air conditioner
Knowing when it is time to repair and replace your air conditioner will save you from expensive energy bills and system fixes. According to experts at Affordable Plumbing, you’ll know when it’s time for a new AC installation if your unit has passed the 10-year mark and breaks down frequently. Let the pros assist you with your specific air conditioning needs at home. Get free consultations and estimates when you call a licensed AC contractor today!