The hottest days of summer make your air conditioning unit work the hardest. Here are ways to lower utility bills, save energy, increase comfort and maximize efficiency when your A/C needs the most help to keep you cool.
Each central air conditioning unit should be inspected, cleaned and tuned by a licensed, bonded and insured HVAC professional before the hot season begins.
Check the air filter once per month and replace it as needed. This is especially important during the summer when dust and allergens circulate. If the filter becomes clogged, your system will have to work harder to supply the same amount of cool air.
Replacing filters is one of the easiest and most effective methods of conserving energy and saving money on your HVAC usage. And much like changing the oil in your car, it’s a critical step in maintaining your system’s long-term health.
Air conditioners with proper shading can run more efficiently. Air in a shaded space is cooler than the surrounding air, meaning the A/C will have an easier time cooling the air.
Don’t place lamps, TV sets, or other heat-producing appliances near your thermostat. The thermostat senses the heat causing the air conditioner to run longer than necessary. When installing a new thermostat, don’t place it in a location where the sun might shine on it directly.
Remember that each degree you dial below 78 increases your energy consumption by about 8 percent. If your monthly electric bill is about $100, you’ll save $8 a month with EACH degree you can stand above 78.
If it’s hard to remember to tweak your thermostat before you leave for work, consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat or a timer for your window unit.
You may find your old air conditioner is no longer efficient. Consider replacing your unit with an energy-efficient model. They’re usually more expensive but thanks to federal tax credits and competitive prices, the prices are falling, and because they use less energy, you save in the long run, too.
When replacing your A/C, look for a properly sized unit. If you install an A/C that is too large, it will cycle on and off — reducing the efficiency of the system.
You want your cold air to stay in and hot air to stay out. Some basic weatherization steps can prevent air loss when you need cool air the most. Seal air leaks with caulking and weather-stripping. Add insulation around air conditioning ducts.
Avoid landscaping with lots of rock, cement, or asphalt on the south or west sides of your home. If it’s not shaded, it will increase the temperature around the house and radiate heat.
Keep plants, shrubs, and other landscaping about 2 to 4 feet away from your outdoor unit to ensure adequate airflow.
ceiling fan with lights, mounted inside a house
If your home has ceiling fans, switch your ceiling fan to run counterclockwise in the summer. That will push the cool air down. You can run a ceiling fan half the day for about $1.50 a month, compared to $25 for an air conditioner.
A great home improvement idea is to install home window film or tint to the insides of your windows. Not only can it help keep your house cooler in the summer, but also warmer in the winter.
Make sure you mark your calendar for a spring clean and check. It’s never too early to plan ahead!
If you think that your air conditioner is not performing to the best of its ability, contact 247 Local HVAC, your local heating and cooling contractor.
Do you do these things every year? What other tasks do you have for keeping cool during the summer?
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