Air conditioning accounts for around 6% of all power produced in the United States, according to the US Department of Energy, and costs American homeowners a total of $29 billion every year. Running your central air conditioning on a daily basis can cost you $3.84 per day, or more than $115 per month. With energy prices on the rise, it’s more important than ever to make sure your air conditioner is running at peak efficiency.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to maintain your air conditioner running efficiently. You can install a smart thermostat and take efforts to keep the inside of your home from overheating during the warmest portion of the day, in addition to getting a regular A/C tune-up. You can save money on energy without compromising comfort if you put in a little more effort.
Here are five strategies to make sure your air conditioner is functioning at maximum efficiency.
- Increase the temperature on your thermostat.
Turning up your thermostat is probably the simplest and cheapest way to improve the efficiency of your air conditioner. You will save money on cooling your home if you can be comfortable at a greater temperature. Even the most powerful air conditioners couldn’t compensate for the financial savings that merely raising your thermostat can provide.
Consider upgrading to a digital or smart thermostat if you haven’t already. You may program a digital thermostat to only operate your central air while you’re at home and active. You won’t have to pay to keep your house cool while you’re away.
A smart thermostat allows you to regulate the temperature of your home from a distance, allowing you to alter it when you get home, for example. Some smart thermostats can even track your family’s activities, learn your habits, and adjust their settings accordingly.
- Keep your air conditioner in good working order
Regular air conditioning maintenance is one of the most effective ways to optimise your HVAC system’s performance and avoid malfunctions. A yearly HVAC tune-up can keep your system running smoothly and discover problems before they become serious, allowing you to prevent costly HVAC breakdowns. While some maintenance activities, such as changing your HVAC filter, may be done by yourself, others, such as examining and cleaning your home A/C compressor, should be left to the experts.
Schedule yearly A/C maintenance early in the spring to be ready for the hot weather and avoid the rush of last-minute calls from procrastinators or those experiencing HVAC failures. Ensure that your maintenance technician is familiar with your specific A/C unit and that he or she cleans the interior drain line while working on it.
- Close the drapes
Natural light is fantastic, but the rays of sunlight flowing through your windows can boost your home’s interior temperature, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Simply closing your drapes and blinds, at least during the warmest portion of the day, will relieve the strain on your unit and minimize your cooling expenditures.
Isn’t that an option? Installing a few plants and trees to naturally shade your home may take a few years, but it will pay off in the long run. Installing low-emissivity (or low-e) windows is another option. The reflective coating on these windows keeps heat out while allowing light in. Make sure the seals on your windows are tight and re-caulk if necessary to prevent cold air from escaping (otherwise your money could be going out the window!)
- Ductwork Insulation
If your HVAC system’s ductwork passes through an area that isn’t air-conditioned, all of that freshly chilled air could be warming up on its way to your vents. Insulate your ductwork to keep the cool air produced by your HVAC system cooler as it travels through your ventilation system.
Do you have a leaking duct system? Seal leaks with duct-sealing tape that is UL 181 certified. During your next HVAC maintenance visit, you might wish to have your ductwork inspected as well. Mass Energy Expert, on the other hand, is only a phone call away. Mass Energy Expert is your best friend if you need a skilled home expert.
- Make Good Use of All Appliances
Some appliances, such as your oven and clothes dryer, can boost your cooling bills by heating up the inside of your home. Avoid using your oven or clothes dryer during the hottest part of the day to reduce the impact of heat-generating appliances on your energy expenses. Use them at night when it will be easier for your unit to keep your home cool for optimal energy efficiency.
Make sure there are no bulbs or other heat-generating items near your thermostat while you’re at it. Warming the air around your thermostat with lamps and appliances can throw off its assessment of interior air temperatures, making your A/C unit work harder since it believes the inside of your home is warmer than it is.
Conclusion
Keeping your air conditioner in good operating order may increase its efficiency and lower your energy expenses, allowing you to focus on remaining cool during the summer. Well, keeping your air conditioning unit intact will not only help you get good results but will ultimately help in reducing the energy consumption bills of your home! Apart from the above-mentioned ways, there are various different ways that can also work for maintaining your home AC unit.
So, feel free to contact us if you’re in search of a professional and expert company for your home.