With the sweltering heat, we experience during summer, an air conditioning unit can be your saving grace. But running your home’s AC system at maximum for long periods can quickly cause your energy bill to rise. Of course, we all want our ACs to perform at their best, but we wouldn’t want to break the bank by paying those bills.
Like the majority of homeowners, you’re probably looking for a way to lower your cooling costs while improving your home’s cooling. Unfortunately, it might be easier to say than do it.
But don’t lose hope. We have some hacks for you to help your AC unit run more efficiently while keeping your energy bills to a minimum.
Ways to Increase Air Conditioner’s Efficiency
Whether cooling an entire house or just one room, don’t make your AC unit work harder than it should. You may use the below suggestions to beat the heat while ensuring that your air conditioner operates as effectively as possible.
Decide On Smart Thermostat Settings
Modern AC technology demands the use of a remote-controlled thermostat. When you use a programmable thermostat, you can set different temperatures for different times of the day, and the thermostat will automatically lower the temperature accordingly. This helps you save money and manage your cooling without constantly looking at the dial. Not only can this affect your energy bill, but it also extends your AC unit’s life.
In addition, now that so many programmable thermostats are compatible with smartphone apps, you can always return home to a comfortable environment.
Fix Any Air Leaks In Your Home
AC performance can be seriously affected by air leaks. Your air conditioner might need to run longer than necessary because the cool air will leak outside. This will drive up utility spending. Consider investing in recaulking windows, adding insulation in the attic, and ensuring that ductwork is properly sealed so it doesn’t leak any of your conditioned air.
Here’s how to find and seal air leaks in your home:
Start by shutting all the doors and windows in your home and turning off all the fans (including exhausts). Then, shut off the furnace. Next, light some incense and walk slowly around the house’s outer walls. If you notice the smoke blowing away or being sucked toward something, it’s probably an air leak. Once you find the leak, seal it!
Close The Curtains/ Blinds
When direct sunlight flows through windows, it warms the inside of your home, making it feel like an oven in summer. Covering your windows help you lower the heat coming into the home, keeping your AC from overworking.
So, try keeping the windows covered during the hottest hours of the day. And then open them in the late-afternoon sun. By doing so, your indoor comfort won’t be sacrificed.
Change Your AC Filters Once In A While
It may not seem like a big deal, but keeping your air conditioner working comfortably and efficiently relies heavily on changing your air filters monthly.
Dirty filters will not only reduce the air quality inside your home but may also reduce the airflow, making your air conditioner’s job even harder.
This is a quick and cost-effective way to prevent air conditioner efficiency problems. However, if not addressed, it can lead to you having to invest in expensive repairs.
Clean The Area Outside The Condenser Unit
An AC’s outdoor unit is the most crucial part. After all, it’s the part containing the compressor, condenser coils, and fan- all working to remove heat from the air inside your home. Suppose any of these components are dirty or obstructed. In that case, it can cause your AC system to work less efficiently, leading to higher energy bills or even damage to the unit.
Therefore, it’s important to occasionally give it a good cleaning to help ensure that your unit is running at its most effective and can help prevent future problems. If you’re not comfortable cleaning the unit yourself, you can always hire the services of an HVAC company nearby to do it for you. Either way, taking care of your outdoor unit is essential for keeping your air conditioning system running smoothly.
And lastly,
Schedule Timely HVAC Maintenance
Maintaining your air conditioning system on schedule with a qualified technician is one of the best things you can do for its effectiveness. Your contractor can ensure your system is tip-top and operating at expected efficiency levels.
Conclusion
Summertime brings high temperatures and humidity. And times like these require running your air conditioning systems continuously. But, ACs can massively drain your energy bills. Well, not anymore! Using the above-given tips, you can also reduce cooling costs while staying more comfortable in your home through the hot summer months.
Have an AC unit in need of maintenance or repair? Consider contacting companies like Bob’s Climate Control and let their professionals handle all your HVAC concerns. Book an appointment today!
