How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently
As the hot summer months draw near, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without sending your electricity bills through the roof. The secret lies in using your air conditioner more effectively. Follow these 12 simple recommendations and strategies to keep your AC in optimal condition, decrease energy consumption and save money.
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
Constantly altering the thermostat makes your air conditioner work harder, elevating energy consumption and causing excessive wear and tear. To maximize efficiency, set the temperature at a comfortable level—preferably around 78 degrees F (25 degrees C)—when you’re inside the residence. After that, refrain from changing 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 changing the temperature.
2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away
For maximum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees higher than your usual setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” think about setting up a programmable thermostat. This convenient upgrade allows you to schedule temperatures based on your day-to-day routines, automatically changing the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and conserving energy when you’re out.
3. Keep the Curtains Closed
Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your air conditioner to work harder than it really should. To reduce heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows when the temperature is the hottest. Window coverings with light-colored backings work the best at reflecting the sun's rays.
4. Keep the Vents Open
Blocked or closed air vents throw off your AC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and increasing operating costs. To avoid this, always keep at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and be sure no return vents are blocked by curtains, furniture or rugs.
5. Create Airflow with Fans
Running fans in conjunction with your air conditioner circulates cool air more, making your home feel more comfortable while barely increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, specifically, create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, enabling you to set the temperature higher without sacrificing comfort.
6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air
Cooking and showering create heat and moisture. Turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to reduce your home’s cooling workload. Additionally, verify your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to deter hot, humid air from releasing into your residence.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
Elevated humidity levels cause your home to feel cool but clammy, tempting you to turn down the temperature. A dehumidifier takes out excess moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while requiring much 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 shades 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 ensure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t impede airflow.
9. Save Your Chores for the Evening
Cooking, laundry and washing the dishes create indoor heat gain, making your HVAC system work harder. Doing these activities at night when temperatures are cooler reduces the cooling load during the hottest hours of the day and saves energy.
10. Replace the Air Filter
A filthy filter restricts airflow and increases energy consumption, so be sure to exchange it regularly to promote superior performance. The majority of basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but check 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 such as the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork increases system efficiency and brings down energy expenses.
12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Scheduled tune-ups are essential to keep your air conditioning system running efficiently. Hire a certified professional to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This precautionary measure extends your HVAC system's life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to identify and deal with potential issues before they become costly problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Livermore
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we pride ourselves on offering complete AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Livermore. Our customers choose us again and again for our unparalleled knowledge and commitment to customer satisfaction. In fact, we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on every service we provide! Work with our crew at to keep your home cool, comfortable and energy efficient this summer.
