13 Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips for Homeowners

You might not think twice about turning up the air conditioning when it’s sweltering outside—until you see your energy bill. Air conditioning accounts for about 12% of the average U.S. home’s 12-month energy expenditures and up to 70% of your utility costs during the summer. If you’re frustrated by spending too much for air conditioning, follow these 13 tips to improve AC efficiency and save money on your monthly expenditures. 

1. Prioritize routine maintenance: Dirt and debris accumulate in your air conditioner over time, decreasing efficiency. Make appointments for annual maintenance to have a technician clean your unit’s coils, exchange the filter, tighten electrical connections, lubricate moving parts and more. A once-per-year inspection also enables your serviceman to identify and fix any potential issues before they become major problems. 
2. Keep the outdoor unit free of blockages: Loose debris and nearby weeds growing around your air conditioner can restrict airflow and make the system work harder. Examine the unit throughout the summer, clipping back vegetation and removing debris as needed to keep your cooling system working effectively. 
3. Buy a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat enables you to set automatic temperatures based on your routine. In the summer, program a higher temperature when you’re away from your house or apartment and have it resume a comfortable temperature before you come back. This reduces energy consumption and saves money without sacrificing comfort. 
4. Try to avoid overriding programmed settings: While you are able to bypass the temperature on your programmable thermostat, try turning on a fan or taking off a layer of clothes before you change the setting. When you have to modify the temperature, do so by just a degree or two. Cranking down the temperature will never cool your home any more rapidly and only serves to needlessly consume energy. 
5. Use the auto fan setting: While fan-only mode circulates air to stop rooms from becoming stuffy, HVAC professionals suggest using this setting sparingly. “Auto fan” is the more efficient setting because the blower only runs when the rest of the AC does, preventing unnecessary energy waste. 
6. Block solar heat gain: Closing blinds and curtains, installing outdoor awnings and applying window film helps block the sun’s heat to keep your house cooler. These techniques are most useful on south- and west-facing windows where the sun shines directly in. 
7. Install the outdoor part of your system in the shade: Direct sunlight makes your system to work harder and decreases efficiency. So if possible, position the condensing unit so it’s shaded in the afternoon.  
8. Keep your air vents open: It’s a common misconception that closing the vents in rarely used rooms saves energy. The truth is, this throws off the supply and return air symmetry, making your AC much less efficient. By and large, keep at least 80% of your registers open continuously and ensure that no vents are blocked by rugs, curtains or furniture. 
9. Use ceiling fans along with your air conditioner: Ceiling fans distribute air throughout the room, generating a wind chill effect that makes you feel about 4 degrees cooler. This might allow you to increase the temperature a few degrees without feeling uncomfortable, reducing your dependence on the air conditioner and decreasing your bills. 
10. Use a dehumidifier: High humidity causes a “cool but clammy” feeling, which is an uncomfortable sensation that may force you to routinely lower the temperature. Actually, you need less humidity, not cooler air. Running a whole-house dehumidifier takes away excess moisture, making your home feel more comfortable for a fraction of the cost of air conditioning. 
11. Use natural ventilation carefully: When it’s hot and humid outside, keep your windows and doors closed to prevent cool air from leaking out. If you reside in in a place with cool summer evenings, open the windows and doors during the night to cool off the house naturally, reducing the burden on your air conditioner. 
12. Seal air leaks: Leaky windows and doors give access to hot summer air inside even when closed, making it more difficult and more expensive to keep things cool. Seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping to keep conditioned air inside of your home where it belongs.  
13. Seal duct leaks: A standard home loses 20% or more of the conditioned air inside of it to leaks, holes and badly connected ducts. Reach out to a professional to seal your ductwork and put an end to this energy waste. 

If you still have comfort issues or large energy bills after implementing these tips, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for help. We will diagnose and repair air conditioning problems, provide preventative maintenance, or replace your outdated, poorly performing system with a brand-new, high-efficiency model. For your security, we support all the work that we do with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! Get in touch with a Service Experts office near you today to learn more or request air conditioning services in the U.S..