How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently

As the warmer months get closer, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without your energy costs soaring. The secret lies in using your air conditioning unit better. Follow these 12 simple ideas and strategies to keep your air conditioning unit in optimal condition, reduce energy consumption and save money.

1. Leave the Thermostat Alone

Repeatedly changing the thermostat makes your AC work harder, elevating energy consumption and causing excessive wear and tear. To optimize efficiency, set the temperature at a comfortable level—preferably around 78 degrees F (25 degrees C)—when you’re home. Then, refrain from touching it. If you get too warm, peel away a layer of clothing, spray water on your skin or turn on a fan to cool off without turning down the temperature.

2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away

For optimum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees beyond 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 simple upgrade allows you to schedule temperatures based on your everyday routines, automatically adjusting the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and not wasting energy when you’re not home.

3. Keep the Curtains Closed

Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your air conditioner to work harder than it really should. To minimize heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows during the hottest part of the day. 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 HVAC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and upping operating costs. To prevent this, make sure to have at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and ensure that no return vents are obstructed by curtains, furniture or rugs.

5. Create Airflow with Fans

Using fans in conjunction with your HVAC system circulates cool air more effectively, making your home feel more comfortable while hardly increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, especially, create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to set the temperature higher without losing comfort.

6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air

Cooking and showering generate heat and humidity. Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to lower your home’s cooling load. Also, make certain your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to stop hot, humid air from releasing into your house.

7. Use a Dehumidifier

Elevated humidity levels make your home feel cool but clammy, tempting you to turn down the temperature. A dehumidifier takes away excessive moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while consuming much less electricity than operating the air conditioner.

8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade

The outdoor unit’s location influences its performance significantly. Installing it on your home’s north or east side shades the equipment in the afternoon for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest part of the day, consider planting a tree or installing a screen to shade it. Just ensure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t hinder airflow.

9. Save Your Chores for the Evening

Cooking, laundry and dishwashing create indoor heat gain, making your air conditioner work harder. Conducting energy-using activities like these later in the day when temperatures cool down reduces the cooling load during the hottest hours of the day and saves energy.

10. Replace the Air Filter

A clogged filter restricts airflow and increases energy consumption, so switch it out routinely to promote optimal performance. Many basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct replacement schedule for your product.

11. Seal and Insulate the Ductwork

Leaky, uninsulated ducts waste significant amounts of energy, especially if they run through unconditioned spots in your home such as the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork preserves system efficiency and lowers energy expenses.

12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance

Routine tune-ups are recommended to keep your air conditioning system running efficiently. Hire a certified professional to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This preventative measure extends your HVAC system's life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to find and deal with potential issues before they become expensive problems.

Request Air Conditioning Service in West Palm Beach

At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we pride ourselves on offering complete AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in West Palm Beach. Our customers choose us again and again for our unparalleled expertise and devotion to customer satisfaction. In fact, we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on every service we provide! Work with our friendly staff to keep your home cool, comfortable and energy efficient this summer.