13 Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips for Homeowners

You may very well not think twice about cranking up the air conditioning when it’s warm 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 tired of overpaying for air conditioning, follow these 13 tips to improve AC efficiency and save money on your monthly expenses.

1. 1. Prioritize routine service: Dirt and debris build up in your air conditioner over time, lowering efficiency. Make appointments for annual maintenance to have a professional clean your unit’s coils, exchange the filter, tighten electrical connections, lubricate moving pieces and more. A yearly inspection also enables your serviceman to discover and fix any potential issues before they become significant problems.

1. 1. Keep the outdoor unit free of junk: Loose debris and nearby flowers growing around your air conditioner can minimize airflow and make the system work harder. Examine the unit throughout the summer, trimming back vegetation and cleaning up debris as needed to keep your cooling system operating properly.

1. 1. Put in a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat enables you to set automatic temperatures based on your routine. In the summer months, program a higher temperature when you’re away from your house or apartment and have it resume a comfortable temperature before you get back. This reduces energy consumption and saves money without sacrificing comfort.

1. 1. Try to avoid overriding programmed settings: While you are able to override the temperature on your programmable thermostat, try turning on a fan or removing a layer of clothes before you change the setting. When you have to change the temperature, do so by only a degree or two. Cranking down the temperature will never cool your home any more rapidly and only serves to squander power.

1. 1. Use the auto fan setting: While fan-only mode spreads air to prevent rooms from becoming stuffy, HVAC professionals advocate using this setting sparingly. “Auto fan” is the more efficient setting because the blower only runs when the rest of the AC does, avoiding unwanted energy waste.

1. 1. Block solar heat gain: Closing blinds and curtains, installing exterior awnings and applying window film helps block the sun’s heat to keep your residence cooler. These methods are most useful on south- and west-facing windows where the sun shines right inside the house.

1. 1. Install the outdoor part of your system in the shade: Direct sunlight causes your system to work harder and decreases efficiency. So if you can, position the condensing unit so it’s in the shade in the afternoon.

1. 1. Keep your air vents open: It’s a frequent misconception that closing the vents in unused rooms conserves energy. The truth is, this throws off the supply and return air equilibrium, making your AC not as efficient. Generally speaking, keep at least 80% of your registers open continuously and make sure no vents are hindered by rugs, curtains or furniture.

1. 1. Use ceiling fans in tandem with your air conditioner: Ceiling fans circulate air throughout the room, producing a wind chill effect that makes you feel about 4 degrees cooler. This may allow you to turn up the temperature a few degrees without feeling unpleasant, lowering your dependence on the air conditioner and lowering your bills.

1. 1. Use a dehumidifier: High humidity induces a “cool but clammy” feeling, which is an uncomfortable sensation that may compel you to routinely lower the temperature. In fact, you need less humidity, rather than 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.

1. 1. Use natural ventilation carefully: When it’s hot and humid outside, keep your windows and doors closed to restrict cool air from leaking out. If you reside in in an area with cool summer evenings, open the windows and doors at night to cool off the house naturally, reducing the burden on your air conditioner.

1. 1. Seal air leaks: Leaky windows and doors give access to hot summer air inside of the house even when closed, making it more challenging and more expensive to keep things cool. Seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping to keep conditioned air in the house where it needs to be.

1. 1. Seal duct leaks: A typical home loses 20% or more of the conditioned air flowing through it to leaks, holes and shoddily connected ducts. Call a professional to seal your ductwork and put a stop to this energy waste.

If you still have comfort troubles or large energy bills after trying out these tips, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for help. We are able to diagnose and repair air conditioning problems, provide preventative maintenance, or replace your outdated, poorly performing system with a newer, high-efficiency model. For your ease of mind, we support all the work that we do with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! Contact a Service Experts office near you today to learn more or request air conditioning services in North America.