10 ways to maximize air conditioning efficiency
Of course, we all want the most efficiency we can possibly get out of our air conditioners. While replacing an old unit with a newer, more efficient model is, obviously, the quickest and easiest way to improve efficiency, there are things you can do with your properly working, current unit to maximize cooling efficiency.
- Close windows and doors. Your conditioned air can easily escape outside when windows and doors are open. If you need to air out of your home, turn your air conditioner off. It’s not your job to cool the neighborhood.
- Plug leaks in your attic, under doors, around windows, etc... Air leaks can be a big problem for lost efficiency. Your cool air will leak outside and could result in your air conditioner operating longer than it needs to be. This will drive up utility spending.
- Set, or program, your thermostat and forget about it. Constantly fiddling with your thermostat can make your system run longer than it needs to, can result in more frequent on and off cycles, and can overall lead to poorer home comfort.
- Shade your condenser. A shaded condenser is a more efficient condenser. Just make sure that it adheres to the rules in #5.
- Maximize airflow around your air condenser. Plants and any other thing that could obstruct air flow should be a least 2 feet away from your air conditioner. Maximize airflow results for maximum efficiency.
- Keep up with filter changes. Again, maximum airflow means maximum efficiency. A dirty filter cannot only reduce indoor air quality, but it can also reduce airflow and make your air conditioner’s job harder.
DO NOT use registers for temperature control. When you open and close registers, it tampers with the cooling load your air conditioner is meant to cool. This can cause damage to your system and reduce home comfort.
- If you need specialized control for each room in your house…invest in a zoning system. You can divide your home by rooms or groups of rooms for customized home comfort and maximum efficiency.
- Set your thermostat at a reasonable temperature. A thermostat set at a lower temperature does not necessarily cool any more quickly. Your air conditioner will actually just run longer – driving up utility bills.
- And the most important thing…keep up with yearly spring preventative maintenance. Your contractor can make sure your system is in tip-top shape and operating at expected efficiency levels.
So, what do you do to make sure that your air conditioner is working at maximum efficiency levels?
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The secret to maximum air conditioner efficiency
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times – maximizing air conditioner efficiency is the best way to cut your utility bill expenses. While, arguably, replacement is the best way to improve efficiency, there’s one thing you should be doing in order to get the best efficiency (and time) out of your old air conditioner.
What is this you ask? Well…
…schedule preventative air conditioner maintenance in the spring to prolong lifespan and maximize efficiency!
Your contractor will clean your condenser, make sure everything is functioning correctly and catch any minor problems before they can result in more than a few hot days without air conditioning during the summer. Keep in mind, summer is peak cooling season. If your air conditioner breaks down during this time, it could take a contractor a while to get to your home.
So, yes, it is the middle of summer now and the time for preventative maintenance has passed. But, this is good to keep in mind for next spring. Mark your calendars now so you don’t forget later.
As a side note, you may also want to start thinking about furnace preventative maintenance over the next couple of months. It’s important to get your furnace looked over before winter – just like it is important to get your air conditioner checked out before summer.
So, did you schedule preventative maintenance last spring? Are you going to next year?
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Does your air conditioner turn on and off frequently? It could be costing your more money.
Did you know that your air conditioner is the biggest energy consumer in your home during the summer? That’s why we have so many tips for saving money – save some energy, lower utility bils and pad your summer budget.
One way high-efficiency systems help save money is through temperature moderation. What does that mean? Essentially, fewer on and off cycles. Your system maintains temperature with constant, small adjustments. Other systems rev up every time the thermostat registers a temperature hike.
Why does this work? It would seem that running the unit longer (as opposed to shutting if off more often) would rive UP utility bills. But, that’s not the case.
It takes less energy to modulate tan it does to turn the system on. Your biggest energy expenditure occurs when the unit turns on.
But, energy savings is not the only benefit of modulating technology.
- More even temperatures. Temperatures hover around your set temperature closely when the unit is running longer at a lower capacity. Homes with systems that turn on and off frequently go through temperature spikes and stay on your temperature setting for less time.
- Better dehumidification capabilities. When your unit runs longer at lower capacities, it is able to remove more humidity from the air. Remember, a humid home is a hot home. This can make your home feel cooler on hot summer days.
Did you already know this? What are some other things about high-efficiency heating and cooling systems that you’d like to know?
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So…what do you like to grill?
We already discussed earlier in the week how there are many ways you can save money on your cooling bill. One of those ways is using a grill instead of your oven. Frequently using your oven can up the temperature of your kitchen. If your thermostat is anywhere near the kitchen, this can make your air conditioner work harder to get your home to temperature.
There are so many ways you can use the grill to make a perfectly delicious meal – whether it’s a good old fashioned barbeque or taking things to a more exotic place by grilling pineapple or cooking a pizza.
You can check out this recipe for marinated grilled shrimp for some inspiration.
So, let us know in the comments, what’s your favorite grill recipe?
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Beat the heat AND save money? That sounds like a good plan.
The summer heat may sometimes feel like it is burning a hole in your skin and your wallet. When temperatures soar upwards of 90°F, your air conditioner has to work double-time to keep your home cool. That means longer operating times, more energy used and higher utility bills!
Every little bit helps when it comes to savings. Here are some tricks that you can use to beat the summer heat AND lower your utility spending.
- Keep things consistent. It can be tempting to mess with the thermostat when temperatures soar. A few degrees here or there can’t HURT can they? Well, resist the temptation! Thermostats set at a cooler temperature don’t cool any faster. And changing the temperature on your thermostat will have it working overtime. Want savings without sacrificing comfort? Set the temperature a few degrees warmer and leave it there.
- Take advantage of ceiling fans. A ceiling fan can better mix the air in your home. Circulating the cool air is going to make the air less stagnant AND a cool breeze is always welcome on sweltering summer days.
- Have a hot south-facing room? Invest in some good blinds and curtains. Blocking out the sun can help lower the temperature of those rooms and help your air conditioner along. If it takes a shorter time for the room to reach temperature, the air conditioner won’t run as long.
- Use alternate cooking methods. Don’t underestimate the power of your oven to heat the kitchen up. Use a crockpot or the grill every once in awhile.
- Get a tune-up during spring. Preventative maintenance is the best way to make sure your unit is running at peak efficiency. Make sure you schedule this before the peak cooling season – when your contractor can come out sooner rather than later.
- Keep up with filter changes, get your ducts cleaned, plant at least two feet away from your condenser and have your condenser cleaned by a contractor. These are all ways that you can ensure that your air conditioner does not suffer from restricted airflow.
- When it’s time to replace your air conditioner…choose a high efficiency model! This is the best way to improve efficiency and maximize utility bill savings. Trust me, it’s an investment that you won’t regret.
Yes, those summer cooling bills can bring the heat to your budget. But, they don’t have to. What are your tricks for saving money during the summer?