13 Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips for Homeowners

You may very well not think twice about turning up the air conditioning when it’s sweltering outside—until you see your electricity bill. Air conditioning accounts for about 12% of the typical U.S. home’s 12-month energy expenses and up to 70% of your utility expenses during the summer. If you’re tired of spending too much for air conditioning, practice these 13 tips to improve AC efficiency and save money on your monthly bills. 

1. Prioritize routine upkeep: Dirt and debris collect in your air conditioner over time, decreasing efficiency. Make appointments for annual maintenance to have a specialist clean your unit’s coils, switch out the filter, tighten electrical connections, lubricate moving pieces and more. A yearly inspection also makes it possible for your technician to identify and fix any potential issues before they become severe problems. 
2. Keep the outdoor unit free of obstructions: Loose debris and nearby plants growing around your air conditioner can restrict airflow and make the system work harder. Check the unit throughout the summer, trimming back vegetation and removing debris as needed to keep your cooling system operating effectively. 
3. Set up a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat enables you to set automatic temperatures based on your schedule. 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. 
4. Avoid overriding programmed settings: While you are able to bypass the temperature on your programmable thermostat, try turning on a fan or shedding a layer of clothes before you change the setting. When you have to modify the temperature, do so by merely a degree or two. Cranking down the temperature will never cool your home any more rapidly and only serves to waste power. 
5. Utilize the auto fan setting: While fan-only mode spreads air to keep 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, reducing needless electricity waste. 
6. Prevent solar heat gain: Closing blinds and curtains, putting in exterior awnings and applying window film helps block the sun’s heat to keep your home cooler. These techniques are most useful on south- and west-facing windows where the sun shines straight inside the house. 
7. Install the outdoor unit in the shade: Direct sunlight can force your system to work harder and lowers efficiency. So if feasible, position the condensing unit so it’s in the shade in the afternoon.  
8. Keep your air vents open: It’s a often-held misconception that closing the vents in unused rooms helps you to save energy. However, this throws off the supply and return air balance, making your AC much less efficient. Generally speaking, keep at least 80% of your registers open all the time and ensure that no vents are blocked by rugs, curtains or furniture. 
9. Use ceiling fans along 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 might allow you to turn up the temperature a few degrees without feeling uncomfortable, dropping your dependence on the air conditioner and bringing down 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. In fact, you need less humidity, not necessarily cooler air. Running a whole-house dehumidifier removes extra moisture, making your home feel more comfortable for a fraction of the cost of air conditioning. 
11. Use natural ventilation sensibly: When it’s hot and humid outside, keep your windows and doors closed to stop cool air from leaking out. If you are living in somewhere with cool summer evenings, open the windows and doors at night to cool off the house naturally, reducing the strain on your air conditioner. 
12. Seal air leaks: Leaky windows and doors give access to hot summer air inside even when closed, making it harder and more expensive to keep things cool. Seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping to keep conditioned air inside where it belongs.  
13. Seal duct leaks: A typical home loses 20% or more of the conditioned air inside of it to leaks, holes and shoddily connected ducts. Reach out to a professional to seal your ductwork and stop this energy waste. 

If you still have comfort problems or large energy expenses after implementing these tips, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for help. We are able to diagnose and repair air conditioning concerns, provide preventative maintenance, or replace your outdated, poorly performing system with a brand-new, high-efficiency model. For your peace of mind, 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..