One of the most important appliances in your home is your air conditioner as it is responsible for keeping your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer days. While an air conditioning system can be extremely helpful, they are also very expensive to keep operating at all times due to high electricity usage. Fortunately, there are five tips you can follow that will help to reduce the amount of electricity that your air conditioner uses in the hottest times of the year.
1. Have Air Conditioner Serviced
The most important thing you need to do to reduce your air conditioner energy bills is to have it serviced at least once per year, ideally before the start of the summer. An air conditioning system can last for a long time, but does require regular maintenance. Having a professional complete an annual inspection and cleaning service will help to ensure your air conditioner is running efficiently and is not in need of any additional maintenance.
2. Maintain at Home
While it is important to have your air conditioner serviced by a professional at least once per year, you also need to do some maintenance at home to make sure it is running well. There are a lot of simple tasks that someone can do at home that will help to improve the efficiency of their air conditioners. Some routine maintenance tips can include replacing the filter at least once per month during the summer, making sure that the condenser and evaporator are not blocked by debris, and keeping the grass around the air conditioner trim at all times.
3. Thermostat
While it is often not considered a major part of your home HVAC system, your thermostat can play a major part in your overall electricity usage. For just a few hundred dollars, you can upgrade your thermostat to a smart thermostat that will provide you with more control over the temperature of your home at all times, even when you are away from home. Furthermore, you need to make sure that the thermostat is located in the right place. If it is located near a hot window, it will constantly think your home is hotter than it really is. Ideally, it should be located in the middle of your home and out of direct sunlight.
4. Circulate Air
Credits: Dyess AFB
When your air conditioner is running, you should also look for ways to circulate air through your home. Through the use of ceiling fans and other fans, you can create a wind-chill effect. This can help to make your home actually feel a few degrees cooler than it actually is. This will allow you to set a higher temperature setting on your air conditioner, which will directly reduce your energy bills.
5. Avoid Home Heating
Along with focusing on how you can keep your home cool, you also need to focus on not accidentally heating your home. Keeping blinds open, ovens and stoves on for too long, and allowing your home to get too hot at times will end up requiring your air conditioner to work a lot hotter to achieve your desired temperature.
