How to Save on Energy Costs With Your AC Unit

Air conditioners are a vital part of a home as they help maintain a comfortable indoor environment during hot days. Due to climate change, there are more frequent and prolonged heat events, and AC units keep people safe from conditions including heat stroke. HVAC systems are the largest energy consumers in most homes, contributing up to 40% of the energy bills. During the hot seasons, the cooling systems are at maximum operation, which can lead to higher energy bills. There are, however, changes you can make to enjoy indoor comfort while reducing cooling costs. Here are five tips to employ.

Adjust Thermostat Settings

One significant way to reduce energy bills when using an air conditioner is to adjust the thermostat to the highest temperature that’s comfortable for all family members. A temperature of about 78 degrees Fahrenheit is comfortable and pocket-friendly. When no one is in the house, you can reduce the energy bills by about 10% by setting a temperature about 10 degrees higher for eight hours.

Upgrading to a smart thermostat can also increase your home’s energy efficiency. These devices can be operated remotely. If you unintentionally left the AC unit on, you can turn it off or put it in power-saving mode. They also provide statements indicating your energy usage patterns and recommend ways to achieve higher efficiency. Ensure you install the thermostat in an interior wall away from direct sunlight, heat-generating appliances and the kitchen.

Perform Proper AC Maintenance

Air conditioner components, including the air filters, coils, and fins, require regular cleaning so the system functions effectively. The evaporator and condenser coils can collect grime and dust over time. The dirt insulates the coils, reducing their ability to transfer heat and causing the system to work longer to meet the temperature demand. Ensure there is no debris on the outdoor AC unit and at least two feet of clear space around it. A professional technician can also clean dirty coils during an annual maintenance service. They will also comb bent fins to prevent them from blocking airflow.

Air conditioners have filters that remove dirt, debris and other contaminants from the air circulating in your home. The trapped particles accumulate on the filters, restricting airflow. The system has to overwork to draw in air, leading to excess energy consumption. To increase efficiency, replace the filters after three months and clean the washable models every three weeks.

Insulate and Seal Your Home

Drafty homes are energy inefficient. Leaks may occur on gaps in doors and windows or through poorly insulated surfaces. Conditioned air will escape from the house as warm outdoor air leaks inside. Due to these leakages, the air conditioner overworks to maintain the set temperatures. Adding or improving insulation on walls, roof and floor and adequately sealing your building can cut down energy loss by about 10%. For a thorough home assessment, contact a professional for an energy audit and to identify the area with leaks.

Cover the Windows

The windows contribute to the loss of about 30% of the energy. On a hot day, they allow sunlight into the house, increasing indoor temperature. You can use solar screens or mesh-like window screens on the exterior of the panes to prevent the energy from entering your home. Alternatively, use window films, which can be either silver or white, to reflect away the heat. You can also invest in curtains or blinds and keep them closed during the day.

Correct System Installation

The quality of installation influences the energy efficiency of the air conditioner. A qualified technician will ensure proper setting up so the unit works without strain. They will also make sure the unit is the right size for your home.

An oversized system has short cycles as it achieves the cooling load quickly and turns off. However, the entire house is not adequately cooled, so the unit is starting a new cycle. The frequent cycles result in energy wastage because a system uses more power to start a cycle. Undersized AC systems cannot cool the entire space, and some rooms may be warmer than others. As it tries to provide even cooling, it has longer cycles than it should, resulting in more energy use.

Reduced energy costs begin with choosing an energy-efficient AC. You can upgrade your air conditioner to a model with ENERGY STAR ratings. The highest rating is five, which is more energy efficient than a one or two-star rated unit.