How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run More Efficiently
As the warmer months get closer, you may wonder how to keep your home cool and comfortable without sending your electricity bills through the roof. The secret lies in using your AC more efficiently. Follow these 12 simple recommendations and techniques to keep your AC in optimal condition, decrease energy consumption and save money.
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
Frequently altering the thermostat makes your AC work harder, raising energy consumption and causing excessive wear and tear. To optimize efficiency, set the temperature at a comfortable level—preferably around 78 degrees F (25 degrees C)—when you’re home. After that, refrain from moving it. If you get overheated, take off a layer of clothing, spray water on your skin or turn on a fan to cool off without turning down the temperature.
2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away
For maximum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees higher than your usual setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” it might be a good idea to consider using a programmable thermostat. This convenient upgrade allows you to program temperatures based on your everyday routines, automatically changing the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and saving energy when you’re out.
3. Keep the Curtains Closed
Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your air conditioner to work harder than it normally would. To decrease heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows during the hottest part of the day. Window coverings with light-colored backings reflect sunlight the best.
4. Keep the Vents Open
Obstructed or closed air vents throw off your air conditioning system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and raising operating expenses. To avoid this, keep at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and make certain no return vents are blocked by curtains, furniture or rugs.
5. Create Airflow with Fans
Running fans in combination with your air conditioning system circulates cool air more effectively, making your home feel more comfortable while hardly increasing energy consumption. Ceiling fans, specifically, create a wind chill effect that makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, enabling you to set the temperature higher without giving up comfort.
6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air
Cooking and showering create heat and moisture. Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to lower your home’s cooling load. In addition, ensure that your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to deter hot, humid air from releasing into your house.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
Elevated humidity levels results in your home feeling cool but clammy, tempting you to lower the temperature. A dehumidifier takes away unwanted moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while using a lot less electricity than operating the air conditioner.
8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade
The outdoor unit’s location impacts its operation dramatically. Installing it on your home’s north or east side protects the equipment from the afternoon heat for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest hours of the day, consider planting a tree or getting a screen to shade it. Just make sure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t hinder airflow.
9. Save Your Chores for the Evening
Cooking, laundry and doing the dishes cause indoor heat gain, making your air conditioner work harder. Doing these activities at night when temperatures aren't as high reduces the cooling load during the hottest hours of the day and saves energy.
10. Replace the Air Filter
A dirty filter blocks airflow and increases energy consumption, so be sure to exchange it routinely to promote optimal performance. Many basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but its best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct replacement schedule for your product.
11. Seal and Insulate the Ductwork
Leaky, uninsulated ducts waste significant amounts of energy, especially if they run through unconditioned spaces including the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork preserves system efficiency and lowers energy costs.
12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Regular tune-ups are crucial to keep your AC running properly. Use an accredited technician to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This proactive measure extends your AC’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to uncover and deal with potential issues before they become expensive problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Winnipeg
At Winnipeg Supply Service Experts, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive AC services, which include quality installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Winnipeg. Our customers choose us again and again for our unparalleled knowledge and dedication to customer satisfaction. In fact, we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on every service we provide! Work with our crew at to keep your home cool, comfortable and energy efficient this summer.
