As the hotter months draw near, 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 tactics to keep your air conditioning unit in optimal condition, decrease energy consumption and save money.
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
Frequently changing the thermostat makes your air conditioner work harder, increasing energy consumption and causing excessive wear and tear. To maximize efficiency, set the temperature at a comfortable level—preferably around 78 degrees F (25 degrees C)—when you’re in the house. After that, refrain from touching it. If you get too warm, take off a layer of clothing, spray water on your skin or turn on a fan to cool off without lowering the temperature.
2. Set the Temperature Back When You’re Away
For optimum savings, set the temperature 7-10 degrees above your typical setting for at least eight hours per day. To help you “set it and forget it,” it might be a good idea to consider installing a programmable thermostat. This easy upgrade allows you to schedule temperatures based on your day-to-day routines, automatically adjusting the temperature to create a comfortable home when you’re there and not wasting energy when you’re not home.
3. Keep the Curtains Closed
Solar heat gain from direct sunlight makes your AC run longer than it has to. To decrease heat gain, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows in the afternoon. Window coverings with light-colored backings are the most effective at reflecting sunlight.
4. Keep the Vents Open
Obstructed or closed air vents throw off your AC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and increasing operating bills. To stop this, always keep at least 80 percent of your supply registers open and be sure no return vents are obstructed by curtains, furniture or rugs.
5. Create Airflow with Fans
Using fans in conjunction with your air conditioner 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, allowing you to set the temperature higher without sacrificing comfort.
6. Get Rid of Hot and Humid Air
Cooking and showering produce heat and dampness. Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during these activities to reduce your home’s cooling workload. Also, verify your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to prevent hot, humid air from releasing into your house.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
High humidity levels make your home feel cool but clammy, tempting you to decrease the temperature. A dehumidifier removes excess moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while requiring a lot less electricity than running the air conditioner.
8. Install Your Outdoor AC Unit in the Shade
The outdoor unit’s location affects its operation dramatically. Installing it on your home’s north or east side protects the unit from the afternoon heat for more effective heat transfer. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest time of the day, consider planting a tree or getting a screen to shade it. Just ensure that any plant or structure you add doesn’t hamper 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 are cooler reduces the cooling load during the hottest part of the day and saves energy.
10. Replace the Air Filter
A clogged filter limits airflow and increases energy consumption, so be sure to exchange it regularly to promote maximum performance. Many basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but its best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the ideal replacement schedule for your product.
11. Seal and Insulate the Ductwork
Leaky, uninsulated ducts lose significant amounts of energy, especially if they run through unconditioned spots in your home like the attic, crawl space or garage. Sealing and insulating your ductwork increases system efficiency and lowers energy costs.
12. Schedule Preventative AC Maintenance
Regular tune-ups are crucial to keep your AC running efficiently. Hire an accredited specialist to inspect, clean and service your system every spring. This preventative measure extends your AC’s life span, reduces energy consumption, and allows the technician to find and deal with potential issues before they become high-priced problems.
Request Air Conditioning Service in Fort Lauderdale
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive AC services, such as installation, maintenance, repair and replacement in Fort Lauderdale. Our customers choose us again and again for our unrivaled know-how 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.