13 Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips for Homeowners

You may not think twice about turning up the air conditioning when it’s hot outside—until you see your electric bill. Air conditioning accounts for about 12% of the everyday U.S. home’s yearly energy expenses and up to 70% of your utility spending 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 expenditures. 

1. Prioritize routine maintenance: Dirt and debris collect in your air conditioner over time, reducing efficiency. Plan annual maintenance to have a specialist clean your unit’s coils, switch out the filter, tighten electrical connections, lubricate moving pieces and more. A once-per-year inspection also allows your tech to find and fix any potential issues before they become major problems. 
2. Keep the outdoor unit free of junk: Loose trash and nearby trees growing around your air conditioner can minimize airflow and make the system work harder. Check the unit throughout the summer, clipping back vegetation and removing debris as needed to keep your cooling system functioning properly. 
3. Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat enables you to set automatic temperatures based on your lifestyle. 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 come back. This reduces energy consumption and saves money without sacrificing comfort. 
4. Avoid overriding programmed settings: While you are able to manually change the temperature on your programmable thermostat, try turning on a fan or removing a layer of clothes before you change the setting. When you want to change the temperature, do so by merely a degree or two. Cranking down the temperature will not cool your home any quicker and only serves to waste energy. 
5. Utilize the auto fan setting: While fan-only mode spreads air to keep rooms from becoming stuffy, HVAC professionals suggest using this setting sparingly. “Auto fan” is the more efficient setting because the blower only runs when the rest of the AC does, reducing unwanted power waste. 
6. Prevent solar heat gain: Closing blinds and curtains, getting outdoor awnings and applying window film helps block the sun’s heat to keep your residence cooler. These techniques are most useful on south- and west-facing windows where the sun shines right in. 
7. Install the outdoor unit in the shade: Direct sunlight causes your system to work harder and reduces efficiency. So if possible, position the condensing unit so it’s shaded in the afternoon.  
8. Keep your air vents open: It’s a common misconception that closing the vents in rarely used rooms saves energy. Unfortunately, this throws off the supply and return air symmetry, making your AC less efficient. As a rule, keep at least 80% of your registers open continuously and make certain no vents are obstructed by rugs, curtains or furniture. 
9. Use ceiling fans along with your air conditioner: Ceiling fans distribute air throughout the room, generating a wind chill effect that makes you feel about 4 degrees cooler. This might allow you to raise the temperature a few degrees without feeling uncomfortable, dropping your dependence on the air conditioner and minimizing your bills. 
10. Use a dehumidifier: High humidity induces a “cool but clammy” feeling, which is an uncomfortable sensation that may influence you to repeatedly lower the temperature. In reality, you need less humidity, not cooler air. Running a whole-house dehumidifier takes away extra moisture, making your home feel more comfortable for a fraction of the cost of air conditioning. 
11. Use natural ventilation carefully: When it’s hot and humid outside, keep your windows and doors closed to restrict cool air from getting out. If you reside in in a place with cool summer evenings, open the windows and doors at night to cool off the house naturally, reducing the load on your air conditioner. 
12. Seal air leaks: Leaky windows and doors allow hot summer air inside even when closed, making it more challenging and more expensive to keep things cool. Seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping to keep conditioned air inside where it should be.  
13. Seal duct leaks: A standard home loses 20% or more of the conditioned air flowing through it to leaks, holes and badly connected ducts. Reach out to a professional to seal your ductwork and put an end to this energy waste. 

If you still have comfort troubles or large energy bills after implementing these tips, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for help. We will diagnose and repair air conditioning issues, provide preventative maintenance, or replace your outdated, poorly performing system with a brand-new, high-efficiency model. For your ease of mind, we stand behind everything 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 North America.