13 Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips for Homeowners

You might not think twice about revving up the air conditioning when it’s warm outside—until you see your power bill. Air conditioning accounts for about 12% of the everyday U.S. home’s yearly energy expenditures and up to 70% of your utility expenses during the summer. If you’re frustrated by spending too much for air conditioning, practice these 13 tips to improve AC efficiency and save money on your monthly expenditures. 

1. Prioritize routine servicing: Dirt and debris collect in your air conditioner over time, reducing efficiency. Make appointments for annual maintenance to have a technician clean your unit’s coils, switch out the filter, tighten electrical connections, lubricate moving elements and more. A once-per-year inspection also makes it possible for your tech to identify and fix any potential issues before they become significant problems. 
2. Keep the outdoor unit free of obstructions: Loose trash and nearby trees growing around your air conditioner can restrict airflow and make the system work harder. Examine the unit throughout the summer, clipping back vegetation and removing debris as needed to keep your cooling system functioning properly. 
3. Put in a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat permits you to set automatic temperatures based on your schedule. In the warm months, program a higher temperature when you’re away from home and have it resume a comfortable temperature before you come back. This reduces energy consumption and saves money without sacrificing comfort. 
4. Stay away from overriding programmed settings: While you could bypass the temperature on your programmable thermostat, try turning on a fan or shedding a layer of clothes before you change the setting. When you need to modify the temperature, do so by just a degree or two. Cranking down the temperature will not cool your home any more rapidly and only serves to squander energy. 
5. Make use of the auto fan setting: While fan-only mode circulates air to prevent rooms from becoming stuffy, HVAC professionals advocate using this setting sparingly. “Auto fan” is the more efficient setting because the blower only runs when the rest of the AC does, avoiding unwanted power waste. 
6. Block solar heat gain: Closing blinds and curtains, getting outside 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 directly inside the house. 
7. Install the outdoor components in the shade: Direct sunlight can force your system to work harder and decreases efficiency. So if feasible, position the condensing unit so it’s shaded in the afternoon.  
8. Keep your air vents open: It’s a frequent misconception that closing the vents in empty rooms conserves energy. The truth is, this throws off the supply and return air equilibrium, making your AC not as efficient. Generally speaking, keep at least 80% of your registers open continuously and make sure no vents are obstructed by rugs, curtains or furniture. 
9. Use ceiling fans in tandem with your air conditioner: Ceiling fans move air throughout the room, creating a wind chill effect that makes you feel about 4 degrees cooler. This could allow you to turn up the temperature a few degrees without feeling unpleasant, lowering your dependence on the air conditioner and minimizing your bills. 
10. Use a dehumidifier: High humidity causes a “cool but clammy” feeling, which is an uncomfortable sensation that may influence you to routinely lower the temperature. In fact, you need less humidity, rather than cooler air. Running a whole-house dehumidifier takes away unwanted moisture, making your home feel more comfortable for a fraction of the cost of air conditioning. 
11. Use natural ventilation sensibly: When it’s hot and humid outside, keep your windows and doors closed to prevent cool air from leaking out. If you reside in somewhere with cool summer evenings, open the windows and doors overnight to cool off the house naturally, reducing the strain on your air conditioner. 
12. Seal air leaks: Leaky windows and doors allow hot summer air inside even when closed, making it much harder and more expensive to keep things cool. Seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping to keep conditioned air inside of your home where it is supposed to be.  
13. Seal duct leaks: A standard home loses 20% or more of the conditioned air inside of it to leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts. Hire a professional to seal your ductwork and put an end to this energy waste. 

If you still have comfort problems or large energy expenses after employing these tips, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for help. We are able to diagnose and repair air conditioning concerns, provide preventative maintenance, or replace your outdated, poorly performing system with a new, high-efficiency model. For your confidence, we back every single thing 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 the U.S..