How Can I Make My AC Unit More Energy-Efficient?
Cooling your home makes up the largest part of your summer electricity bills. It’s for this reason you want your AC unit to operate as efficiently as possible. There are several ways you can help your air conditioning equipment to work more efficiently and reduce your utility costs. Let’s look at some.
Increase the Temperature on Your Thermostat
By increasing the temperature on your thermostat just a few degrees, you will help our AC unit work more efficiently. The greater the difference between the temperature indoors and outdoors, the harder it has to work. Raise the temperature when you’re not home, and you can save 5% to 15% on your electricity bills.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
With a programmable thermostat, you can input your schedule of when you’ll be home, away, or asleep. Some models let you set a schedule for each day of the week, while other models let you set one schedule for weekdays and another for weekends.
Plan for Preventative Maintenance
By scheduling preventative maintenance every year, you will help your AC unit operate most efficiently. It’s best to arrange this for the spring, just before the system starts getting heavily used in the summer. As part of this service, the technician will clean critical parts. Dust, dirt, and other debris reduce how efficiently your AC unit can operate.
Nacogdoches Sheet Metal, Plumbing & Air Conditioning, LTD. in Nacogdoches, TX, performs thorough and conscientious AC maintenance. We have NATE-certified technicians, and we’ve been performing this service for more than 50 years.
Insulate Your Attic
Insulation in your attic reduces how quickly cool air escapes your home. If cool air stays in your home, the AC unit doesn’t have to work as much.
Have your Ducts Sealed
In the average home, up to 30% of conditioned air escapes from the ducts into unconditioned space. This occurs through cracks, small holes, and poor connections. There is a technology that HVAC companies use to fill in any cracks and holes in your ductwork. This can save you a lot of money and reduce the work your AC unit has to perform.
Use Your Blinds and Curtains
The sun shining into your home can dramatically increase the temperature. Block out the summer heat by using your blinds and curtains during the day. This helps your AC unit operate more efficiently, as it won’t be fighting against the sun to cool your home.
Change Air Filters Regularly
Most homeowners don’t change the air filters in their HVAC system nearly as often as they should. Dirty air filters impede the flow of air, which makes your AC unit work much harder than it needs to. Check the filters every month and replace them at least every three months. Replace them more often if you have pets or smokers in your home.
Use Fans
Whether it’s a ceiling or floor type, a fan will circulate air and help you feel cooler. If you’re in a room with a fan on, you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher and not even notice the difference.
Set a ceiling fan to operate counterclockwise in the summer. This will push cool air down to where you are. All ceiling fans have a switch on them that changes them from clockwise to counterclockwise spinning.
Clean the Condensate Drain Line
Your indoor AC unit has a condensate drain line that drains water away from your home. The indoor AC unit dehumidifies your home, and the resulting moisture drips into a pan and then into the condensate drain line.
The condensate drain line needs to be cleaned for your AC to operate efficiently. It can collect fungi, mold, dirt, and other debris. Clean it by pouring a cup of chlorine bleach in it, followed by a gallon of water. Do this once every summer.
Keep Vegetation Away From the Outdoor AC Unit
The outdoor AC unit needs proper airflow to operate efficiently. Clear vegetation away from its surrounding area. It should have at least a foot of clearance on all sides. If you see debris on it, you can gently spray it off with a garden hose.
Keep the Vents Open and Clear
Keep all the vents open and clear in your home. None of them should be closed, as this reduces the AC unit’s efficiency.
Nacogdoches Sheet Metal, Plumbing & Air Conditioning, LTD. repairs, replaces and tunes up air conditioners and heaters. Our other services include plumbing, drain and sewer repair, sheet metal fabrication, indoor air quality assessments and air duct cleaning. Give us a call today to find out more.