13 Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips for Homeowners

You may very well not think twice about cranking up the air conditioning when it’s sweltering outside—until you see your electric bill. Air conditioning accounts for about 12% of the average U.S. home’s 12-month energy expenses and up to 70% of your utility expenses during the summer. If you’re sick of spending too much for air conditioning, practice these 13 tips to improve AC efficiency and save money on your monthly expenses. 

1. Prioritize routine upkeep: Dirt and debris build up in your air conditioner over time, decreasing efficiency. Plan annual maintenance to have a technician clean your unit’s coils, exchange the filter, tighten electrical connections, lubricate moving elements and more. An annual inspection also allows your tech to find and fix any potential issues before they become major problems. 
2. Keep the outdoor unit free of blockages: Loose trash and nearby weeds growing around your air conditioner can reduce airflow and make the system work harder. Check the unit throughout the summer, pruning back vegetation and cleaning up debris as needed to keep your cooling system working properly. 
3. Set up a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat permits you to set automatic temperatures based on your routine. In the summer, program a higher temperature when you’re away from home and have it resume a comfortable temperature before you get back. This reduces energy consumption and saves money without sacrificing comfort. 
4. Avoid overriding programmed settings: While you could override the temperature on your programmable thermostat, try turning on a fan or removing 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 never cool your home any quicker and only serves to waste power. 
5. Make use of the auto fan setting: While fan-only mode circulates air to stop 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 needless energy 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 straight inside the house. 
7. Install the outdoor unit 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 out of the direct sunlight in the afternoon.  
8. Keep your air vents open: It’s a frequent misconception that closing the vents in rarely used rooms conserves energy. The truth is, this throws off the supply and return air balance, making your AC less efficient. By and large, keep at least 80% of your registers open all of the time and make sure no vents are blocked by rugs, curtains or furniture. 
9. Use ceiling fans in conjunction with your air conditioner: Ceiling fans circulate air throughout the room, generating a wind chill effect that makes you feel about 4 degrees cooler. This may allow you to turn up the temperature a few degrees without feeling uncomfortable, lowering your dependence on the air conditioner and bringing down your bills. 
10. Use a dehumidifier: High humidity creates a “cool but clammy” feeling, which is an uncomfortable sensation that may force you to repeatedly lower the temperature. Actually, 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 carefully: When it’s hot and humid outside, keep your windows and doors closed to prevent cool air from leaking out. If you live in in a place with cool summer evenings, open the windows and doors overnight to cool off the house naturally, reducing the load on your air conditioner. 
12. Seal air leaks: Leaky windows and doors give access to hot summer air inside even when closed, making it more difficult and more expensive to keep things cool. Seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping to keep conditioned air in the house where it belongs.  
13. Seal duct leaks: An average home loses 20% or more of the conditioned air inside of it to leaks, holes and badly connected ducts. Hire a professional to seal your ductwork and put an end to this energy waste. 

If you still have comfort troubles or high energy costs after trying out 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 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..