Air conditioners are a modern marvel. They keep our homes cool and comfortable all summer long. But they come with a hidden cost: high energy consumption. If you’re looking to lower your electricity bill during the summer, check out these 10 easy tips for how to make your AC more efficient:
1.Turn your thermostat up one degree
You probably wouldn’t notice the difference between 70 degrees and 71 degrees, but your electricity bill could. Adjusting the temperature by a single degree can save a significant amount of money in the long run.
2. Use a programming schedule
If your thermostat has a programmable schedule, you can utilize it to cut down on energy costs. Schedule cooler temperatures while you’re at home, and turn the temperature up while you’re away. At night, turn off your AC unit completely and open windows instead. Keeping your AC off for part of the day will save a considerable amount of energy, and you may not even notice the difference.
3. Replace Dirty AC Filters
An air conditioner is only as efficient as its individual parts. A dirty filter can block proper airflow, in turn making your AC work harder than it should. According to the Department of Energy, replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can reduce energy costs by up to 15%. AC filters should be replaced every 30-90 days, depending on use.
4. Schedule regular maintenance
Scheduling regular maintenance for your AC is one of the easiest ways to reduce electricity costs. Regular maintenance can also help extend the life of your unit. An HVAC technician can check your AC’s refrigerant levels, clean the coils and fins, and replace the filter. They can also troubleshoot any mechanical problems you’re unit is having.
5. Seal windows and doors
Having a well-sealed home isn’t just important for the wintertime. Windows and doors can easily leak cool air, putting a strain on your air conditioning system. Investing in properly sealed doors and windows will actually save you money in the long run.
7. Close your curtains
Closing your curtains during the day is one of the simplest ways to keep your home cool without using a ton of electricity. The hot sun heats up a home very quickly, but blocking the sunlight from coming in will make a huge difference in temperature. Ultimately, it will reduce the amount of work your AC has to do to keep things cool.
8. Use a ceiling fan instead of AC
Almost all fans use significantly less energy than an air conditioning unit. Selectively using a fan can prevent your AC from driving up costs. If it’s too hot to solely use a fan, use it in combination with your AC to increase airflow in the room.
9. Unplug unused devices
Your AC isn’t the only device that uses electricity in your home. While it does make a larger impact on your electricity bill, you shouldn’t forget about devices like computers, TVs, washers, dryers, and microwaves. Unplug them when they’re not in use to save money on your bill.
10. Follow Peak Time Savings Hours
Most electricity companies offer a period during the day called Peak Time Savings Hours. If you reduce, or cut out electricity use entirely, during this time, you may receive a credit or other discount on your account.
Pearson: Energy Saving Experts
Pearson offers expert repair service and air conditioning installation in Roscoe, Rockford, and the surrounding areas. They also offer air conditioning maintenance to keep your AC system running efficiently all year long.
Just give Pearson a call or schedule an appointment online.
