Keeping cool during summer is easily accomplished when you have an air conditioner (AC). However, as helpful as this equipment is in regulating indoor temperatures, it can be costly to keep it running at very low temperatures and pay to have it repaired if it should break down. Here are a few tips on how to reduce your reliance on your AC to keep cool and ensure it keeps running smoothly when you need it.
Cover Your Windows
Reducing the amount of sunlight that gets into your home will make maintaining a cool ambient temperature more manageable. Covering your windows with curtains or blinds can help keep out the sun’s rays. With less heat penetrating, your AC will run more efficiently and lower energy bills.
Close Windows
Whenever you have the AC running, you should have the windows closed. It may seem logical to open up windows and let fresh air in when hot. However, if you have the AC running, this will cause the cool air it is distributing around the home to escape, forcing it to work even harder to try and lower temperatures. Only open windows when the outdoors is cooler than indoors and keep the AC off.
Change Your Air Filters
Dirty air filters can affect airflow and temperature regulation. Changing them more regularly can reduce your energy use by as much as 5-15%. Change your disposable filters or clean your reusable ones every 1-2 months in the summer for greater efficiency.
Junior Petersen of 32 Degrees Heating & Air Conditioning in Las Vegas explains, “Most homeowners don’t realize the importance of changing your air filter on a regular basis. Especially in Las Vegas where we get dust storms that can clog air filters.”
Turn Up the Thermostat
Whenever you leave home, it is advisable to keep your AC running. Rather than turn it off, it is best to increase the temperature when you are out and lower it to a more comfortable level when you return. This will allow your unit to run more smoothly without overworking it in regulating temperature. This smaller fluctuation is easier on your AC system and will lower your energy bill. A programmable thermostat can help control your ACs temperature changes based on when the home will be occupied.
Use Ceiling Fans
While fans will not lower the temperature in a space, they have a cooling effect from the breeze they create. Choosing the right fan size for the room and hanging it about seven to nine feet above the floor will provide the best results.
Be More Active at Night
If nighttime temperatures are cooler, consider turning off your AC and opening up your windows to keep cool. Running your electronics more at night will reduce the burden on your AC. Running your dishwasher, washing machine, oven, and other electronics at this time can help lower your energy costs related to cooling your home.
Get Your AC Serviced
Spending a small amount on the maintenance for your AC system will cost far less than calling for repair services at the height of summer. Maintenance calls are best made and scheduled well before summer kicks when HVAC professionals are more readily available. Your air conditioner will work more reliably and efficiently when regular service is performed. If interested, you can ask your HVAC technicians for basic things you can do to maintain your AC unit in between maintenance visits.