The air conditioner is one of the most useful household appliances. When the temperature rises, your air conditioner comes to your rescue, working around the clock to keep you and your house cool.
Air conditioner units consume more electricity than fans and therefore, cost more to run. You can follow these simple, yet effective tips to cut your air conditioning costs.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Still using a manual thermostat? Now is the right time to switch to a programmable one. A programmable thermostat automatically turns on your air conditioner at specific times according to a pre-set schedule to cool your home. With a programmable thermostat, you can lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 10%.
Most smart thermostats can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, allowing owners to adjust home temperature from anywhere. A smart thermostat generates detailed energy usage reports, helping you understand your consumption patterns and identify opportunities for further savings. It can also monitor your heating and cooling systems and alert you to potential issues before they snowball into major concerns.
To get the most out of your smart thermostat, place it in a cool area away from heat sources. Before going out, set your thermostat back to 7°-10°F. Use smart or auto features designed to automatically adjust house temperature based on your habits and preferences. Try not to manually override the programmed settings too frequently as constant adjustments can reduce your thermostat’s efficiency.
Optimize Airflow
Ensure that furniture, curtains, or other objects are not blocking the vents, so air can move freely throughout your home. Strategically installed fans can help reduce your AC’s workload, improving its efficiency. Use your fans to circulate cool air more evenly throughout your home.
Leaky ducts can affect the efficiency of your AC system by allowing cool air to escape. Seal leaks with duct tape or mastic and insulating ducts to improve airflow and cooling efficiency. Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day to reduce heat gain. Make sure the area around your AC’s outdoor condensing unit is clear of debris. If your ducts have accumulated dirt and dust, have a professional clean them.
Hire a Professional for AC Installation
AC installation Santa Rosa is a specialized task and should be left to experts. AC installation mistakes can affect your unit’s performance and efficiency and may even reduce its lifespan.
Whether you want to have a window or split AC installed in a room, hire a professional. An HVAC contractor is equipped to manage the complexities of an AC installation. They understand how different types of air conditioners work. Before starting an installation project, professionals study the factors that can affect the installation process and come up with a plan to manage them.
Improve Home Insulation
Improve home insulation to keep cool air in and hot air out. Use materials such as fiberglass batts, cellulose, or spray foam to insulate your attic. Seal gaps around your doors and windows using weatherstripping or caulking.
Over time, insulation can settle or become damaged. Check your insulation periodically and replace it if it appears wet or compacted. Check your exterior doors to make sure they are properly sealed. If a door does not close tightly, consider installing a new door sweep or weatherstripping.
Adding insulation to the walls can be more challenging, especially in existing homes. Consider blown-in cellulose or spray foam insulation, which can be added without completely removing wall finishes.
Use Energy-efficient Window Treatments
Apply reflective window films to your windows, use solar screens, or install energy-efficient windows to reduce heat gain in summer. Top-of-the-line window films can block up to 99 percent of harmful UV rays and can also help reduce glare.
Regularly Maintain Your Air Conditioning System
You shouldn’t simply install an AC and neglect it; regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance. Regular AC maintenance keeps your AC working at its peak efficiency by addressing current problems and preventing potential issues.
Follow these maintenance tips to keep your AC in good working order.
Periodically Change AC Filters
AC filters are designed to trap contaminants such as pollen, dust, and dander. Over time, they can become clogged with debris. A clogged filter can lead to airflow problems and your air conditioner may be forced to work harder and longer to cool your home. To prevent AC problems and maintain your system’s efficiency, replace AC filters every 60-90 days. If a household member has a seasonal allergy, replace your filters more frequently.
Clean AC Coils
An AC’s evaporator and condenser coils can accumulate dirt over time. A layer of dirt on AC coils can reduce air flow and insulate them, affecting their ability to absorb heat. To clean your AC coils, first switch off the power to the unit. Remove the access panel on your unit to expose the coils.
Using a soft brush or a brush attachment on a vacuum, gently remove any loose dust and debris. Be careful not to bend or damage the delicate fins. Apply a coil cleaner and rinse your coils. After cleaning AC coils, replace the access panel, and restore power to the unit.
Inspect the Condensate Drain Line
Your AC’s condensate drain line removes moisture away from your unit. Visually inspect the line regularly for any signs of leakage, damage, or disconnections and remove any visible debris at the end of the drain line. Flush a mixture of bleach and water down the line to get rid of any biological growth. Inspect the drain pan located under the indoor unit for signs of water buildup or contamination.
Temperature Solutions is a renowned HVAC contractor in Santa Rosa. Our HVAC experts have years of experience installing, servicing and repairing different types of air conditioners. To schedule AC installation in Santa Rosa, call us at (707) 326- 0424.