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Air conditioner efficiency is something that most homeowners only think about when purchasing a new unit. However, you could improve the efficiency of your current central air conditioner in several easy ways. Discover four tips that will help you save money on air conditioning this summer.
1. Maintain Your HVAC Air Filter
The HVAC air filter is the easiest part of your system to maintain but is also easy to overlook. Failing to maintain your air filter can lead to increased strain on the system that shortens its life and raises your monthly energy bill. A dirty air filter also will not be able to remove contaminants from the air properly, leading to reduced indoor air quality.
Depending on the type of filter you have, you should make a routine of cleaning or replacing it. Most homes have disposable fiberglass filters, but you may have a washable pleated or electrostatic filter. In either case, checking your filter at least once a month is usually all that’s needed to keep your filter from blocking airflow and reducing the efficiency of your HVAC system.
2. Know the Signs of Efficiency Problems
Solving poor AC efficiency will be difficult if you aren’t aware of the signs that you have a problem. In addition to a rising bill, efficiency issues often result in a specific set of symptoms that homeowners can identify if they know what to look for. One of the easiest signs to notice is unusual sounds while your AC runs. Your air conditioner should never make grinding, banging, or rattling sounds if everything is in order.
You should also take notice if your air conditioner turns on and off more frequently than it should. This is a problem known as short-cycling. Your AC uses more energy and costs you money if it short-cycles, as it takes a surge of power to start up your AC each time. Short-cycling could be the result of a faulty thermostat or a failing component inside the air conditioner.
3. Make Sure Your Home Is Well-Insulated
Any conditioned air that escapes your home is money wasted. Ensuring that your home is well-insulated will help to keep more cool air in and more warm air out, which will allow you to run your air conditioner less frequently. Attic insulation and ductwork insulation are two of the most important types when reducing your spending on air conditioning.
4. Reduce the Load on Your AC
Naturally, the best way to save money on air conditioning is to use your AC less frequently. However, this doesn’t mean you have to let your home get uncomfortably warm during the summer months. With the right supplemental cooling methods and a few simple tips to keep your home cooler, you can see a significant reduction in your energy bill.
Ceiling fans and portable fans are some of the best options for keeping yourself cool when you don’t need to cool your entire home. Heating and cooling are the largest parts of your energy bill, so even running a fan in every room will still use less energy than your HVAC system.
Also, limit the amount of heat that enters your home in the first place. Keep curtains or blinds closed through the day, and consider UV-blocking window treatments. You may also want to limit using your dryer, oven, and other heat-generating appliances during the hottest part of the day.
Saving money on air conditioning doesn’t always require expensive upgrades or extensive repairs. Use these tips to keep your home more comfortable in the summer without breaking the bank, and contact Edelman Inc. for all your HVAC needs.