Operating your AC system can be one of the largest expenses on your power bill. With this in mind, there are a couple of tips you can follow to help improve air conditioning efficiency. Start by making sure the area around the outdoor condenser unit is clean and there is no debris around it. Check the drain line by the indoor cooling coil, this is normally found above the furnace in the basement. Try to avoid the line ever getting blocked.
Keep your vents unblocked (move furniture and curtains) and vacuum indoor vents to remove dust and debris that can interfere with steady airflow. Remove lamps and heat producing appliances away from your thermostat so it doesn’t think the air in your house needs to be cooled continuously causing your AC to run and cycle. Make sure your blinds and curtains are closed when it is hot out to stop the inside of the house getting warm.
Along the same line of thought, try not to use your dryer or oven when it is hot outside as they can cause warm air to be drawn into the house making your AC think it has to run and work harder. Adjust your temperature settings, up in the summer and down in the winter to help cut down on energy used.
This is where the newer programmable thermostats are really handy because you can adjust the temperature setting from an app on your phone. If you have ductwork in your house look over it and check to confirm it is sealed so none of your cool air is leaking and being wasted. Following these tips means your AC is working for you and allows you to be an educated consumer while saving money on your power bill.
