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It isn’t uncommon for your energy bill to make up over half of all your utility expenses. This is true for residential homes and commercial establishments alike, especially when air conditioners run up the bills during summers.
Energy consumption from air conditioning use tends to contribute the largest chunk of energy bills during warmer weather. Since summers are just around the corner, we’re sharing tips to help you bring down your energy expenses.
You might be wondering how to identify whether your efficiency has decreased. The following are some indicators that your system is having trouble:
If your electricity bills are rising, this is one of the most evident symptoms of AC inefficiency. When an air conditioner isn’t running efficiently, it uses more electricity.
It’s a good idea to get the system examined and cleaned if you observe a large increase in your consumption and prices. The expert will be able to figure out what is causing the increasing expenditures.
Your thermostat is the “brain” of your air conditioning system. If you see it cycling on and off too frequently, it’s possible the thermostat has to be changed. The internal mechanism of the thermostat might be harmed by everyday usage and dust.
The compressor might also be causing your system to cycle often. It’s essential to consult a specialist to establish the exact problem.
If ice begins to form on your air conditioner, it’s a sure indicator that you’ll require expert help. If there is a leak in the coolant line, ice might form.
Another source of this issue is if your coils have been damaged. This issue might potentially be caused by a clogged filter. If your unit has ice on it, you can be sure it isn’t running as effectively as it should.
Each device in your house will produce its own distinct sound. You’ve probably become accustomed to some of the sounds that occur as a result of your unit’s normal operation.
If you see anything out of the ordinary, turn everything off to avoid the problem from growing worse and schedule a service call. Now that you’ve identified the indications of inefficiency, it’s time to figure out how to combat them.
We will discuss a few simple, free ways to improve your air conditioner efficiency and help you get the most from your AC systems while reducing your energy expenses.
Here are some of the best and free methods you can use for air conditioning maintenance and improved efficiency. They will help keep your air conditioners healthy for longer and reduce your energy bills through the summer seasons.
Your air conditioner’s outdoor unit is always exposed to the elements. Although designed to sustain dust and debris, the unit will work better and more efficiently when you clear it of dust and debris. While an occasional detailed cleaning of the outdoor unit is important for maintenance, you should let professionals handle this task.
A simple, free solution to hold up its integrity and keep it from requiring deep cleaning more often is to clear the dust, dirt, and debris around it. When functional, it creates a lot of wind, and this can cause the elements to clog or deter its working systems over time.
Keeping the surrounding area clean effectively delays the need for deep cleaning and increases your air conditioners efficiency during hot summers.
If you have a central air conditioning unit, vacuum any dust, dirt, or debris from the indoor supply vents. Similarly, clean the indoor unit’s filters at least once every 2-3 weeks, especially if you use split systems. These measures help maintain efficiency through steady airflow from your air conditioners.
It is also important that you do not block the supply vents or indoor unit vents with any obstructions, like plastics, fabrics, curtains, furniture, and small items.
Typically, adjusting air conditioner temperatures by 1 or 2 degrees Celsius in summers can help save you plenty of energy, especially if you use your air conditioner regularly. The cooling is not very different, and you will still enjoy a pleasant indoor temperature with greater air conditioner efficiency.
Whether you use the remote of your split system or the thermostat of your central system, this is a simple and free trick that can save you a good amount on energy bills. You can also install a programmable thermostat to your central system that will adjust temperatures automatically during different times of the day and save you the effort of doing it manually.
If you use a central air conditioning unit, keeping heat-producing items or appliances like lamps near your thermostat will trick it into thinking that the air is warmer than it actually is. This heat will cause your air conditioning system to work overtime to increase cooling and run up your energy bill.
Similarly, if you use a split system, it is always best to turn off heat-producing items and appliances or be kept outside. Taking care in this regard will help improve the overall cooling efficiency. The unnecessary heat won’t affect cooling, and your air conditioner will need to work less to maintain the temperature.
The heat during summers can be scorching to the extent of being cruel. Keep the curtains and blinds closed during the daytime when direct sunlight hits the windows of your premises or home; this is another simple and free way to prevent the sun’s heat from entering inside.
Closing curtains and blinds will keep internal temperatures less punishing and make it easier for your air conditioner to cool your space. The system will have to work less and consume less energy, making cooling more efficient.
If you avoid using appliances like dryers, ovens, and indoor freezer units during the hottest hours of the day, it can reduce your space’s internal temperature.
Running these appliances produces warm air, causing your air conditioner to work harder to reduce the internal temperature. When you don’t use these appliances during hot hours, your air conditioner can work efficiently easily.
The indoor cooling coil, which is usually located above the furnace in the basement, has a drain. You can maintain your air conditioning drain clear throughout the summer by flushing one cup of chlorine bleach down it and then rinsing it with a gallon of water. If your drain line becomes clogged, keeping it clear might prevent your basement from flooding.
During the warmest hours of the day, avoid using your dryer and oven. When you use your dryer, warm air is taken into your home, and when you use your oven, warm air is added to your home, forcing your air conditioner to work harder.
Make sure that any ductwork that goes through an unconditioned space is adequately sealed so that no conditioned air escapes. Visual leaks may be repaired using UL 181-rated duct-sealing tape, but make sure the ductwork is checked by an expert at your next scheduled maintenance visit. It’s also a good idea to insulate your ductwork with the right thickness of duct insulation.
When your air conditioner gets optimum airflow, it implies it will run at maximum efficiency. A clogged filter, on the other hand, might have a major influence.
Filters that are dirty will not only lower the quality of the air in your house, but they will also reduce airflow, making your air conditioner’s task even more difficult.
This is a simple and inexpensive technique to avoid air conditioner efficiency issues. However, if you don’t handle this, you may end up having to spend money on costly repairs. If you want to control the temperature, don’t use the registers. In some rooms, you could be tempted to open or close the registers. This, however, is not a good idea.
This will have an impact on the cooling load your air conditioner must handle. It can cause major harm to your system over time, as well as discomfort in your house.
There is an option – zoning controls – if you want to adjust the temperature in each room of your house.
To get personalized cooling levels, split your home into groups of rooms or individual rooms using these. You can really boost the efficiency of your system by managing temperature like this.
There’s no denying that the summer sun is scorching. This heat may put a lot of strain on your outside condenser unit, forcing it to work harder merely to keep your house cool.
Put some shade over your outdoor unit to assist lessen the strain and wear and tear. The objective is to just give shade rather than obstructing airflow.
You don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to keep your central air conditioning system in good working order.
To save money and lessen the chances of a problem emerging with your system, we recommend implementing the helpful advice listed above in conjunction with routine maintenance.
You want to get the most out of your air conditioner since they aren’t inexpensive. You can improve their efficiency and lower your energy use and expenses by following these simple and cheap methods, especially during the hot summer months.
