Air conditioning is essential for comfort, especially during the hot summer months. However, it can also be a significant contributor to your energy bills. With rising energy costs and the increasing demand for cooling, it’s more important than ever to find ways to make your air conditioning more energy-efficient. This guide provides practical tips and strategies to help you save energy and money while keeping your home cool and comfortable.
Is there anything you can do to make using your AC more affordable? You bet! With a few simple tweaks and smart home habits, you can lower your energy bills and save some money.
Seal up leaks
In areas like Dallas, where temperatures can soar, it’s crucial to seal up any leaks in your home to improve the efficiency of your air conditioning system. Gaps along windows, doors, electrical outlets, attics, basements, and crawl spaces can cause cold air to escape, making your AC work harder than necessary. By sealing these leaks with caulk, weatherstripping, or insulation, you can prevent cold air from escaping and reduce your energy bills.
Upgrade insulation
Proper insulation is key to keeping your home cool and energy-efficient in a hot climate. If your insulation levels are inadequate, much of the cool air from your AC can be absorbed into your walls and ceiling. Consider upgrading your insulation with new spray foam, batts, or blown-in materials to prevent this from happening.
Use a programmable thermostat
One of the easiest ways to slash your cooling costs is with a programmable thermostat. These smart devices let you customize temperature settings for certain times of day. Program it to higher temps when no one is home and lower settings for peak occupancy hours. Turning it up by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours per day can trim your bills without sacrificing comfort.
Set Your Thermostat Efficiently
Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature than normal will not cool your home faster. Instead, it will result in unnecessary energy consumption. Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature and avoid drastic adjustments.
Save Heat and Humidity-Generating Activities
Try to save heat and humidity-generating activities such as cooking, laundering, and dishwashing for early morning or evening hours. This can help reduce the strain on your air conditioning system during the hottest parts of the day.
Check filters
Checking on your filters monthly and changing them out when they’re dirty is essential for maintaining proper airflow and efficiency, especially if you live in a place where things get dusty. At the minimum, change your filter every 3 months. Dirty filters can block airflow and make your AC work harder, leading to higher energy bills.
Utilize Cooler Areas
Areas like basements tend to be naturally cooler than the rest of the house. Spending time in these areas can help you stay comfortable without putting too much strain on your AC.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler, allowing you to raise your thermostat setting by about 4 degrees without sacrificing comfort. Use them in conjunction with your AC to save up to 15% on your energy bills.
Keep windows covered
Here’s an effortless way to prevent solar heat from entering your home – keep the blinds down / curtains closed! Sunlight streaming through windows heats up indoor air fast. So remember to close blinds and drapes on the sun-exposed sides during the hottest parts of the day.
With a few handy upgrades and new routines focused on efficiency, you can go the extra mile with your existing AC unit. Stay cool out there and save some energy!
Maintain your HVAC System
Regular maintenance, including cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, ensuring proper airflow, and scheduling professional tune-ups, can improve efficiency, extend the life of your AC unit, and reduce the need for air conditioner repairs.
Regularly check the evaporator coil each year and clean it if necessary. Outdoor air conditioning units accumulate significant dirt on their condenser coils, particularly if it’s in a dusty environment or if there are plants near it. To ensure proper airflow around the condenser, clear the area around the coil, remove any debris, and trim foliage back at least two feet. You can also save an extra 10% on your energy bill if you provide shade for your outside unit.
An AC tune-up can save you money in the long run too! Book an appointment online or give us a call at 469-333-2474.
Consider Replacing an Old, Inefficient Unit
If your AC unit is more than 10-15 years old or frequently requires repairs, upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model could reduce your energy costs by up to 50%. Look for units with a high energy-efficiency ratio (EER) to maximize savings.
These energy-saving tips can help you keep your home cool and comfortable while also reducing your energy bills. By sealing leaks, upgrading insulation, using a programmable thermostat, and maintaining your AC unit, you can stay cool without breaking the bank. These simple yet effective strategies can make a significant difference in your energy consumption and help you save money in the long run. Stay cool, save energy, and enjoy a comfortable home all summer long.
