In the heat of summer, the refreshing flow of cool air from your air conditioner is your best friend. However, when it runs constantly, your AC expenses add up quickly and can take a toll on your wallet. To save money, perhaps you’ve tried placing a bucket of ice in front of a fan to yield cold air, but that method never seems to do the trick.
If that’s the case, don’t worry. At SM Mechanical Services, Newington’s trustworthy HVAC experts, we’ve compiled some reliable tips for the most efficient way to use the AC. These will help you stay relaxed and comfortable throughout the heat while cutting the cost of your electricity bills.
Don’t Mess with the Thermostat
Both constant and drastic changes to your thermostat settings are inefficient. The more alterations you make, the harder your fans work to reach the desired temperature. Changing your thermostat not only uses significantly more energy but also results in uncomfortable fluctuating temperatures.
Instead, find an ideal temperature to set your thermostat and leave it alone. It may take some time, but your air conditioner will eventually get you to that perfect comfort level. Sticking with one temperature allows your AC to work less, saving energy and money.
Give Your AC Breaks
Remember only to use your air conditioner when necessary. If you are out of the house, turn off the AC or set it to a warmer temperature. This allows the AC to rest without taking too long to cool you down once you return.
On cool and breezy nights with low humidity, open up the windows to allow ventilation. Giving your AC sufficient break time helps it perform better and use less energy.
Upgrade to a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
A great way to keep you from making unnecessary changes to your thermostat is to invest in a programmable or smart thermostat. Either will allow you to stay comfortable and decrease your electricity usage even further.
Programmable Thermostat
If you have a consistent daily and weekly schedule, a programmable thermostat is a perfect purchase, as it will allow you to set your temperature settings to match your routine. For example, if you are away from home from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every weekday, you can program your thermostat to adjust the temperature so that your cooling system only runs throughout the night and takes a break while you’re off at work.
Smart Thermostat
If you have a somewhat irregular schedule or are looking for added features with your thermostat, then a smart thermostat is a suitable option. Smart thermostats pick up on your behavior and temperature preferences, noticing the changes you make and adjusting as necessary.
Smart thermostats also come with added benefits. They allow you to make temperature alterations through a phone app and monitor your energy usage. Either a programmable or smart thermostat will assist you in efficiently using your air conditioner; the choice between the two comes down to lifestyle and preference.
Keep Your Thermostat Cool
Thermostats read the temperature around them and make changes accordingly. Having lamps, televisions, or other household electronics that produce heat around your thermostat will confuse it and cause inaccurate temperature readings. Your air conditioner will, in turn, work unnecessarily hard to reduce the temperature, so keep your thermostat away from warm items and out of direct sunlight.
Pair Your AC With a Ceiling Fan
So, what is the most efficient way to use the AC? It’s common to desire a constant breeze blowing in your direction, especially during hot summer days. However, requiring your air conditioner to produce that breeze is highly costly. Instead, let it come from a ceiling fan.
The pairing of the two allows you to keep your air conditioner on the lowest possible setting while still receiving comfortable airflow from your fan. The cool air will spread across a wide area, and you’ll save considerable money on those electric bills.
Monitor Your Indoor Humidity
When your air conditioner cools to the desired temperature, you may still feel hot and uncomfortable. If this is the case, it is probably due to the humidity inside your home. Humidity is often overlooked but is vital in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.
The best solution to lowering the humidity in your home is to purchase a dehumidifier. An alternative method is using the dry mode on your air conditioner, which is more energy-efficient than the cool mode. If you’re monitoring the humidity, aim for levels between 30% and 50%.
Cover Your AC Unit
If your air conditioner is outside in the baking sun, the heat may hinder its performance. Using an awning or some other form of cover to keep it in the shade will allow your AC to run more smoothly.
Check Your Air Filters
You should check the air filters of your HVAC system regularly. Dirty and clogged filters cause your air conditioner to run inefficiently and use unnecessary energy. Check your air filters and, when necessary, switch them out for new ones to maintain the peak performance of your air conditioner (usually about every 3-4 months).
Receive Routine Maintenance
Like dirty air filters, other problems with your air conditioner, such as low refrigerant levels and leaks, cause your AC to use more energy than usual. Therefore, it is essential to have your air conditioner checked, tuned up, and fully repaired when necessary by a professional technician.
SM Mechanical Services has a team of experts ready to serve Newington. Keep your air conditioner running as efficiently as possible through consistent maintenance.
Contact SM Mechanical Services Today
SM Mechanical Services is Newington’s trusted provider of HVAC services. Our goal is to keep you cool and comfortable without breaking the bank. We offer the installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems and any repair and maintenance needed to keep your system in prime condition.
Give us a call or reach out via email with any questions or concerns regarding your HVAC system. We have the experience and expertise to help you learn the most efficient way to use the AC.