There’s nothing worse than having an air conditioner with issues during summer. You can avoid many of these issues with the correct use of your air conditioner. Your air conditioner can comprise 12% of your annual energy costs during the summer months, significantly increasing your energy bills.
Fortunately, in this article, we will discuss strategies you can use to improve the efficiency of your system and, at the same time, lower your energy costs. You can achieve some of those strategies with simple behavioral changes, while others require professional assistance. In such cases, working with Perth airconditioning specialists will come in handy.
That said, here are nine ways to maximize your AC during summer.
- Service Your Air Conditioner Early
The first AC tip is to service your system early before summer hits. Don’t wait too long to start servicing your AC. Doing so can accumulate many problems that may later pop up during the summer months, which can be very costly. Instead, save your trouble and money by regularly calling a professional to check your AC.
Servicing your AC puts it in good condition, helps it run effectively, and keeps it away from additional repair costs. Additionally, regular servicing extends the air conditioning life, thus saving you money in the long run.
- Clean Air Filters Often
Cleaning and replacing clogged or dirty filters are the best things you can do for your AC to work efficiently. Old and dirty filters can make your system strain when drawing in air. It increases energy consumption, leading to higher utility bills.
Replacing filters frequently boosts the air conditioner’s efficiency and performance and maintains your system long-term.
- Clean Around Your Units
Air conditioners require free air circulation for them to work efficiently. Consider keeping them in an open place, free from plants and debris. Also, clear any vegetation and dirt around your AC to allow enough airflow in the unit and boost your air conditioning efficiency. Ideally, leave a free space of a 4-foot radius around the AC.
- Insulate Your Walls
Insulation makes your home warm during winter and helps retain the cool air during summer. Without enough insulation in your house, the cool air may radiate outside quickly. It means your AC needs to work harder to keep your home cool. As a result, there’s increased energy cost, and your system may wear out quickly.
- Shade Your Outside Units
The most effective strategy to optimize your air conditioning is shading your outside unit. When your system is in direct sunlight and heat, it gets hot. When your system is hot, it has to overwork to keep cool, thus consuming more energy. Remember, the shade shouldn’t block air circulation—set it to keep off heat and sunlight without blocking the air.
- Keep Your Windows And Doors Closed
Every time you open your door or window, the cool air goes out, and the hot air goes in, forcing your air conditioning system to overwork to maintain cool air. It slowly weakens your system and adds up to your energy bill. Therefore, turn off the AC when you need air out of your house to avoid wasting money.
- Supplement With A Fan
If air freely circulates in your house, you may feel much colder, even if the temperatures are not as cool. Adding a fan is an effective way to distribute the cool air throughout the house. With the fan circulating air in your home, your air conditioning system uses less energy, thus saving unnecessary energy costs.
- Get A Smart Thermostat
An effective way to lower your energy consumption is by turning off your AC when you don’t need it. You can do this by adjusting your thermostat. You can set higher temperatures in the morning and lower them in the evening, but installing a smart thermostat can make this easier.
A smart thermostat adjusts temperatures automatically. They even adjust the temperatures when they detect the presence or absence of people in the house. You can also connect the thermostat with your phone and change the temperatures anywhere.
- Consider Upgrading
Even with regular servicing of your AC, it can still break down after its lifespan, making it costly to maintain. If the maintenance costs add up quickly, installing a new air conditioner could be your best option. It will not just save you money but also increase your property value.
The Bottom Line
Your air conditioner is a vital component of your home, especially during summer when temperatures rise significantly. The small helpful changes you make in your system can increase efficiency and help lower energy costs. We hope the above tips will help ensure you get the most out of your system this summer.
