Maximizing Home Cooling Efficiency: 10 Tips

Written on: May 5, 2021

You probably know that about half the energy your home uses during the summer can be attributed to your central air conditioner. The good news, if you’re a conscientious energy user, is that there are easy and effective ways to chip away at that number.

How To Improve A/C Efficiency

Here are ten tips for maximizing your A/C efficiency in the hot months to come.

1. Check air filters regularly – Check your filters about once a month, cleaning or replacing them (depending on the model) as needed. A clogged air filter can reduce A/C efficiency by 10 to 15 percent, and will eventually lead to unnecessary wear and tear on your equipment.
2. Clean your vents – Remove anything that blocks your vents to maintain steady airflow through your system. Vacuum your vents periodically – especially if you have shedding pets – and keep away furniture, rugs, or drapes.
3. Mind your ductwork – Duct leaks can keep cool air from ever reaching your living space. Look for obvious air leaks in visible ducts, especially at duct joints. But remember: most of your ductwork is behind the walls, so consider a professional duct inspection about once every five years.
4. Program your thermostat – With a central air conditioner, every degree you drop your thermostat below 75 degrees results in a three to five percent uptick in energy use. For the best balance of comfort and economy, shoot for a summertime indoor temperature of about 78 degrees, says the U.S. Department of Energy.
5. Don’t forget your windows – Keep windows (and exterior doors) closed when your A/C is running. In the hot summer months, consider hanging window treatments that reflect rather than absorb light and heat (for more efficiency tips using window treatments, see the U.S. Department of Energy website.
6. Fix air leaks – Air leaks are a big contributor to lost efficiency all year long. Use caulk and weather stripping to reduce leaks around exterior doors and windows, and use doorsweeps to guard against drafts between conditioned and unconditioned spaces (your garage and entry hallway, for example).
7. Keep your condensing unit out of the sun – Keeping your outdoor condensing unit out of the sun can reduce A/C costs by about two percent. Shade with a high overhang – never cover or block the airflow of your condensing unit!
8. Use your ceiling fans – Moving air feels cooler when you’re in the room, so turn on those ceiling fans when people are around – you’ll be able to keep temperatures a little warmer with no loss in comfort.
9. Maintain your equipment – Your cooling equipment will lose about five percent efficiency every year that it’s not serviced – which means that professional cooling maintenance will basically pay for itself in lower cooling bills alone. It will also help keep your A/C running more reliably.
10. Choose an HVAC pro for upgrades – An expert air conditioning technician will do the little things that will help your system deliver value – and better performance – year after year. They’ll also know the ins and outs on tax credits, incentives, and manufacturer’s rebates, so they’ll be able to steer you in the direction of better deals on ENERGY STAR®-certified equipment. Choose an HVAC pro that offers in-person evaluations – not just formulas – if you want to get the most energy bang for your buck.

Summer’s coming – is your A/C ready? Let the pros at Ace Robbins check and make sure! Contact us today to learn more about A/C installations and air conditioner maintenance in Wyoming County, PA!