When temperatures rise, your air conditioning system will work harder, and its efficiency may drop dramatically. It will consume more energy and increase your monthly energy bills to keep you at a comfortable temperature. However, there are some ways you can make your AC more efficient. You can do some of these yourself, while others require hiring a professional. Here are some steps to help reduce the burden on your home’s AC and help it operate more efficiently.
1. Ensure Your Vents Are Open and Clean
Regular inspection of the vents in your home’s floors, ceilings, and walls can ensure that your air conditioner is efficient. Each supply and return vent should be clear of dirt, grime, and pet hair. These substances can block the airflow in your house. They may also negatively impact the air conditioning unit’s efficiency because the AC must work harder to maintain the temperature set on your thermostat. Since the air conditioner uses extra power to push cold air through vents and ducts filled with dirt, it will consume additional energy, increasing your energy bill.
2. Change Air Filters
Changing your unit’s air filters is important because this part of the AC is the leading cause of energy efficiency issues. If a filter is clogged, your equipment must work harder and need more power. Filters trap dust that could otherwise damage other parts of the system. Dust accumulation in your air conditioner’s air filters affects the fan blades and the motor parts; your unit slows down and wastes energy.
It’s generally recommended to change your air filter every three months. However, if you have pets or people in the home with allergies or respiratory issues, you should change the filter more often.
3. Install Your Thermostat in a Proper Location
Where your thermostat is located influences the efficiency of your AC unit. Your thermostat should be installed in a central region of your home. It should be in an area that does not receive direct sunlight and away from windows and doors. It should also not be near other home appliances that generate heat. Any of these conditions cause the thermostat to get an inaccurate temperature reading. By situating the thermostat correctly, your AC will be better able to keep your whole home at a comfortable temperature.
4. Be Vigilant About Maintenance
Maintaining your HVAC system periodically before it develops any issues will keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Research shows that 50% of system failures are due to a lack of timely maintenance. An under-serviced AC will have to work harder and longer to cool your house. It can also cause the parts to wear out and break quicker, and it will shorten the system’s overall lifespan.
5. Insulate The Exposed Ductwork
There may be exposed ductwork in the crawlspace under your home or attic. Exposed ductwork in these parts of your home may leak air from the AC, compromising efficiency. It is best to talk to professionals to inspect your ductwork and provide repairs if necessary. The local experts can also insulate the parts of your ductwork that are exposed using high-quality materials.
6. Install Your AC Unit in a Proper Location
The north side of your home is ideal for your air conditioner. This may only be practical in some cases. Still, it is best to ensure that your unit is installed in the correct location, away from the sun and deciduous trees. The sun reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system, as does the debris from trees. Also, your unit should be placed where contractors can easily service it when it has issues.
7. Seal Up Your Home
Leaks and gaps throughout your home make it less energy efficient. The cool air your air conditioner produces can escape and cause the unit to work harder to keep your house comfortable. Hire a local contractor to inspect your house and seal any cracks and gaps around your home’s foundations, windows, or things like wire and pipes entering your house. Also, keeping your windows and doors closed when your AC runs is a way to achieve efficiency.
Contact the Cooling Professionals
Small changes taken together can significantly improve the efficiency of your cooling unit. Real Airflow Heating & Cooling provides expert HVAC services in Blandon, PA, and the surrounding areas. We offer comprehensive heating and cooling services to keep your home at the right temperature all year. Our technicians will provide the highest standard for installing, maintaining, and repairing your air conditioner or heat pump. For more information, contact Real Airflow Heating & Cooling today.
