The summer heat can cause a lot of stress for your air conditioner. During peak temperatures, your AC unit will likely run all day and into the night, which can add up to a hefty energy bill at the end of the month.
Efficiency is key to keeping costs down and your home comfortable. With a few simple strategies, you can stay comfortable and help ensure a long life for your AC unit.
Here are a few tips and tricks for increasing your air conditioner’s efficiency on hot days:
Change Your Air Filters Regularly
It may seem like such a little thing, but swapping your air filters monthly can make a huge difference in AC efficiency.
HVAC filters keep your air ducts and home clear of dirt and dust, which builds up on the filter and reduces airflow, causing you to lower the thermostat even more.
Change your air filters at least every month for an optimal balance of air filtration and proper airflow.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
Modern thermostats are worthy investments as they provide the ability to control your AC like never before.
Programmable thermostats allow you to create a schedule based on your cooling needs with customization options and precise temperature control for optimal convenience and energy savings!
Some models can even detect movement and humidity, making efficient adjustments throughout the day and night. AIS Heating & Air Conditioning offers programmable thermostats, among many other energy-efficiency products.
If you’re not ready to commit to a new thermostat, you can manually adjust it to be more efficient:
- If you’re leaving the house empty until you return from work, bump up the thermostat.
- If you want to stay cooler while you sleep, lower the thermostat a degree or two.
Cover Your Windows During the Day
Even with your windows closed, a lot of heat can enter your home through your windows. Heat can warm the glass significantly, radiating into the home and warming your house.
Covering your windows can greatly reduce the extra heat entering the home. Heavy curtains, blinds, or shades can all help reduce the amount of heat. With less heat entering the home, your AC unit won’t have to work to compensate.
Seal Leaky Ductwork
Your home’s ductwork is vital to efficient and effective cooling and airflow distribution. The cool air from your unit travels through these ducts and vents to cool each room.
Leaking ducts allow cool air to leak into your attic and the space between your floors, reducing the amount of conditioned air that cools your living space.
Ensure your air ducts are sealed completely with air duct sealing from AIS Heating & Air Conditioning.
Schedule Routine Air Conditioner Maintenance
A common mistake many homeowners make is to forget about routine HVAC maintenance. After all, if your system doesn’t seem to have an issue, it’s easy to skip tune-ups.
Annual maintenance can make a huge difference in your air conditioner’s efficiency and allows your HVAC technician to detect issues and repair them quickly to help your system run optimally.
Trust AIS To Help Make Your Air Conditioner More Efficient
The team at AIS has provided heating and cooling services throughout the Bay Area since 2008, so we’re familiar with common AC inefficiencies and know how to resolve them, whether that be upgrading your thermostat or just keeping your curtains closed during the day.
With upfront pricing, accurate estimates, and a dedication to quality, you can count on us for unbeatable customer service and technical expertise.
Contact AIS online or call (510) 792-4328 to schedule air conditioner maintenance or an energy audit today!
