Tips for Optimizing Your Air Conditioning System for Maximizing Energy Efficiency

When summer weather really heats up, your air conditioner becomes your best friend. However, that welcome relief can lead to big energy bills and a huge carbon footprint if not managed properly. Here are some common tips to help you enhance the efficiency of your air conditioning system, ensuring it cools more while consuming less.

 

First, let maintenance be the cornerstone of a proper air conditioning system. It is easily overlooked, yet making sure that your air conditioner is well maintained will go a long way in helping to reduce waste of energy. For a start, clean or replace the air filters monthly during peak cooling season, and make sure the condenser unit located outside isn’t obstructed by debris or overgrown vegetation. These simple acts not only improve air flow but also reduce the effort your system has to exert, which in turn reduces energy consumption.

 

Next, consider the role of your home’s insulation and sealing. Poor insulation and gaps in the seal of windows and doors can release cool air, meaning your system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Investing in quality insulation, double-glazed windows, and weather stripping might seem expensive, but you will more than pay for this through your savings on your energy costs. Additionally, these improvements can enhance the overall comfort of your home, blocking unwanted heat from entering during the summer and keeping warm air inside during the winter.

 

Lastly, one of the best ways that AC can be run more efficiently is through the right use of thermostats. Programmable thermostats allow you to set your AC to automatically adjust to a higher temperature when you’re not home, and cool down before you return. A smart thermostat goes further by learning your schedule and scheduling temperature changes based on your behavior and the outside temperature, potentially cutting as much as 10% off of your yearly cooling costs.