Energy Saving Tips for Air Conditioning

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Energy used for cooling the home accounts for roughly 13% of the average American household’s energy use during a year. Together, space heating and cooling is the largest cost to the consumer. We offer some ways to help you lower your cooling costs.

When Using an Air Conditioning Unit

A unit installed on your home’s north or east side runs most efficiently; If it is installed on the south or west, use an awning or tree to shade, but not block, (the airflow of) the unit
Make sure your air conditioning unit is the proper size for the room it is in; A unit that is too small or too large is not energy efficient
Apply caulk and weather-stripping to windows to keep cool air from escaping
Ensure a tight seal by putting insulation in any gaps between the unit and the window frame to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from coming in
Clean leaves and twigs from the top and sides of the outside condenser unit
Disconnect the power from the outside condenser unit and wash the freon cooling radiator coil with a garden hose sprayer
After disconnecting the power from the outside condenser unit, check inside the cooling drum and remove any debris

Keeping the Unit Running Properly

Check the air conditioning filter at least once per month and change it if necessary
Have a tune-up performed on your unit; The largest energy wasters identified and corrected during this time include improper Freon levels, improperly cleaned condensers, evaporators, and blowers, and improperly calibrated thermostats
For a unit 10 years or older, replace with a new unit that is more energy efficient and environmentally friendly; Choose a unit that has a high EER (energy efficiency ratio)

Other Ways to Cut Costs on Cooling Your Home

Use a window fan to bring in cooler air during cooler nights; Fans use as little as one-tenth the amount of electricity that conditioners use
Insulate and ventilate your attic; The attic is a major source of heat gain and unventilated attics can be as much as 30 degrees warmer than those that are ventilated
Set your thermostat as high as is comfortable to you during the warm months
Keep windows and draperies closed during the daytime

If you would like to have an air conditioning unit installed or your air conditioning unit needs servicing, contact one of our trained and licensed member companies right now.