There's nothing like walking into your cool house after spending a day outside in the sweltering heat. You've never appreciated your air conditioner more. That is, until you get your electric bill.
Higher temperatures outside means you run your AC more inside. Thus, you have higher bills in the summer.
You're not the only one that feels the heat of this problem. Air conditioning accounts for 6% of all electric use in the U.S., costing us $26 billion every year.
One way to make sure your AC unit is running at a high efficiency is to schedule routine maintenance. But there are other ways you can improve air conditioning efficiency without spending a penny. Take a look at six no-cost ways below.
1. Keep Your Condenser Clean
You need to keep your outside air conditioner condenser clear of weeds, grass, and debris. After mowing your yard, take a look around your condenser and make sure you've cleared any grass or weeds.
Allowing overgrowth or leaves to get inside can damage even the best air conditioner. During the spring and fall seasons, make sure you trim all low-hanging branches.
2. Keep Vents Unblocked
Once a month or as needed, vacuum your supply and return vents to keep dust and dirt from blocking airflow. Never put furniture or store anything in front of your return vents.
3. Change Your Thermostat Settings
These days, most thermostats on the market are programmable. Program your thermostat a few degrees higher when you're not home. You'll save 3% on your electric bill for every degree you raise the set temperature.
You should also consider raising the temperature at night. No one will notice a two- or three-degree difference while they're sleeping but you'll see a huge difference in your power bill.
If you don't have a programmable thermostat, change it manually every day before you leave, then change it back when you return.
4. Keep the Drain Clear
You should flush the condensation drain tube once or twice a year. You'll find the drain tube by your evaporator coil, inside the handler or furnace.
You need to flush one cup of chlorine bleach down the drain, followed by a gallon of water. Also, check the drain port for blockage or algae. If you find any, clean it out.
Keeping your drain line clear won't only prevent blockage which can lead to your home taking on water but it will increase your AC's efficiency.
5. Don't Use Your Oven
Of course, we're not telling you not to cook for your family all summer long. But don't use your oven during the hottest part of the day. In the summer, this is between 3-4:30 pm.
Wait until the sun starts to go down or use your toaster oven instead. A toaster oven uses fewer units of energy and produces less heat.
The same goes for your dryer and, to an extent, your dishwasher. Avoid running anything in the late afternoon that releases heat.
6. Keep Blinds and Windows Closed
Before you leave your house for the day, make sure you close all your blinds and curtains. The sun starts beaming through your windows around noon, heating up your living space.
Air Conditioning Efficiency is Our Business
When it comes to air conditioning efficiency, you can change some of your habits to keep your AC unit from running over time. You can also perform smart maintenance like changing your filters and scheduling tune-ups.
For anything else, call AccuTemp Cooling and Heating. We offer AC repair in Bossier City, Shreveport, and Haughton 24/7. Our qualified air conditioning specialists are available when you need them, not days later.
Don't take our word for it. Check out our stellar customer reviews then contact us so we can get your AC working at its best for you.
