Based on reports, cooling and heating bills may make up about half of your overall utility expenses. It makes using central air conditioning part of the biggest energy expense for an average home. Fortunately, there are affordable ways to improve the efficiency of your air conditioning unit in your home to get the most from the system while controlling the expenses.
- Keep the vents unblocked and vacuum indoor vents.
You may vacuum any debris and dust away from indoor supply vents to keep the steady airflow from your system. In addition to that, keep the items such as toys, furniture, and blinds away from blocking the vents.
- Clean the outdoor condenser unit.
The outdoor unit works efficiently if it’s clean as well as clear of debris. An in-depth and thorough cleaning must be performed by professionals.
- Keep the lamps and some heat producing appliances away from the thermostat.
With heat-producing units near your thermostat, it means that the air in your house requires to be cooled more, which may cause the system to work much harder and operate for a long period of time.
- Boost your thermostat.
Usually, adjusting temperatures five to eight degrees down in winter and up during summer may help save energy and money. With programmable thermostat, you may adjust the temperature for various periods or during times you’ll be away from house for a few hours.
- Avoid using oven and dryer during the hottest hours.
Running your dryer would cause the warm air to be drawn in your house and using oven would add extra warm air to your house, which may cause your air conditioning system to work harder.
- Make sure to clean the drain line.
There’s a drain by your indoor cooling coil, usually mounted above your furnace in your basement. Once you flush a cup of chlorine down the drain line of your air conditioning system and rinse it using clean water, you will keep the drain clear through the summer. Maintaining the drain line clear will save your basement from taking on the water if your drain becomes blocked.
- Insulate exposed ductwork.
Ensure that the ductwork in an unconditioned space is sealed properly. This will not leak your conditioned air. You may fix visual leaks using a specialized duct-sealing tape. However, you have to ensure that professionals will also check the ductwork during the scheduled maintenance visit. It is also recommended that the ductwork is insulated with the proper thickness duct material for insulating.
- Keep blinds and curtains closed during daytime.
If direct sun hits your windows, you have to keep your blinds or curtains closed may keep some heat from warming your home’s interior.
You do not always need to spend lots of money to keep your investment on your air conditioning system. Understanding various parts of HVAC system and ensuring that it runs efficiently will keep the system in good working condition for when you require it most this summer season. You must also have your system checked by A/C Professionals at least once a year to ensure that the equipment, ductwork, and connections are ready to go when warm weather starts.
