It's finally summer! Time for endless days by the surf, long drives with friends, maybe that exotic holiday you've been dreaming about all winter... oh, and a sudden spike in your energy bill. Air conditioning a house in the heat of summer is expensive, but you can take several steps to lower your costs by improving the effectiveness of your AC system.
Fun fact: while the average life expectancy of an AC unit is 10-15 years, AC units need to be checked and repaired at least once a year- especially in dramatic climates where the seasons change quickly. Air conditioning repair can extend the lifetime and improve the efficiency of your AC unit.
Here are some quick and easy tips to help increase the efficiency of your air conditioner.
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Clean It
According to experts all across the U.S., clogged filters are the most common culprit when it comes to inefficient AC systems. Air filters are constantly bombarded with dust particles trapped in the system and become clogged easily. Over time, this slows down the motor parts in the unit and uses up more energy without cooling down your house.
To counteract this, schedule a regular maintenance with a local AC repair and make cleaning the filters a priority. Clean filters will provide cool air for less energy consumption, improving the efficiency of the system.
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Check For Leaks
AC units use a lot of liquids, especially water and refrigerant. When the weather warms up suddenly, the liquids expand and put pressure on the pipes. Sometimes, the pipes burst and the liquid leaks out. Without enough water and refrigerant, the AC unit won't work properly and you will use more energy.
During your AC maintenance appointment, make sure to thoroughly check for leaks in the pipes. With no leaks, your unit will use less refrigerant and you will have a cooler, more energy efficient system.
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Install A Programmable Thermostat
One of the biggest areas of waste when it comes to air conditioning is leaving it on all the time. Why pay to cool down an empty house? To reduce your costs, use a programmable thermostat that switches itself on and off when you know you won't be home.
If most people work a seven hour workday, plus time to commute, you could save eight or nine hours worth of air conditioning! Programmable thermostats are cheap and easily pay themselves off in savings on those energy bills.
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Use A Dehumidifier
People commonly complain not just about the heat, but also about the humidity. Dry heat is escapable, but muggy heat makes everything feel disgusting. Using a dehumidifier will keep the air refreshing and less sticky, making the house more comfortable for everyone. You might even get away with raising the temperature on the AC, saving energy and money.
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Keep It Out Of The Sun
Another easy fix is to check where your air conditioning unit is located on your house. Ideally, the AC unit should be on the north side of your home where it will never be exposed to full-on sunlight. Planting shrubs or positioning it under a tree for added shade also helps cool down the air around the AC unit, improving its efficiency.
Just remember to keep two or three feet between the shading and the AC unit so it is accessible for repair and maintenance!
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Upgrade It
You might have taken every possible step to preserve and repair your AC unit, but sometimes the cheapest and most effective option is to replace it with a newer version. Modern AC units are more efficient in every area- the investment into new equipment will double or triple itself in savings on your energy bill. Look for a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating between 12 and 15, which means the unit produces more cooling than it consumes energy.
Maybe you'll be able to afford that tropical holiday after all!
