Smart Ways to Use Your Air Conditioner in Hot Weather
Keeping the thermostat at the coldest level isn’t required to maintain a cool environment. Set the thermostat to a cozy level, often within the 75F to 78F range. Raising the thermostat by a single degree over 72F may cut your cooling bills by as much as 3%. View here for more info on this product.
When you’re not at home, adjust the thermostat a few degrees higher to conserve energy. By generating a breeze, ceiling fans can enhance the coolness of a room, enabling you to increase the thermostat setting slightly while staying comfortable. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave the room to save energy.
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your AC running efficiently. The air filter should be cleaned or changed every couple of months, especially when the AC is used frequently. When filters are dirty, airflow is reduced, causing the AC to strain and increase energy consumption. This page has all the info you need.
Additionally, schedule annual professional maintenance to check refrigerant levels, clean coils, and ensure the system is in good condition. Escaping cool air through cracks, gaps, and insufficiently insulated walls can make your AC operate excessively. Inspect windows, doors, and ducts for leaks, and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk.
Proper insulation in your attic and walls can also help keep cool air inside, reducing the load on your AC. The sun’s rays passing through windows can cause your home to heat up considerably. Close curtains, blinds, or shades during the hottest parts of the day to block out the sun’s rays.
Consider using blackout curtains or reflective window film to reduce heat gain even further. Tasks such as cooking, operating the dishwasher, or drying clothes can produce heat, increasing the workload on your AC. Perform these chores during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
Using a microwave or outdoor grill instead of the oven can also help reduce indoor heat. Smart or programmable thermostats enable you to customize a cooling plan that fits your everyday schedule. Set it to cool the house before you return and increase the temperature when you’re not there. Click here for more helpful tips on this company.
Certain smart thermostats can adapt to your routines, automatically changing settings for optimal efficiency. Ensure that furniture, rugs, or curtains aren’t blocking air vents. When vents are blocked, airflow is restricted, making your AC less efficient.
Leave all vents open, including those in unused rooms, to ensure consistent air circulation. By following these tips, you can keep your home cool and comfortable without overworking your AC or breaking the bank. Using your AC efficiently conserves energy and contributes to environmental protection by lowering your carbon footprint.
