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. Aim for a comfortable setting, typically between 75F and 78F. 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.
To save power, turn up the thermostat by a few degrees while you’re away. By generating a breeze, ceiling fans can enhance the coolness of a room, enabling you to increase the thermostat setting slightly while staying comfortable. Fans are designed to cool people, not entire rooms, so power them down when you’re not present to save electricity.
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your AC running efficiently. Replace or clean the air filter every one to two months, particularly during periods of heavy use. Clogged filters limit airflow, forcing the AC to operate less efficiently and consume more power. This website has all you need to learn more about this topic.
Book an annual maintenance appointment with a professional to verify refrigerant levels, clean the coils, and ensure the unit is in top shape. Escaping cool air through cracks, gaps, and insufficiently insulated walls can make your AC operate excessively. Examine windows, doors, and ducts for any leaks, then seal them using weatherstripping or caulk.
Good insulation in your attic and walls helps retain cool air, easing the burden on your air conditioner. Sunlight streaming through windows can significantly heat your home. Close curtains, blinds, or shades during the hottest parts of the day to block out the sun’s rays.
Blackout curtains or reflective window film can be effective in further reducing heat buildup. Activities like cooking, running the dishwasher, or using the dryer can generate heat and make your AC work harder. Try to schedule these tasks for early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
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. You can program it to lower the temperature before you arrive home and raise it when you’re away. You can read more on the subject here!
Advanced smart thermostats can recognize your patterns and modify settings on their own to maximize efficiency. Ensure that furniture, rugs, or curtains aren’t blocking air vents. When vents are blocked, airflow is restricted, making your AC less efficient.
Keep all vents open, even in unused rooms, to maintain proper air circulation throughout your home. Adhering to these suggestions can help you maintain a cool and comfortable home while avoiding excessive AC use and high costs. Using your AC efficiently conserves energy and contributes to environmental protection by lowering your carbon footprint.