How Can I Make My Air Conditioner More Energy Efficient?
Your air conditioner is a complex machine, and there's a lot to pay attention to even if you're not a technician. With prolonged use, your air conditioner can gradually lose its efficiency, resulting in higher operating costs. If you're interested in saving money during the hot months of the year, though, there are some things you can do regardless of your technical experience.
Change the Air Filter
Changing your air filter is one of the easiest things you can do, but it often goes overlooked. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, which means less cool air blowing from the vents, but it can also mean your air conditioner has to work harder. With moderate to heavy use, you should look to replace your filter every one to three months to make sure your air conditioner – and subsequently, your house – is getting as much air as it can.
Seal Duct Leaks
If you have leaky ducts, it won't matter if your air conditioner is running fine; some of the cool air will escape before it ever reaches your house. There are some ducts that might be out of reach, but take a look in your attic to see what you can access. Feel the ducts while your air conditioner is running; if you feel any escaping air, you can seal the leaks with mastic.
You can ensure a thorough job is done by calling a repairman, but finding and fixing leaks yourself is a good start.
Add Attic Ventilation
Plenty of heat can build up in your attic, so by adding vents to your attic, you can improve air flow and help a lot of that hot air escape. This can help the inside of your house stay cooler for longer, which helps how much your air conditioner has to run.
Keep the Unit Clean
Along with changing your filter every few months, you should make sure the air conditioning unit itself is clean. Every few months, check around the unit to make sure it is mostly free of dirt and debris, especially near the base. Clear away any plants that might be growing around it, and avoid leaning anything against it.
You can use a brush or broom to clear away debris, but if it needs heavier cleaning, you can use a hose to clean off the coils and grill. Just make sure the power to the air conditioning unit is off before you do this.
Use a Portable or Window Air Conditioner
If you have a big house, or a house with vaulted ceilings, it may be much more cost effective to cool only the rooms you use most often. A window or portable air conditioner can do this nicely. Window air conditioners are a little more cost effective, but a portable unit can be moved from room to room as necessary.
An alternative method is to close the vents to every room you don't need to cool, but running a portable unit would still be cheaper.
Buy Thermal Blackout Curtains
Even if you have high-quality windows, they can let in a significant amount of heat during the day if they aren't covered very well. Thermal blackout curtains can keep rooms dark and cool during the day and block heat from getting in. This is a great way to keep your house cool while you're at work, or to let you start running the air conditioner later in the day.
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