As the summer months approach, you may find yourself preparing your air conditioning unit for the coming temperature increase. While running your AC all day long ensures your space is comfortable, it may become a burden on your wallet. However, there are several things you can do before summer starts and during the warmer months to maximize your air conditioning efficiency.
At Ridgeline Heating and Cooling, our team understands the importance of maintaining great HVAC system efficiency throughout the year. Efficient air conditioners are crucial for comfort and savings, and there are several ways that you can optimize their performance. If you want to learn more about how to maximize your air conditioning efficiency, keep reading to see what our team recommends.
1. Keep Your Filters Clean
One of the simplest and most effective ways to maximize your air conditioning efficiency is to regularly clean or replace your air filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing your air conditioning system to work harder to cool your space during the warmest days of the year. Your air filters should be replaced about every two months. However, you may need to replace them more frequently if you have pets in your home or you suffer from extreme allergies.
2. Seal Air Leaks
While you might not think air leaks make a difference in the performance of your HVAC systems, they can significantly impact your air conditioning efficiency. Check for air leaks around doors, windows, and ducts, as these can lead to warm air infiltration when outdoor temperatures reach record highs. Seal any leaks with weather stripping or caulking to prevent cooled air from escaping and warm air from entering your home. Not only will this help with efficiency, but it will ensure your space is comfortable all day long.
3. Utilize Programmable Thermostats
Invest in a programmable smart thermostat to optimize your cooling schedule based on your lifestyle. When you are away from home or sleeping, you can set the thermostat to a higher temperature. When you plan to be home or active, you can schedule it to begin dropping the temperature in your space. By optimizing the temperature in your space, you can reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort, ensuring air conditioning efficiency through the summer.
4. Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a great way to complement your air conditioning system by circulating cool air more effectively throughout the room. By using ceiling fans in conjunction with your AC, you can create a more comfortable environment while potentially raising your thermostat by a few degrees. Using these fans during the cooler night may also help you keep the temperature down as the sun begins to rise, boosting your overall air conditioning efficiency. If you don’t have fans in your home, you might want to consider investing in them before summer starts.
5. Keep Heat-Generating Appliances Away
Appliances such as lamps, computers, and televisions emit heat, which can raise the temperature in your home and cause your AC to work harder to maintain your preferred temperature. If you want to maximize your air conditioning efficiency throughout the summer, you should keep these heat sources away from your thermostat. Additionally, minimize the use of these appliances during the hottest part of the day to ensure your home is at a comfortable temperature.
6. Close Curtains and Blinds
Temperatures often reach their peak in the mid-afternoon, between 3:00 and 4:30. During these hottest hours of the day, it is best to keep your curtains and blinds closed to block out direct sunlight and reduce heat gain in your home. By keeping them closed, you can significantly reduce the workload on your air conditioning system, especially in rooms with large windows. While we know you probably enjoy letting the sunshine into your living spaces, it is best to avoid doing this during these peak hours to improve your air conditioning efficiency.
7. Optimize Ventilation
When arranging furniture in your home, it is important to remember to avoid blocking air vents in each room. Restricted airflow may significantly impact your air conditioning efficiency, forcing it to work harder to cool rooms. Ensure your air vents are not obstructed by anything, and consider opening windows and doors during cooler evenings. Opening entryways can allow fresh air to circulate through your space, giving your AC a much-needed break and potentially resulting in a decrease in your energy bill.
8. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Equipment
While you might not want to invest in a newer air conditioning system, older, outdated systems may be a drain on your bank account. If you are spending more money than you’d like on repairs to ensure maximum air conditioning efficiency, it might be time to speak to your HVAC professional about making an upgrade. Modern units are designed to consume far less energy while delivering improved cooling performance. Not only will this result in lower utility bills every month, but it will also reduce your environmental impact.
9. Practice Energy-Saving Habits
While there are many things you can do to improve your air conditioning efficiency that will reduce your energy bills, there is more you can do that might not impact your HVAC system. Encourage energy-saving habits among your family members, such as turning off lights and appliances when not in use and avoiding unnecessary use of the oven or stove during peak heat hours. These small changes can add up to significant energy savings over time.
10. Schedule Regular Maintenance
If you want to maximize your air conditioning efficiency, reaching out to a trusted HVAC professional for regular maintenance is a great way to do this. Professional maintenance can identify and address any issues before they become far more costly, improving performance and extending the lifespan of your unit. If you want to ensure your system is running well, consider scheduling this maintenance at least twice a year.
Maintain Air Conditioning Efficiency with Ridgeline Heating and Cooling
If you are looking for an HVAC company in the Idaho Falls area to help you improve your air conditioning efficiency, turn to Ridgeline Heating and Cooling. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience, making us the perfect choice for maintaining and upgrading your HVAC system.
From our seasonal maintenance to ductless HVAC, gas fireplace installation, and much more, our team provides a variety of HVAC services to meet every homeowner’s needs. If you would like to speak to our team about how to improve your air conditioning efficiency, or you have questions about the other services we provide, don’t hesitate to contact us today.