Save money and stay cool this summer
Central air conditioners are considered more efficient than room air conditioners. It is important to have the right size air conditioner to meet the needs of your home. Larger drives, while generally believed to be more efficient, will not perform efficiently if they are oversized. This will cause them to turn on and off more frequently instead of running for longer, more efficient periods.
High-efficiency units typically cost more, but these units can pay for themselves by reducing your energy use, helping to keep those bills lower. Newer air conditioning units can use up to half the electricity used by older air conditioners.
Helpful tips to help you save money
Homeowners can save money by setting the air conditioning unit’s thermostat to 25°C or higher. Every half degree adjustment below 26°C will increase your power consumption by approximately 8%. Keep indoor and outdoor coils clean and free of dirt and dust buildup, as this is the most common cause of low efficiency. Be sure to check the refrigerant charge; if you cannot do this, you may need to have the fluid checked by a service contractor for proper adjustment for maximum cooling efficiency.
Other tips to help keep costs down in the summer
To help keep costs down and help keep you cool in the summer months, try not to run dishwashers and other heat-generating appliances until later in the evening when temperatures cool. Keep the house tightly closed during the day, and shading the east and west windows of your house can go a long way in keeping things cooler.
It is always important to maintain your unit regularly by cleaning and replacing those air filters. A clean air filter means less air resistance to the air conditioner and makes a big difference in the air quality in your home.
Another good way to keep those costs down on your cooling bills is to refrain from cooling empty rooms. You can save money by turning the unit off when no one is home, and if you must keep the air conditioner running while you’re away, use a timer thermostat to help instead of running the unit all day. Turning the unit to maximum will not help, as this will not cool a room in your house any faster.
The best and most efficient way to cool your home is to set your thermostat at 78F and give it time to cool.
Heat sources to consider:
There are many sources of heat around your home that can prevent your air conditioner from working at peak performance and rob you of fresh air. Incandescent light bulbs are one of those sources that give off heat; it’s a good idea to switch to fluorescent bulbs or the more efficient LED light bulbs. Another common source of heat is those long hot showers that raise the temperature of the air inside your home and add moisture to the air that makes it feel even warmer. Just trying a few of these helpful tips can save a substantial amount of money in your wallet and help keep your home nice and cool this summer.