This article will provide you with information about some simple tips that will help you save money when running an air conditioning system. You will save both money and energy if you plan ahead before installing your AC.
Setting Up Your Thermostat
When you set the thermostat of the AC, keep it in the range of 72°F-78°F. Lowering the setting even by a single degree below 78°F will increase the energy consumption by 8%. If you keep the thermostat at this low level regularly, you can lose a significant amount of money in a year. Regularly inspect your outdoor and indoor AC heating coils. If they require cleaning, clean them on time before they become dirty and stop functioning. The air conditioner’s indoor coil collects lots of dust because it becomes wet when it is being used continuously. The AC’s efficiency decreases when its indoor coil collects dust. Check the outdoor coil as well. Keep both coils clean and avoid dirt build-up on them.
Monitor the refrigerant level of your AC. This fluid is a refrigerant gas that helps the system cool the spaces. Any overcharging or understanding of the refrigerant in the AC will cause it to malfunction. This fluid should be checked by an AC technician regularly. Its levels should be adjusted if required.
If you are running your air conditioner, it is better to avoid operating your kitchen and bath fans at the same time.
There are several ways you can minimize the need for cooling. For example, shading west and east windows will reduce the need for cooling. Avoid heat-generating activities in the rooms until it is evening time. Some of these activities include dishwashing, baking, and others.
When the AC is running, it is better not to use your dehumidifier. It will only increase the load on the air conditioning device, which will have to work harder to maintain the set cool temperature. Your utility bill will increase if you run your dehumidifier when the air conditioner is running.
Keep your house closed during the daytime when it is the cooler season. Avoid the entry of humidity and heat into the rooms. If possible, ventilate the rooms naturally or by using fans.
Room AC Units
Make sure the AC is installed with correct leveling. Accurate leveling will help its drainage and other functions to run efficiently. Keep the AC’s outdoor unit under shade. The east or north side of the home is the perfect place to install this device. Avoid direct sunshine falling on the outdoor unit of the AC. It will decrease the unit’s efficiency by 10%. Trees or shrubs can be planted to shade the AC unit. However, make sure the greenery does not block its airflow.
Keep the room fan on high speed except when it is a humid day. On days when the humidity level is high, keep your fan speed on the low setting for higher comfort. It will help keep the home cool and comfortable on humid days. More moisture will be removed with the slow air movement of the cooling device. Use a fan in the room, even when running a window air conditioner. The fan will spread the cool air of the AC throughout the room. You will avoid running the AC at a higher cooling level and using more energy.
During the summer months, keep the air conditioner thermostat on the highest setting. Your cooling bill will be lower when the difference between the outdoor and indoor temperatures is less. Avoid moving the thermostat to a lower temperature setting than normal. Keeping it at a lower level will not make your room cool faster. Rather, you will have excessive cooling, which means unnecessary use of electricity.
Avoid placing large items like a television or lamp near the AC thermostat. This component is designed to sense the heat of the nearby environment. The air conditioning system cools the room based on this reading. Heat generating devices placed near it can make it run at a cooler level than necessary.
Regular Air Conditioning Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your AC will save energy. Do the following to maintain it in good condition.
Before the cooling season starts, inspect the seal around the air conditioner at the place where it touches the window frame. Make sure there is no gap in the draft, and everything is sealed tightly. Moisture can damage the seal, causing the cool air to escape from the room.
The air filter of your AC should be cleaned at least once a month. Replace the filter when necessary. The energy consumption of your air conditioner will come down by 5-15% if you keep its filter clean.
Take a stiff wire and pass it through the drain channels of the air conditioner. The humidity is reduced if the drain channels are clogged, leading to excess moisture that can discolor the carpet and walls.
Keep your room air conditioning device covered during the winter season to prevent dust from collecting on its parts.