Soon, spring will give way to summer, and we’re going to turn to our air conditioners to survive the stifling heat in the United States. The efficiency of the air conditioner drops dramatically as soon as the temperature outdoors gets too high. The less efficient air conditioners run, the higher the energy bill is going to become. Not to mention, you will also be contributing to the high carbon footprint of cooling a room. Of course, this inefficiency could be because there is a fault with the unit, and you may need to get someone like this AC Repair company out to fix the problem so that you can be sure your unit will be working as it should. Once you are confident your unit is running well, however, you are going to need to make sure you are using it efficiently so that you are not just spending money on running it for it to not be effective.
The first step to ensuring that you’re using the air conditioner effectively is to have it cleaned by a professional. A well-maintained air conditioner will not only last for a long time, but it will also run more efficiently. You should also call an electrician for the home to make sure that it is properly installed. Air conditioners should run on a separate breaker for security and energy-efficiency purposes.
Leave the Thermostat in Peace
The recommended 78 degrees is comfortable enough during summer. You don’t have to lower the thermostat to 70 degrees so the room will cool faster. The air conditioner cools a room at the same rate no matter where the thermostat is set. What you can do is set the thermostat higher than 78 degrees when no one is home, then lower it down to 78 degrees when you arrive. Setting it lower than that doesn’t do your energy bill any good.
Close the Drapes or Curtains
Homeowners tend to open the curtains to let the natural light in. This helps reduce the need to turn on the lights in a room. Plus, sunlight is a good source of vitamin D. However, when no one is in the room, it’s best to keep the curtains and drapes closed. This will prevent an air conditioner from having to work extra hard to keep the room cool. For rooms with windows that face the east and west, this is particularly important to remember. At night, you can open the curtains or blinds or even the windows and let the evening breeze come in.
Use the Electric Fan
A fan uses way less energy than an air conditioner. If it’s not too hot, you can set the thermostat higher than 78 degrees and then, turn on the fan. This will cool the room, too, and not push your energy bill to the edge. You may even turn off the air conditioner and depend on the fan to prolong the cool temperature in a room. If you have a large room, the fan will move the cool air around and make it easier for the air conditioner to do its work.
Remove the Hot Air
An exhaust fan in the kitchen will help remove the hot air produced by turning on the stove. If you do not have an exhaust fan, a floor fan will help move the hot air around. This will make it easier for an air conditioner to cool this part of the house. If possible, don’t cook in an air-conditioned room if you do not have an exhaust fan. You will double the workload of the air conditioner.
Turn the Dehumidifier On
You might want to have a dehumidifier in your room, too. Ridding the room of the humidity will help make you feel comfortable. You don’t need to lower the temperature from 78 degrees. You can turn on the dehumidifier and the air conditioner at the same time. At times, you might even be able to set the thermostat above 78 degrees when the dehumidifier is on.
Protect Your AC’s Outdoor Unit from the Sun
The outdoor unit of your air conditioner (whether central air conditioning or split-type air conditioner) should be on the north side of the property. This is not always ideal, but this is the optimal place for the unit. This will keep them away from the sun when it rises and sets. The air conditioner needs to work harder when the outdoor unit is placed where the sun faces. You can do some landscaping around the air conditioner’s outdoor unit, so it won’t ruin how your garden or yard looks.
You don’t have to worry every time you have to turn on the air conditioner or set the thermostat lower than 78 degrees when it’s too hot. The reason you invested in an air conditioner is to make your home feel comfortable. There’s no use having the unit there if you’re too afraid to turn it on. These few hacks should guide you on how to effectively use your air conditioner without putting a strain on your pockets.
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