An air conditioner is beneficial for use year round. For this reason, it is important to properly maintain your HVAC system. Your main concern when purchasing an air conditioner is the cost of your monthly energy bill. When the temperature increases, so does your energy use. Listed below are steps you can take to keep your home cool and lower your energy cost.

Efficient Use of AC:

It is important to use your AC efficiently. When it is cool outside, it is recommended that you open your windows to conserve your AC usage.

Your body doesn’t require the same temperature as it does during the day in order for you to sleep comfortably. So, sometimes you can enjoy nighttime energy savings with your air conditioner turned off.

Change Filter:

It is imperative to inspect and replace the air filters in your HVAC system. This controls both the effectiveness of your air conditioner and your electricity usage. The US Department of Energy estimates that unclean air filters may result in up to 15% increase in energy usage of your air conditioner.

The size of your household, the number of pets you have, the quality of the air within your home, and the type of air filter you use will all affect how frequently you need to change your air filters.

Generally speaking, the ideal time frame to change your air filters is 3 to 4 months, and this should be done shortly before extreme weather conditions. For these reasons listed, the air quality is best when your air filters are changed more frequently.

Set the Right Default Temperature:

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) ordered AC manufacturers to maintain the default temperature of their products at 24°C earlier this year. Prior to the mandate, 20 degrees celcius was the default. Studies have shown that for every degree we raise the temperature, we save roughly 6% of electricity. Your electricity cost will increase the longer the compressors on your air conditioner run at a lower setting.

Correct Installation:

In order to lower your energy cost for your air conditioner is to install it correctly. Your AC unit will work harder due to improper installation, which decreases its efficiency and durability and raises your monthly electricity bill. Always have the installation done with our qualified service experts at First Response Heating and Cooling.

Thermostats and timers – Set and Save

Every degree increase counts to conserving energy and lowering your summer air conditioning expense. Finding the right temperature setting that keeps you comfortable while not putting too much strain on your HVAC system is important for energy efficiency.

You should set the thermostat between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius as a general rule. Be aware that you save money on your energy bill for every degree of cooling you can do without. Therefore, don’t set it too cold in the summer. Up to 10% of your costs can be saved by just turning your air conditioner one degree warmer than usual. As a general rule, don’t lower the thermostat by less than 8 degrees from the outside temperature (for example, if the outside temperature is 30 degrees Celsius, aim for 22 or 23 inside).

Create Zones:

It is easy to disregard using the HVAC system to create zones. However, it is shown that it lowers energy costs and is a great way to operate an air conditioner efficiently. You can establish a particular temperature for a particular area using HVAC zoning. By doing this, you can relax in your living room without cooling the entire house. In addition, you can establish a different temperature for each zone by defining zones.

Regular Servicing and Cleaning Saves Electricity:

The dirt that builds up in the air conditioner’s ducts and vents only makes it work harder to deliver cool air to your room. The energy usage of an air conditioner can be reduced by 5–15% by replacing dirty filters with new ones. Additionally, it prevents the equipment from malfunctioning or needing repair.

Conclusion:

Listed above are steps that one can utilize during the summer months to reduce the cost of using the AC efficiently. First Response Heating & Cooling LLC are highly qualified and certified technicians who are ready to assist you. Give us a call today for AC, Heating, or IAQ services at (813) 756-3899.