The summer heat can be brutal, and your AC unit is working overtime to keep your home cool and comfortable. But all that work comes at a cost, and your energy bill may be higher than you’d like. There are some simple things you can do to make your AC unit more energy efficient and save money in the process.
1. Get an Energy-Efficient Model
An energy-efficient AC unit will have a good SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which measures how much cooling a unit produces per unit of energy used. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is.
You should also check for Energy Star certification. Energy Star is a government-sponsored program that promotes energy efficiency, and products that have earned the label are among the most efficient on the market.
2. Keep Your Unit Well-Maintained
Regular maintenance is vital for any AC unit, but it’s especially important if you want an energy-efficient unit. A well-maintained AC unit will run more efficiently and use less energy.
Be sure to keep the coils clean and free of debris. The evaporator coil should be cleaned at least once a year, and the condenser coil should be cleaned twice a year.
You should also replace the air filter every month. A dirty air filter will restrict airflow and make your AC unit work harder than it needs to. Check the owner’s manual for other maintenance tasks you can do to keep your AC unit running efficiently.
Quality Cooling & Heating in Austin, TX can help you with all your AC maintenance needs. They’ll also help you with repairs and installation services.
3. Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help you save energy by automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re not home. You can set it to raise the temperature when you’re away during the day and lower it again when you come home.
You can also use a smart thermostat, which can be controlled remotely with your smartphone or other devices. Some smart thermostats can even learn your habits and adjust the temperature accordingly.
4. Use Fans to Supplement Air Conditioning
Air conditioners cool the air in your home by removing heat from the indoor air and transferring it to the outdoors. But fans can also be used to cool your home, and they use less energy than AC units.
Ceiling fans and portable fans can circulate the air in your home and make it feel cooler without using as much energy as an AC unit.
5. Close the Blinds and Curtains
Keeping the blinds and curtains closed during the day can help keep the sun’s heat out of your home. This can reduce the amount of work your AC unit has to do and save you energy.
You can also use window treatments specifically designed to reflect sunlight and keep your home cool. These include reflective films, shades, and blinds.
6. Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks can let hot air into your home, making your AC unit work harder than it needs to. Sealing these leaks can help improve the efficiency of your AC unit and save you money on your energy bill.
You can use caulk or weatherstripping around doors and windows to seal air leaks. You should also check for gaps in the ductwork and seal any leaks.
7. Upgrade Your Insulation
Insulation helps keep the heat out of your home in the summer and the cold air in during the winter. Upgrading your insulation can help improve the efficiency of your AC unit and save you money on energy costs.
Adding insulation to your attic is a good place to start. Attic insulation can help keep the heat out of your home and make your AC unit work less hard.
You can also add insulation to your walls, floors, and ceilings. This can be done by adding new insulation or upgrading existing insulation.
8. Use a Dehumidifier
Humidity can make your home feel warmer, even if the temperature is cool. This is because humid air feels warmer than dry air.
A dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from the air and make your home feel cooler. As a result, your AC unit won’t have to work as hard to cool your home, and you’ll save energy.
Rely on the Pros
Apart from heating and cooling services, Quality Cooling & Heating offers a wide variety of other services and products, such as indoor air quality, air purifiers, duct cleaning, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. We’re a local business with well-trained technicians who can help you with your needs. Contact Quality Cooling & Heating in Austin to schedule a service.
