Energy costs often consist primarily of cooling expenses in the summertime and, of course, then heating in the winter, per reports from the “Energy Department.” Central air conditioning makes up a considerable utility cost for a US household. Many providers offer methods for keeping heat out of the home to potentially reduce the need for AC use on cooler days.
Summertime is quickly approaching along with these significant expenses, but there are ways homeowners can spare a few dollars with some minimal to no-cost efficiency improvements within the household. This means to give you optimum benefit from the air conditioning unit albeit still maintain control with the overall price point.
Much of these are simple components of routine household maintenance, something you would employ in between scheduled tune-ups with a trusted air conditioning repair contractor like you’ll find at https://www.updikegas.com/, a local provider in Jerseyville, IL. Let’s look at a few of these tips and tricks.
How Can You Improve Air Conditioning Efficiency With Minimal Effort & Expense
In Jerseyville, IL, homeowners can employ many tips and tricks as part of their routine care and upkeep to encourage energy efficiency. An AC repair contractor is a good resource for providing helpful hints on methods for saving on energy usage as well. Some things to be mindful of include:
The Outside Condenser Unit
The outdoor condenser unit collects dirt, debris, and vegetation from its surrounding area. It’s essential to keep the equipment clean and clean from these particles.
When the expert performs the annual tune-up, a thorough cleaning will occur, but you need to use a gentle stream from the garden hose to rid the system of the built-up materials. When cleaning around the fins, these are fragile and will bend easily; it’s essential to be gentle.
Before working with the unit, remember to switch the system off and turn the breaker to the system off to avoid any danger or harm. Learn details on common air conditioner problems at https://www.energy.gov/energy-saver/common-air-conditioner-problems/.
Interior Vents
The interior vents need to be cleared of debris and dust so the system can maintain an efficient airflow. You can vacuum the particles on a routine basis, plus make sure these are free of obstacles. That means situating furniture so it’s not blocking the vents, keeping curtains pulled back, and decluttering the areas of toys and other household items. Hence, there’s good clearance for sufficient flow.
A Thermostat Can Stand Some Adjustments
We’ve all become a bit spoiled by the cool air, but sometimes the air in the home is a bit too cool to allow stepping outside without it taking your breath. It’s wise to keep the conditions inside just a touch warmer than what you might be used to, with the suggestion being 78 in the summer and 68 in the winter.
Doing this can save costs and allows greater efficiency. The recommendation is to invest in a programmable thermostat with the capacity to adjust automatically for varied points during the day, like if you might be at work for a majority of the time.
Thermostat Placement
Generally, when the air conditioning equipment is placed, the thermostat is situated in a hallway to maintain a neutral temperature. If that’s not the case, it’s vital to ensure you keep heat-emitting items away from the unit, including lamps or appliances that produce heat.
When the thermostat senses that the area is hot, it will tell the air conditioner that it needs to cool the space more, causing the unit to work more strenuously, burning energy and raising utility costs.
Keep The Heat Out
The idea of efficiently cooling a home is to keep as much heat out as possible so the equipment doesn’t have to work as hard to get rid of the heat.
That means ensuring any areas that might be letting heat in; potential air leaks are sealed up, and window treatments are closed when the sun rises. These efforts mean to prevent the home from getting as warm as it might otherwise without these precautions.
In that same vein, in the evening, when the sun goes down, the windows can be open, and the cool evening air can come in to cool the house. That way, the next day, the AC is not starting with an already stuffy interior. Click for a few DIY AC repair tips.
Final Thought
It doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort to become energy efficient. It’s a matter of engaging in your routine household care and upkeep. Your air conditioning repair contractor in Jerseyville, IL, can offer more guidance to keep you functioning energy efficiently.
