how can i make my air conditioner more energy efficient

How can I make my AC unit more energy efficient?

Full Answer

How can I improve the efficiency of my air conditioner?

While replacing an old unit with a newer, more efficient model is, obviously, the quickest and easiest way to improve efficiency, there are things you can do with your properly working, current unit to maximize cooling efficiency. Close windows and doors. Your conditioned air can easily escape outside when windows and doors are open.

How can I Make my Home more energy efficient?

You can divide your home by rooms or groups of rooms for customized home comfort and maximum efficiency. Set your thermostat at a reasonable temperature. A thermostat set at a lower temperature does not necessarily cool any more quickly. Your air conditioner will actually just run longer – driving up utility bills.

How much energy does your air conditioning system use?

Your air conditioning system could account for approximately 12% of your total annual home energy expenditures and up to 70% during the hotter summer months. The HVAC is the biggest energy user in your entire house. If you are like most homeowners, you are probably searching for a way to improve air conditioner efficiency and reduce your costs.

How can I lower my energy bill?

Cut down on your energy bill and have a cooler home. It's a win-win. As temperatures across the country continue to rise—along with the humidity and our electricity bills—our air conditioners are getting a workout.

How can I increase the efficiency of my air conditioner?

10 Tips for Improving Air Conditioner Efficiency this Summer1- HAVE YOUR UNIT SERVICED BEFORE THE HEAT OF THE SUMMER HITS. ... 2- CLEAN AROUND YOUR OUTDOOR UNITS. ... 3- UPGRADE THE INSULATION IN YOUR ATTIC AND WALLS. ... 4- INSULATE YOUR DUCTWORK. ... 5- INSTALL CEILING FANS.6- KEEP INDOOR VENTS CLEAR AND CLEAN.More items...•

What is the most energy efficient way to run air conditioning?

ACEEE estimates that air conditioners use 3% to 5% less energy for every degree you raise the thermostat. To get the best energy savings, leave your thermostat set at 78 degrees or higher while you're out.

How can I use less energy with my air conditioner?

8 ways to reduce your air conditioner electricity costTurn it up one degree. ... Use a smart thermostat and program a schedule. ... Keep ducts clean and airflow clear. ... Schedule regular maintenance visits. ... Change air filters. ... Retrofit your AC unit. ... Upgrade to an energy efficient air conditioner.

Is it cheaper to leave air conditioner on all day?

Turning Your Air Conditioner On & Off vs. Since air conditioners use more energy when they cycle all day, it is cheaper to let your system operate at full capacity when you're home instead of running it at a lower capacity all day. The more energy you use, the more money you'll pay in monthly utility bills.

Is it better to leave AC on all the time?

Leaving your air conditioner on is actually more efficient than frequently turning it on and off. Having your AC on also allows you to better control humidity in your home throughout the day. The lower the humidity in a home, the more comfortable it feels during hot weather.

Why is my AC using so much electricity?

Air conditioners use a lot of electricity, but a loss in efficiency will cause high electric bills. Dirty filters, duct leaks, failing parts (motors, capacitors, etc.), low refrigerant, lack of maintenance, old system, and a bad install are all reasons your air conditioner itself will cause high electric bills.

What is the best AC temp to save money?

78° FahrenheitAccording to the Department of Energy1, 78° Fahrenheit is the sweet spot for air conditioners to balance energy savings and comfort when people are at home and need cooling.

Does turning the AC on and off cost more?

Your AC will actually run longer overall if it is left on all day instead of being shut off. If you turn it off for part of the day, it runs less and results in more energy savings for you. In almost all cases, it will save you money to shut off your AC while you are away from home.

Is it better to leave AC fan on or AUTO?

Keeping your fan on AUTO is the most energy-efficient option. The fan only runs when the system is on and not continuously. There is better dehumidification in your home during the summer months. When your fan is set to AUTO, moisture from cold cooling coils can drip and be drained outside.

Does turning the AC on and off cost more?

Your AC will actually run longer overall if it is left on all day instead of being shut off. If you turn it off for part of the day, it runs less and results in more energy savings for you. In almost all cases, it will save you money to shut off your AC while you are away from home.

Is it cheaper to run a whole house fan or AC?

A whole house fan is much more cost-effective to run than a traditional A/C system. While an A/C system runs at 3000 watts or more for smaller homes and much higher for larger homes, a whole house fan runs at under 1000 watts for the largest models and most models at under 500 watts.

Is it cheaper to run the fan on the AC?

Use fans to help the AC Fans are cheaper to run than air conditioners, and can be used in place of air conditioners or along with them to save money. If you have a ceiling fan, run it at the same time as the AC.

How to keep your air conditioner cool?

Leave the thermostat alone. Many people are good about leaving the air conditioner at 78 degrees F. Some even take it upon themselves to set the temperature higher when there is no one at home. If you make this a practice, make sure that no one drops the temperature below 78 in order to cool the house down faster. The air conditioner cools at the same rate no matter the setting. Adjusting the temperature to 70 degrees will not help your house get to 78 degrees any faster than if it were left at 78. A programmable thermostat is a great way to avoid this problem. You can program the thermostat to increase the temperatures when you are away from home and have drop back to a comfortable temperature before you return home.

What happens when your air conditioner heats up?

When the temperatures heat up, your air conditioner gets a work out and the efficiency of your air conditioner can drop dramatically. Below are some steps that can help ease the burden on your home’s air conditioner and help it to run more efficiently – and add savings to your energy bill! Schedule a maintenance check–up.

How to keep your house cool in the evening?

To maximize this, open the drapes, blinds or curtains in the evening to allow heat to escape through the windows of your home. Use the dehumidifier.

How to get rid of humidity in house?

Use the dehumidifier. When people say, “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” they are right! If you have a dehumidifier turn it on when the temperature rises. Ridding your house of the humidity will help make your family feel more comfortable. You may even be able to set your air conditioner above 78 degrees when using a dehumidifier combined with fans.

How to improve cooling efficiency?

While replacing an old unit with a newer, more efficient model is, obviously, the quickest and easiest way to improve efficiency, there are things you can do with your properly working, current unit to maximize cooling efficiency. Close windows and doors. Your conditioned air can easily escape outside when windows and doors are open.

What is the best way to maximize airflow?

Maximize airflow around your air condenser. Plants and any other thing that could obstruct air flow should be a least 2 feet away from your air conditioner. Maximize airflow results for maximum efficiency. Keep up with filter changes.

What to do if you need to air out of your house?

If you need to air out of your home, turn your air conditioner off. It’s not your job to cool the neighborhood. Plug leaks in your attic, under doors, around windows, etc. .. Air leaks can be a big problem for lost efficiency.

How to divide your home?

You can divide your home by rooms or groups of rooms for customized home comfort and maximum efficiency. Set your thermostat at a reasonable temperature. A thermostat set at a lower temperature does not necessarily cool any more quickly. Your air conditioner will actually just run longer – driving up utility bills.

Does an air conditioner run longer?

Your air conditioner will actually just run longer – driving up utility bills. And the most important thing… keep up with yearly spring preventative maintenance. Your contractor can make sure your system is in tip-top shape and operating at expected efficiency levels.

Does a dirty filter reduce air quality?

Keep up with filter changes. Again, maximum airflow means maximum efficiency. A dirty filter cannot only reduce indoor air quality, but it can also reduce airflow and make your air conditioner’s job harder.

Can you set your thermostat and forget about it?

Set, or program, your thermostat and forget about it. Constantly fiddling with your thermostat can make your system run longer than it needs to, can result in more frequent on and off cycles, and can overall lead to poorer home comfort.

How to increase efficiency of air conditioner?

1. Unblock and Vacuum Your Vents. One of the best ways to boost the efficiency of your air conditioner is to keep the vents free from debris. Take some time to walk around your house and take stock of the vents. These are either going to be on the ceiling or the floor.

How much energy does an air conditioner use?

Your air conditioning system could account for approximately 12% of your total annual home energy expenditures and up to 70% during the hotter summer months. The HVAC is the biggest energy user in your entire house. If you are like most homeowners, you are probably searching for a way to improve air conditioner efficiency and reduce your costs. Unfortunately, this may be easier said than done.

What happens if you keep your air conditioner drain line clear?

When you keep the drain line clear, it will ensure no issues related to water occur. If the drain line becomes blocked, it can cause serious air conditioner efficiency problems. On the outside of your home, ensure that the drain lines are not buried under mulch or dirt. You can even vacuum them out with a shop vac!

What is the role of thermostat in air conditioning?

The location of your thermostat plays a huge role in the overall efficiency of your air conditioning unit. If your thermostat is installed in a particularly hot part of your home, like next to a sunny window, lamp, or appliance, it may not gauge your home’s temperature properly.

How to increase temperature on thermostat?

Increase the Temperature on Your Thermostat. Just push up the temperature on your thermostat a few degrees. In most cases, making an adjustment in the temperature of five to eight degrees ( up in the summer and down in the winter) can help you save both energy and money.

Why is my AC system running longer than necessary?

It these leaks are present, then the cool air that has been distributed in your home is going to move outside. This often results in the AC system operating longer than necessary. This is another issue that eventually leads to high utility costs.

Why is there ice on my AC unit?

If ice starts to build on your AC unit, it’s a definite sign that you need professional repairs. Ice can begin to build-up due to a leak in the coolant line. Another cause of this problem is if damage to your coils has occurred.

How to make your air conditioner more efficient?

How to Make Your Air Conditioner More Effective and Efficient When Temperatures Soar. Cut down on your energy bill and have a cooler home. It's a win-win. As temperatures across the country continue to rise—along with the humidity and our electricity bills—our air conditioners are getting a workout.

How much does it cost to replace a condenser capacitor?

Keep spare capacitors on hand for your outdoor condenser/fan unit. They cost about $20-$50 depending on the rating, and are dead simple to replace if your unit suddenly stops running. Good ones are rated for about 5 years, but can often fail sooner (ours died last weekend after 4.5 years).

What happens if your AC filter is clogged?

But leaving it like that will force it to work harder to keep your place cool. “If you let that filter get clogged, it will be like wrapping that coil with a blanket and the air isn’t going to get through there to cool down,” Radziej explains. “So you’re going to use more energy, more electricity than you need to.”

Do you need an air conditioner in a basement?

In many cases, you don’t need air condition to keep your basement cool, Radziej says, so close any vents down there. “That will give you more air pressure to push up to the upper floors,” he adds.

Do central air conditioners work?

As temperatures across the country continue to rise—along with the humidity and our electricity bills—our air conditioners are getting a workout. But if your home has central air, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your unit, according to Dave Radziej from the Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association, who spoke with WKMSP Fox 9 Minnesota. Here’s what to do.