13 Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips for Homeowners

You might not think twice about cranking up the air conditioning when it’s hot outside—until you see your electricity bill. Air conditioning accounts for about 12% of the everyday U.S. home’s 12-month energy expenses and up to 70% of your utility costs during the summer. If you’re sick of spending too much for air conditioning, practice these 13 tips to improve AC efficiency and save money on your monthly expenditures.

1. 1. Prioritize routine maintenance: Dirt and debris accumulate in your air conditioner over time, reducing efficiency. Plan annual maintenance to have a professional clean your unit’s coils, exchange the filter, tighten electrical connections, lubricate moving parts and more. A once-per-year inspection also allows your tech to find and fix any potential issues before they become major problems.

1. 1. Keep the outdoor unit free of obstructions: Loose debris and nearby flowers growing around your air conditioner can reduce airflow and make the system work harder. Look at the unit throughout the summer, trimming back vegetation and cleaning up debris as needed to keep your cooling system functioning correctly.

1. 1. Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set automatic temperatures based on your lifestyle. In the warm months, program a higher temperature when you’re away from home and have it resume a comfortable temperature before you return. This reduces energy consumption and saves money without sacrificing comfort.

1. 1. Avoid overriding programmed settings: While you could manually change the temperature on your programmable thermostat, try turning on a fan or taking off a layer of clothes before you change the setting. When you want to adjust the temperature, do so by merely a degree or two. Cranking down the temperature won’t cool your home any quicker and only serves to needlessly consume power.

1. 1. Utilize the auto fan setting: While fan-only mode spreads air to keep rooms from becoming stuffy, HVAC professionals advocate using this setting sparingly. “Auto fan” is the more efficient setting because the blower only runs when the rest of the AC does, reducing unwanted energy waste.

1. 1. Stop solar heat gain: Closing blinds and curtains, getting outdoor awnings and applying window film helps block the sun’s heat to keep your house cooler. These strategies are most useful on south- and west-facing windows where the sun shines straight in.

1. 1. Install the outdoor part of your system in the shade: Direct sunlight can force your system to work harder and decreases efficiency. So if possible, position the condensing unit so it’s out of the direct sunlight in the afternoon.

1. 1. Keep your air vents open: It’s a frequent misconception that closing the vents in empty rooms conserves energy. The truth is, this throws off the supply and return air symmetry, making your AC less efficient. Generally speaking, keep at least 80% of your registers open all of the time and make certain no vents are obstructed by rugs, curtains or furniture.

1. 1. Use ceiling fans in conjunction with your air conditioner: Ceiling fans move air throughout the room, producing a wind chill effect that makes you feel about 4 degrees cooler. This may allow you to increase the temperature a few degrees without feeling uncomfortable, lowering your dependence on the air conditioner and bringing down your bills.

1. 1. Use a dehumidifier: High humidity induces a “cool but clammy” feeling, which is an uncomfortable sensation that may force you to routinely lower the temperature. In reality, you need less humidity, not necessarily cooler air. Running a whole-house dehumidifier removes unwanted moisture, making your home feel more comfortable for a fraction of the cost of air conditioning.

1. 1. Use natural ventilation sensibly: When it’s hot and humid outside, keep your windows and doors closed to restrict cool air from escaping. If you live in somewhere with cool summer evenings, open the windows and doors at night to cool off the house naturally, reducing the burden on your air conditioner.

1. 1. Seal air leaks: Leaky windows and doors give access to hot summer air inside even when closed, making it harder and more expensive to keep things cool. Seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping to keep conditioned air inside where it is supposed to be.

1. 1. Seal duct leaks: An average home loses 20% or more of the conditioned air flowing through it to leaks, holes and shoddily connected ducts. Hire a professional to seal your ductwork and put a stop to this energy waste.

If you still have comfort troubles or large energy bills after implementing these tips, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for help. We are able to diagnose and repair air conditioning concerns, provide preventative maintenance, or replace your outdated, poorly performing system with a brand-new, high-efficiency model. For your peace of mind, we back everything we do with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! Reach out to a Service Experts office near you today to learn more or request air conditioning services in North America.