Spring is here and the weather is turning warmer. If you’re not already, you’ll soon be running your AC most of the day, and your energy bills will subsequently skyrocket. How can you keep your house comfortable without as much air conditioning? Here are a few tips for conserving AC.
- Thermostat settings. Keep your thermostat higher than your instinct tells you to. The higher setting you can comfortably stand, the more you’ll be conserving AC. Usually, 78 degrees when you’re at home and 80 when you’re not is a good rule of thumb. Also consider having your thermostat calibrated to ensure it’s giving accurate readings and not wasting energy.
- Ceiling fans. Ceiling fans can help significantly with conserving AC use. With the fan running, you can turn your thermostat up a few degrees and still feel just as cool due to the windchill factor on your skin. Since ceiling fans use much less energy than air conditioners, this will save you a lot.
- Windows. In the morning, when the outdoor air is still cool, open the windows to let it in. This will not only cool your home but improve your IAQ. In the afternoon, when things start to warm up, close both the windows and the shades to keep the hot sun out.
- Insulation. Insulation is not just for winter. Proper insulation in your home will keep the heat out and help your AC work more efficiently.
- Air filter. If your filter is clogged, your AC will run much longer than it should to cool your home. Check it regularly and replace it when necessary to maintain airflow and keep your system running efficiently.
- Annual maintenance. Don’t forget to have your system checked this spring. Your HVAC technician will examine the motor and other components to make sure they’re working properly, ensure the refrigerant is charged, and generally check that your AC is operating at peak efficiency in order to maximize your home comfort and reduce energy usage all season.
For more help conserving AC, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We keep the Lorain, Elyria, and Oberlin areas comfortable and efficient.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area