How To Use An Air Conditioner Economically

Tips & Tricks for Saving Money on Your Energy Bill

1. Block Solar Heat:
Depending on how much direct sunlight enters your home, this one could substantially improve your comfort. Sunlight beaming in can raise a room’s temperature by several degrees. Shutting curtains and blinds, especially when no one is home, will block solar radiation from entering a room.

2. Choose the Highest Comfortable Temperature:
You may want to set the thermostat at 70 degrees, but would you still be comfortable if you set it at 74 degrees? Every degree you increase on your thermostat eliminates extra energy usage.

3. Turn AC Down or Off When You’re Away:
Learning how to use an air conditioner economically can come down to simply shutting it off. If it’s not running, then you’re not paying for electricity to cool an empty house. As an alternative to a complete shutoff, you could set the thermostat at 80 degrees when you’re not home. Don’t worry about paying more to cool a hot house when you get home. A well-maintained AC unit will cool your home rapidly and efficiently.

4. Perform Seasonal AC Maintenance:
Central air conditioners are built to last for years. They are durable, but need regular cleaning and maintenance. As a homeowner, you should always keep leaves and debris from piling up against the outdoor unit. You should also trim shrubs and bushes to allow for proper air flow (12” minimum recommended.)

For complete cleaning, lubrication, and calibration of your AC unit, you need a professional inspection and tune-up every year. An HVAC technician can perform work that reduces wear and tear, improves performance, and helps to delay costly replacement.

5. Install a Smart Thermostat:
A smart thermostat installed by Oliver lets you schedule temperature adjustments. You can set the smart thermostat to activate cooling 30 to 60 minutes before you arrive home. That way you reduce electricity usage while you’re away but avoid the inconvenience of returning to a hot home after work.

6. Move Furniture That Is Blocking Vents:
A big sofa over a vent or in front of an air intake will reduce air flow through the system. This situation strains the air conditioner and makes it feel like no air is moving through the room.

7. Change Filters Regularly:
Similar to furniture vent blockages, a dirty filter constricts airflow. This forces an AC to run longer. Depending on usage, you should install clean filters every 30 to 60 days for peak performance.

8. Use Fans:
Ceiling fans and freestanding fans use little electricity compared to their ability to cool a room. They are very helpful at maintaining comfort when you leave the thermostat at a higher setting.

9. Make Sure Your Outdoor AC Unit Is Shaded:
If the outdoor component of your air conditioner or heat pump is in direct sun most of the day, consider installing something to block the sun such as trees, shrubs, or an air conditioner screen. If your AC unit is in the shade, it’s performance can improve by as much as 10%. Just make sure that whatever you put up does not block its airflow.

10. Limit Oven Use:
A hot summer day is not the time to roast a turkey. An oven radiating heat into your home directly counteracts cooling and makes your AC system work harder.