Summer is awesome, but the sky-high electric bills from constantly running your air conditioning are not. It’s probably no surprise that A/C units are responsible for most utility costs during warmer months. But there are a few effective ways to increase an air conditioner’s efficiency to bring down your electric bill.
While turning up the thermostat or sealing your doors and windows are apparent go-tos, there are some other ways to make your A/C work better.
Condenser Maintenance
Did you know that cleaning the outside unit (the condenser) can help? You can clean the outside but leave the more detailed cleaning to professionals so that you don’t damage components.
Be sure debris and objects aren’t blocking it so air can circulate. Also, providing shade over your condenser can bring down your bills. Harsh sunlight can make the system work harder in the same way direct sunlight can cause your thermostat to register higher temps.
Replace Components
If you call a professional for help cleaning the condenser, ask them to inspect all your system's parts inside the condenser and evaporator as well.
While replacing the air filter is another maintenance task you can easily do yourself, an HVAC pro can check the more intricate parts like the compressor. And if you have a noisy unit that vibrates or rattles, you can even ask them about the benefits of installing an expansion joint to make your unit run better and quieter.
Install Zoning Systems
Some rooms become hotter than others at different times of day, and you might try to control your A/C efficiency by opening and closing registers in certain rooms of your home. But don't do that. Shutting off airflow to some areas can adversely affect your air conditioner and could even cause severe damage.
To achieve this effect without damaging your system, you can install zoning systems. These systems use dampers in your ductwork to control airflow and send it to different rooms in your home.
While it’s still wise to do the little things like covering and sealing windows, thinking outside the box will give you even more effective ways to increase an air conditioner’s efficiency and save money!
A sold-out tour, playoff game, or comedy show can turn a casual ticket search into a rushed decision. That urgency is exactly what scammers count on. This guide to online ticket safety explains how to buy with more confidence, recognize warning signs before money changes hands, and know what to do if a transfer does not arrive. Online ticketing is not inherently risky. Major venues, artists, teams...
Veterans Day parade ceremonies often begin before the marching bands reach the main street. A flag is raised outside a courthouse, names are read at a memorial, or a veteran takes the microphone to describe a moment of service that changed a life. These local observances turn a federal holiday into a public act of gratitude, giving residents a direct way to recognize the people who served in the a...
Choosing the right surface material can improve your home's appearance and functionality. Understanding why engineered stone is a great material choice helps homeowners select countertops that combine durability with attractive design. Made from natural stone particles and binding materials, engineered stone offers consistent quality and easy maintenance. Its versatility makes it an appealing opt...
A departure board can change from “on time” to “delayed” in minutes, sometimes while the sky above the airport looks perfectly clear. If you are asking why flights delayed, the answer is usually not one dramatic failure. Air travel runs on tightly connected schedules, aircraft rotations, crews, airport gates, weather systems, and air traffic control decisions. A problem in one part of that network...
Cold weather adds another home maintenance concern just when you’d rather stay inside and leave repairs for later. Your plumbing isn’t immune to the temperature change, even when most of it sits indoors. ...