The utility bills for cooling during summer will increase significantly. And if you don’t concern to this issue, this can be a nightmare to your pocket. However, air conditioner is one of the most important home appliances during summer and therefore we can use them 24 hours in a day. That’s why… the air conditioner costs can drain our pocket drastically. In line with cooling technological developments, the newer air conditioning products are designed more efficient (consume less energy) than the older versions. Although the newest products, especially energy star units are offered rather expensive but they are claimed will use each-BTU energy more efficiently, and it is much better if we also completely understand on how to use the unit properly at its maximum efficiency performance. By the way, there are also some ideas on how to reduce air conditioner energy and costs effectively. What are they, let’s learn more!
Inspect and check the envelope of your house!
Envelope consists of doors, windows, ceiling, roof, floors and walls. For improving the energy efficiency, consider weather-stripping, insulation and even radiant barriers. For attic, we can choose R-38 of insulation. We can also use the combination insulation types, particularly such as cellulose with fiberglass. Don’t forget also to consider any exposed ductworks that are located in the attic. They should be also insulated (sealed)! In addition, caulking & weather-stripping also can be effective idea to reduce either cooling or heating costs.
Consider the windows & doors!
Like written before caulking is also nice option to reduce the energy bill, but you should inspect first about hidden cracks before caulking the windows. Windows that face to the sunlight are beneficial for the heating season but this situation is not good for the cooling season. So, it is better to prevent the sunlight before it hits the window and door. You can use reflective blinds or exterior shading!
Reduce the heat naturally!
One of popular options for natural shading is by optimizing the function of trees. They can create deciduous that can be effective option to give an optimal natural shading during summer season. For similar advantage, you can also try considering removable exterior awning!
Take a look at the attics, especially some of them that are ventilated yet. Unventilated attics also can be a serious factor to make the unit work more hardly that eventually will consume higher energy, especially for portable fan units. Therefore, they should be ventilated by getting adequate openings along the low side of the attic, like in soffits as well as for exhaust (openings along the high side of the roof). For a whole-home fan, additional attic is needed. Read also about how to cool and beat the heat without using air conditioner.
Concern to other home appliances!
Bad performance of other home appliances can add the cooling load. So, it’s better to check them periodically if you seriously want to reduce your air conditioner costs:
- It is better to clean the condenser coils of refrigerator at least twice annually. Don’t forget to check the gasket and make sure it is still in good condition (not worn) or you have to replace it if you find it is worn.
- Consider any appliances that must be vented properly to outdoors, such as cooking range & clothes dryer.
Maintenance is so important!
Whatever the best quality of your air conditioning unit (like Edge Star qualified air conditioner) but if it does not get a proper maintenance then it is going inefficiently and even the machine of the unit will break down early. Therefore, it is so important to give a proper maintenance service to the unit.
Well, there are some components of the unit that can be cleaned or inspected by DIY maintenance option (like air filter) but there are also some components that are too difficult for DIY maintenance. Therefore, consider to sign a contract for the maintenance at least once a year. You can hire a local professional (HVAC service) to make sure your unit get a professional service.
Should you turn off air conditioner or let it run when you leave your home?
The energy required to restart the unit is higher than when the unit is already running and cooling the room. But if you have a plan to leave the room 3.5 hours or more then it is much better to turn off the unit. But if you have a plan to leave the home less than 3.5 hours then you can let the unit run continuously.
And the situation will be better for air conditioner energy reducing cost if you also use a programmable thermostat. Some modern air conditioners are usually already equipped with this feature. It is so useful for user to determine how long the unit will keep running and when it will turn off automatically. This feature also can be used to set a specific hour when the unit will turn on automatically. So you can set the unit to turn automatically 25 to 46 minutes before the expected arrival home.
Read also how to set your portable air conditioning work more efficient!
Tags: reduce air conditioner costs, reduce air conditioner energy