Many homeowners across the US rely heavily on air conditioning units during the summer months, making them the most used systems in the household. Even though these systems provide much-needed relief from scorching temperatures, they put a dent in the household budget. The good news is that you don't need to know a lot about HVAC to save the most money. You can simply make your home's improve AC efficiency work better, cost less, and even last longer with a residential cooling systems.
This article covers five essential DIY techniques to save energy with AC. We will also share some bonus techniques to help you reduce cooling costs even more.
Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
Fine-tuning the thermostat is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce cooling costs. A two- to three-degree increase in the thermostat temperature when leaving the house or sleeping can significantly reduce energy expenditures.
For optimal performance, consider using a smart or programmable thermostat. These gadgets let you set routines for temperature adjustments and can be operated through smartphone applications. They not only provide easy access but also act as a great energy-efficient cooling solution device that allows your system to operate efficiently.
Seal Air Leaks Around Your Home
Small, unnoticed air leaks have the potential to waste up to 30% of your cooling efficiency. They are often found around door gaps and window frames as well as attic and crawl space ductwork.
Use weather stripping, caulk, or expanding foam to seal any visible gaps. For those who are unsure about where the leaks are originating from, a DIY test using incense smoke or a thermal leak detector can help them. Maintaining proper sealing will lower reduce cooling costs and increase indoor comfort.
Boost Air Circulation with Fans
The role of fans in improving indoor comfort is often ignored, yet they can do wonders. Although they do not lower the temperature in a room, they are great at circulating cool air, which allows you to be comfortable at higher thermostat settings.
Employ portable fans in conjunction with the AC and set ceiling fans to run counterclockwise during the hotter months. This will help circulate cooled air and save energy with AC without compromising comfort.
Block Heat from Sunlight
While direct sunlight brightens your space, it can also lead to heat buildup, which forces your AC to work harder. Windows that receive direct sunlight often make rooms hotter than shaded ones. Using blinds or curtains to block this heat can significantly improve AC efficiency and help maintain a more balanced indoor temperature.
Blackout curtains, reflective window films, or shades can also prevent heat buildup while maintaining privacy and blocking excess sunlight. Shutting these curtains during peak hours (late morning to mid-afternoon) keeps temperatures lower and reduces the need for cooling.
Replace or Clean Air Filters Regularly
Improve the indoor air quality and the overall efficiency of your AC by regularly replacing air filters. This will improve indoor airflow, which is crucial for keeping your space cool.
Over time, air filters get clogged with dust, hair, and other allergens. This forces the AC system to work harder, leading to an imbalance in temperature and excess humidity. As a result, the cool air that should circulate inside your home is replaced with warm, stale air and moisture. Regularly checking your filters is one of the simplest ways to improve AC efficiency and maintain indoor comfort.
Recommended Air Filter Schedule:
- Replace air filters every 30 days during warm seasons.
- Replace it every 60–90 days, or if you have pets or suffer from allergies, replace it more frequently.
Benefit:
Regular filter maintenance helps improve air conditioner performance and lower your energy bills.
Rearrange Furniture for Better Airflow
Obstructed vents are a common but easily fixable issue that improve AC efficiency. Sofas, rugs, and other furnishings often block vents or return registers, which disrupt airflow and require your system to work harder to cool the home.
Do a home walkthrough to check for blocked vents and unblocked return registers. You may be pleasantly surprised by the difference this small change can make to AC efficiency in your entire home. Whether you're optimizing your existing system or planning an upgrade with reliable options like Goodman HVAC products, ensuring proper airflow is a simple yet impactful step.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Cooling Systems
It might be time to upgrade to a new, more energy-efficient model if your current system is more than 10–12 years old. Newer model air conditioners are designed to improve AC efficiency and consume significantly less electricity for the same cooling power, especially those with a higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).
Look for units and systems that are ENERGY STAR® rated and have inverter technology, as these are great energy-efficient cooling solutions that provide long-term savings. While this isn't a DIY solution, it's a smart investment for lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
Limit Indoor Heat Generation
Your air conditioning unit faces additional workload while using appliances like ovens, clothes dryers, and televisions that produce heat. This excess heat can put strain on your entire system, including the air conditioner condenser units. To alleviate the burden placed on your AC unit, minimize the use of heat-generating appliances during peak afternoon hours.
Consider switching to outdoor grills, clothes air-drying, or using heat-generating devices in the early morning or late evening. Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce cooling costs and maintain comfort in your home.
Utilize Zoned Cooling or Smart Room Targeting
If your household tends to gather in only a few rooms, cooling the entire house may be unnecessary. A zoning system or ductless mini-split system allows you to redirect energy precisely where it’s needed most.
This method is highly effective in multi-story homes, and it can be beneficial in guest rooms and home offices. It is a fantastic option for those wondering how to improve air conditioner performance while keeping spending in check.
Final Thoughts
Enhanced comfort and savings don’t always require an entire HVAC system replacement. Strategically, you can:
- Improve AC efficiency
- Save energy with AC.
- Reduce cooling costs
- Extend the life of your residential cooling systems
These minor adjustments can lead to significant improvements in your comfort and finances. Your cooling experience? Contact us for trusted and affordable HVAC solutions and enjoy smarter, more efficient cooling.
Upgrade Your HVAC System with Smart SEER2 Efficiency