When the AC is not working efficiently, it causes your electricity bills to go up. According to the Department of Energy, normally, heating and cooling bills are about half of your home’s energy bill. This makes AC the biggest energy expense in an average home. However, there are steps you can take to ensure that your AC is working efficiently and brings down those utility bills. Read on to find out how you can do that.
Ensure The Thermostat is Located Away From Heat-Producing Appliances
Where you have placed your thermostat contributes to the general efficiency of your AC. If it is located in a hot area in your home, like next to a lamp, appliance, or sunny window, it may not gauge the correct temperature of your home. A certified technician is aware of this and will always avoid placing the thermostat anywhere near a significant amount of heat. If you have an old system and it is in a bad spot, consider fixing it. If the AC is an area getting a lot of heat, then it automatically assumes it has to cool a home more than necessary. With time, this results in high cooling costs and chances of premature wear and tear.
Insulate Exposed Ductwork
When you insulate your ducts, they can easily maintain the temperature of the air they are carrying to every room. This allows you to enjoy consistent temperatures throughout. Also, it helps conserve energy as the air gets to your home faster. If there is any leakage, you can use duct sealing tape to fix those leaks. However, ensure that when a technician comes for scheduled maintenance, they check the ductwork, ensuring it is okay.
Replace Dirty Filters
Anytime your air conditioning unit Is not working efficiently, and you call a technician, the first thing they will look at is the air filter. Air filters need to be cleaned and changed regularly, and so this is something you need to do on your own as part of maintenance. When the filters are dirty, there is reduced airflow, meaning your AC will not be efficiently cool or heat your home. Keep an eye on your filters to avoid this issue.
Ensure The Ducts are Clean
The ducts contribute to the distribution of air throughout your house. However, if they are dirty, your AC will not work efficiently, resulting in high energy bills. It is important to schedule regular cleaning with a Nashville air duct cleaning company for improved efficiency.
Investing in Energy-Efficient Equipment
If you are using an old HVAC system, most likely it is not energy efficient, which also means you are dealing with high energy bills. However, by replacing your old AC with a newer model that is energy efficient, you can be sure to get a return on your investment. When buying an AC unit, go for Energy Star-rated models as they are incredibly efficient.
Use these helpful tips to improve your AC efficiency. Also, do not forget about regular maintenance, which not only saves you money but ensures your AC is working well at all times.