Smart Ways to Use Your Air Conditioner in Hot Weather
Keeping the thermostat at the coldest level isn’t required to maintain a cool environment. Aim for a comfortable setting, typically between 75F and 78F. Raising the thermostat by a single degree over 72F may cut your cooling bills by as much as 3%. See, this website has all the info you need to learn about this amazing product.
When you’re not at home, adjust the thermostat a few degrees higher to conserve energy. By generating a breeze, ceiling fans can enhance the coolness of a room, enabling you to increase the thermostat setting slightly while staying comfortable. Fans are designed to cool people, not entire rooms, so power them down when you’re not present to save electricity.
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your AC running efficiently. Replace or clean the air filter every one to two months, particularly during periods of heavy use. When filters are dirty, airflow is reduced, causing the AC to strain and increase energy consumption. This website has all you need to learn more about this topic.
Additionally, schedule annual professional maintenance to check refrigerant levels, clean coils, and ensure the system is in good condition. Leaks in walls, gaps, and inadequate insulation can let cool air escape, causing the AC to overwork. Inspect windows, doors, and ducts for leaks, and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk.
Proper insulation in your attic and walls can also help keep cool air inside, reducing the load on your AC. Sunlight streaming through windows can significantly heat your home. Draw curtains, blinds, or shades during peak sunlight hours to prevent the sun from heating your home.
Consider using blackout curtains or reflective window film to reduce heat gain even further. Heat-producing activities like cooking, dishwashing, or laundry can force your AC to work more intensely. Plan these activities for the cooler hours of early morning or late evening.
Choosing a microwave or outdoor grill rather than the oven can help keep your home cooler. A programmable or smart thermostat allows you to set a cooling schedule that matches your daily routine. Program the thermostat to reduce the temperature before you get home and adjust it higher when you’re out. Just click here and check it out!
Some smart thermostats even learn your habits and adjust settings automatically for maximum efficiency. Ensure that furniture, rugs, or curtains aren’t blocking air vents. When vents are blocked, airflow is restricted, making your AC less efficient.
Keep all vents open, even in unused rooms, to maintain proper air circulation throughout your home. Following these guidelines will allow you to enjoy a cool home without straining your AC or overspending. Using your AC efficiently conserves energy and contributes to environmental protection by lowering your carbon footprint.
