As temperatures rise, so can the cost of keeping comfortable. Yet, with a few savvy strategies, you can enhance your AC’s performance, reduce energy consumption, and create an eco-friendly home environment. Whether you want to optimize an existing system or make smarter choices daily, let’s explore some top energy efficient cooling hacks!
To learn more about these hacks and how you can improve energy efficiency and comfort in your home this summer, contact the heating and air conditioning experts at Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis. Serving the area since 1950, we can provide expert service, installation, and repairs for St. Louis area air conditioners.
Setting the Ideal Temperature for Energy Efficient Cooling
Recommended Temperature Settings
To balance comfort with energy efficiency, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) when you are home and need cooling. When you are away or asleep, increasing the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees can save you as much as 10% on your annual heating and cooling costs.
Utilizing Programmable Thermostats
By setting your programmable thermostat to automatically increase the temperature when you’re not at home and decrease it when you return, you ensure efficient cooling tailored to your lifestyle.
Regular Maintenance Tips for Energy Efficient Cooling
Ensuring proper maintenance is another key step towards ensuring your air conditioner runs efficiently all season. Some steps and HVAC hacks for reducing your energy bills include:
- Cleaning or Replacing Filters: One of the simplest yet most effective maintenance tasks is to keep the AC filters clean. Dirty filters restrict airflow and make the system work harder, increasing energy consumption. Check your filters monthly and clean or replace them as needed. This can reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
- Checking for Leaks or Blockages: Ensure that the seals around your air conditioning unit, windows, and doors are leak-free. Also, inspect the ductwork for leaks and use foil tape or duct sealant to fix any breaches. Clear any debris or blockage from around the unit and its vents to ensure optimal performance.
- Scheduling Professional Tune-ups: Your AC needs regular servicing to run efficiently and optimize AC performance. Schedule a professional tune-up annually, preferably before the cooling season begins. This service should include checking the coolant levels, mechanical components, and overall system operation. Galmiche & Sons offers cost-effective scheduled maintenance plans to help you keep your unit in top working condition with regular maintenance service.
Maximizing Airflow for Energy Efficient Cooling
Positioning Furniture for Optimal Airflow
Check that furniture or large objects are not blocking your vents. Properly positioned vents promote a more even distribution of cool air and help prevent your AC from overworking. Ensure that vents are unrestricted to allow free air movement throughout the room.
Utilizing Fans to Circulate Air
Fans can be a great support to your AC by distributing the cooled air more evenly throughout your home. Using ceiling or oscillating fans allows you to raise the thermostat setting up to 4°F with no reduction in comfort. This dual-action can reduce your energy usage and extend the life of your AC.
Closing Blinds or Curtains During the Day
Sunlight streaming through windows can significantly increase the temperature inside your home. By keeping blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day, you can reduce the heat gain, allowing your AC to work less strenuously and more efficiently.
Incorporating Smart Technology
Smart Thermostats for Energy Efficient Cooling
Smart thermostats adjust the temperature based on your schedule and preferences, ensuring your home is cool when you need it and conserving energy when you don’t. Many models learn your habits over time, making adjustments that perfectly fit your lifestyle without any extra effort on your part.
Monitoring Energy Usage with Smart Devices
Devices like energy monitors connect to your electrical system and provide real-time data on the energy usage of your AC and other appliances. By understanding which devices are using the most energy, you can make informed decisions about how to reduce consumption.
Learn How Galmiche & Sons Can Optimize Your AC Efficiency
Every small action can lead to significant savings. From maintaining your AC properly to integrating smart thermostat controls, these cooling hacks will not only lower your energy bills but also enhance the sustainability of your living environment. Contact us today for more energy efficient cooling hacks.
