There are a lot of good reasons to try and keep your air conditioner energy usage in line. Not only is it good for the environment, but it can also majorly reduce your energy bills as well. Plus, there are often rebates and other special programs available for those who take key steps to keep their air conditioner energy usage down. It is also something people look out for when they are inspecting a home’s heating & air conditioning system before purchase, so it helps to keep your HVAC system as energy efficient as possible if you are trying to sell.
How Does Your Air Conditioner Energy Usage Compare
The first step to reducing your AC energy usage is to find out how much energy you are using in the first place. You should be able to see your overall energy usage pretty easily by reviewing your monthly bill, and this can track major changes in energy usage (like the week in summer when you first turn on the AC), but to know how efficient your air conditioner is, you have to get a little more technical.
There are a few different ways to calculate your air conditioner energy usage, as well as calculating your home energy efficiency rating, but overall you are looking at how much energy it takes to cool your home while accounting for the size of the space. A large home, for instance, might efficiently use a lot more energy than a small one, so it is important to account for the size and other factors when calculating air conditioner energy use.
How to Cut Energy Use & Save
With this in mind, you can then start lowering your energy usage in order to find HVAC savings. In addressing a lot of the major energy issues, you will also be helping your HVAC system run better and last longer, which is just another way to save on air conditioning costs. After all, repairs and breakdowns can be expensive.
Here are some of the best ways to cut AC energy usage:
- Make sure your home is well insulated
- Plant shade plants by big windows, or use window coverings
- Keep air ducts and vents free of debris and clean
- Change out dirty air filters
- Use a programmable thermostat to reduce your AC’s running time
- Get regular service and cleaning visits
Of course, the biggest way to reduce your air conditioner energy usage if you find it is far too high and needs a big fix is to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model. Many newer models of air conditioners are much more energy-efficient and could drastically reduce your energy costs over time. If you are not ready for a fully new AC system, retrofitting your current system with more energy-efficient parts can help.
Learn More About Air Conditioner Energy Usage
In St. Louis, the heating & air conditioning experts at Galmiche & Sons can help you assess the energy efficiency of your AC and heating, and we will recommend additional ways to cut down on your air conditioner energy usage as well. To learn more, give us a call or contact us online today!
