Air conditioning can turn out to be one of the most expensive utilities in your home. This is especially during extreme weather conditions such as during the summer period. Getting high energy bills every month can be frustrating for a homeowner. However, the amount of money that you spend on this will depend on the condition in which your AC unit is functioning in. It is therefore important that you take the necessary steps to boost the efficiency of your system. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your air conditioner and at a lesser cost.

Change Your Air Filters

One of the most basic AC maintenance tasks that should not miss in your routine is the replacement of air filters. These filters’ function is to trap dust and other dirt particles to prevent them from entering the AC unit. If not monitored, this dirt can accumulate and eventually clog the air filters. Lack of proper airflow as a result of this will be strenuous to the system causing it to use up more energy. To avoid this, you should frequently check the air filters and change them when necessary or as advised by the manufacturer.

Keep All Indoor Vents Clear

Your AC unit relies on proper airflow to supply hot or cold air into your home through the vents. These indoor vents however are susceptible to the buildup of dust and other debris. This may block the vents and prevent the air from the unit to flow freely into the house. As the system struggles to push air through these vents, it will have to work harder and increase its energy use. You should ensure that you are regularly cleaning and vacuuming the vents to avoid this.

Similarly, all the supply vents in your home should be kept clear. This means not obstructing the vents by placing items around them or intentionally blocking vents in the rooms that are not in use. This will work against the system, causing it to struggle and reduce its efficiency.

Clean and Shade the Outdoor Condensing Unit

The outdoor condensing unit tends to be exposed which makes it prone to accumulation of outdoor dust and debris around it which can obstruct airflow. You should educate yourself on ways to properly clean the outdoor cleansing unit and take some time to do so and keep it free from dirt. Once in a while, you should get a professional to help you with an in-depth cleaning.

Direct exposure to sunlight can also cause the unit to heat up making it to use up more energy to cool the home. Hence, you should add some shade to the unit either by using a cover or plants to help increase its efficiency.

Watch Where You Place the Thermostat

How you go about your AC installation will also determine its efficiency in the long run. For instance, placing the thermostat next to a window that faces direct sunlight may cause the thermostat to sense more heat that there actually is. You should also place it away from heat-producing appliances such as lamps. This will cause the thermostat to presume that the house is warmer than it is. The AC unit will then end up working more to produce more conditioned air than is required.

Insulation

Proper insulation is key when it comes to maintaining high levels of efficiency for your AC unit. Exposed ductwork will cause you to lose some of your conditioned air. This makes the AC run longer to condition your home leading to an increase in energy consumption. Duct insulation material should therefore be used to cover up the ductwork. The areas in your home should also be properly insulated to prevent heat loss. This is especially the attic which has an impact on the temperatures of your home.

Close Curtains and Blinds

When direct sun rays enter through the window, they cause the interior of your home to heat up further. Keeping your blinds and curtains closed on hot sunny days will help to minimize this heat. This way, the unit will not have to work more to maintain favorable temperatures in your home. Solar shade screens instead can help you maintain proper lighting while still blocking out the sun’s rays.

Once you invest in an AC installation, you do not then have to keep on paying expensive energy bills. You can follow tips to help you reduce the energy consumption of your AC. Running your unit efficiently will not just reduce your bills, but it will also boost the life of your system.