Summertime in Utah can be brutally hot, and your air conditioner is one of your best allies in staying cool. However, running your AC all summer long can get expensive, so it’s important to use it wisely. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your air conditioner this summer and maximizing your energy savings.
Determine the Range of Your AC
The first step is to find out what the temperature range is for your air conditioner. This can usually be found in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. Once you know the range, set the thermostat to the highest comfortable setting. For many people, this is around 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Every degree below 78 can add 6-8% to your energy bill.
Take Advantage of a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat will allow you to automatically adjust the temperature based on the time of day and whether anyone is home. This can help you save money by not cooling an empty house.
Set it so that the AC kicks on about an hour before you get home from work or errands. That way, your home will already be cool and comfortable by the time you walk in the door.
Leverage the Use of Ceiling Fans or Floor Fans
Use a ceiling fan or floor fan in conjunction with your air conditioner can go a long way in savings on home cooling costs. Fans can help circulate the cool air and make your home more comfortable without using as much energy.
Upgrade Your Old AC
If you have an older model air conditioner, consider upgrading to a newer, more efficient model. New models can use up to 50% less energy than older models.
Invest in Better Insulation
If your home isn’t well insulated, heat will seep in, making your AC work harder to keep things cool. By upgrading your insulation, you can keep the cool air in and the heat out.
Be Intentional on Conserving Energy
Educate your family and roommates about conserving energy. During the hottest hours of the day, try to keep activity in your home to a minimum. This means turning off lights, closing doors to unused rooms, avoiding using the oven, trying not to open the fridge too often, and keeping blinds and curtains closed. All these activities generate heat, which will make your air conditioner work harder and use more energy.
Consider Sun Exposure
If a room in your house gets a lot of sun exposure, it’s going to be warmer than other rooms. Keep this in mind when setting the temperature and try to use fans or blinds to help keep the room cooler.
Keep Your Air Conditioner Clean and Well-Maintained
Summer is not the time to skimp on AC maintenance and attention. A dirty air conditioner will have to work harder to cool your home, using more energy in the process. Be sure to check and change your air filter every month or two during the summer. Schedule a tune-up for your AC before the start of summer.
Use Natural Ventilation to Your Advantage
Natural ventilation can offer cooling to your home when outside temperatures are lower. Open windows and doors to let in the cooler air at night and early in the morning and close them during the day to trap the cool air inside.
By following these tips, you can stay cool all summer long while saving money on your energy bill. If you have any questions about air conditioning or energy efficiency, contact Parley’s PPM Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today at 801-877-2184 (Utah County) or 801-877-2536 (Draper area) to schedule a consultation.
