If you have central air conditioning or a window air conditioning unit, you can save money on your electric bill by following these energy-saving tips this summer:- Replace the filter monthly during the cooling season and have a professional service your system at the beginning of each cooling season. Keeping your filters clean can cut energy consumption 5 to 15%. An annual pre-season check-up by a contractor should include the following:
- Balancing refrigerant levels
- Making sure all electrical components and controls are working properly
- Checking and cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils
- Oiling motors (if applicable)
- Checking the thermostat for functionality
- Checking filters
- Regularly make sure the condensing unit located outside is not covered up or clogged with leaves or debris. The unit needs to breathe, to draw air into the system. Not performing yearly maintenance on air conditioning units results in a 5% loss of efficiency for each year of operation.
- Install a programmable thermostat so you can vary the temperature according to when you're home. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs.
- Plant shade trees and shrubs around your house to help reduce the heat of the sun. Close drapes on the sunny side of your house or install awnings.
- Make sure the cooled air coming from your air conditioning vents is not obstructed by furniture or draperies.
- Turn off lights when not in use. Lights produce heat, which makes your air conditioning system work harder (and cost more). Your computer and other home office equipment also generate heat. Turn them off when not in use.
- Weatherstrip all doors and windows.
One last word of advice in regular air conditioning maintenance is to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed. When cooled air leaks from supply ducts, or when hot air creeps into return ducts, this can lead to wasted energy, and an overworked air conditioner. Your ducts need to be airtight for the most efficient performance from your cooling unit.
About the Author:
Amanda Herron is a Colorado Native born in Denver and raised in southwest Colorado. After graduating from Nucla High School in 2005 she attended Fort Lewis College where she received a BA in Tourism and Resort Management in 2009. In her free time she enjoys making picture collages, playing at the river, reading, playing and watching basketball and anything to do with the Denver Broncos! Prior to becoming the scheduler/dispatcher she served on the first SCC Crew as a WX Technician.
Sources:
“Energy-Saving Air Conditioning Tips.”ecomall.13 April 2011.
Garrett, Doug. “Service Your Air Conditioner for Summer Comfort.” City of Austin Green Builder Program.13 April 2011.
“Heat & Cool Efficiently.”Energy Star. 13 April 2011
To achieve the maximum in total home comfort and energy savings, we recommend that you step back and look at the big picture of energy consumption in your villa. The fact is, your total home comfort and efficiency is the product of many systems: heating, cooling, lighting & electrical, plumbing and possibly others working together.
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