In an ideal world, summer temps would stay moderate, a cool breeze would always be blowing, and you would rarely have to turn on your home’s air conditioner. But we live in Oklahoma, which means at some point that HVAC is going to be working overtime.
The good news: Even with your AC system running, there are ways to maximize your energy efficiency without sacrificing home comfort. Here are four of them.
Clean or replace your air conditioner filters.
A clogged filter can obstruct airflow and reduce the efficiency of your system—and cost you money. According to the Department of Energy, replacing a dirty or clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
Keep your coils clean.
Your AC’s evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over time—especially an outdoor condenser coil. Check and clean your evaporator coil yearly, and make sure that your condenser coil is not near an excess of debris or foliage. This will allow for adequate airflow—and reduced energy usage.
Check your window unit for air leaks.
If you have a window unit, make sure the seal between your air conditioner and window frame is secure and not leaking cool air. Check for leaks on your other windows as well; poorly sealed windows are often the chief culprit of energy leaks.
Get a professional opinion.
A professional technician can inspect your HVAC unit on a deeper level and find and fix problems you might have missed. They’ll check your refrigerant, test for refrigerant and duct leaks, measure airflow, inspect electric terminals, oil motors and check belts, and, most importantly, check the accuracy of your thermostat.