How to Save Energy While Running the Air Conditioner
A portable air conditioner is ideal if only some parts of the home need to be cooled.
During the peak summer months, running the air conditioning is often non-optional, but this also means using substantial energy. There are several steps to save energy when the air conditioner is necessary. Keep the following tips in mind during peak summer months to maintain a lower energy bill.
Lower the AC at night
The same levels of cool air are not necessary at night as they are during the day, as the sun's heat isn't bearing down, and people aren't moving around as much. Consider turning down the air conditioner while sleeping to save on energy costs. Most modern units already have a sleep mode, which lowers the output of the air conditioner based on a timer. Furthermore, some households fare well with just a fan running at night, which uses considerably less energy than an air conditioning unit.
Use portable or window units
A portable air conditioner is ideal if only some parts of the home need to be cooled. If just one room needs air conditioning, consider a window unit. Portable and window units use 50% less energy than larger units when cooling the same area. Of course, if the entire home needs to be cooled, then central air conditioning is most efficient.
Close off the vents
Closing off all of the vents in the lower section of the home is recommended because the basement is generally the coolest part of a home. Cool air naturally sinks to the lower areas of the home and escapes through the vents. When the vents are closed, it forces cool air to cool other home parts.
Rearrange the furniture
Homeowners often do not realize that their furniture can obstruct the flow of their air conditioning. If furniture is not placed correctly, the central air vent could be cooling the back of a chair and not the rest of the room. If rearranging furniture isn't possible, some plastic pieces can be attached to the vents to force the air in a specific direction. However, it's most efficient to move the furniture, even if this is only temporarily for the summer.
Turn on a fan
Many people rely solely on their air conditioners to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature. Fans, however, use less energy than air conditioners and can help circulate the cool air emitted by the air conditioner. This means the air conditioners don't have to be used as much or at a lower setting, which uses less energy.
There are several ways to save energy when running the air conditioner is unavoidable. Consider the different units, various settings, furniture arrangements, and utilizing fans. Sometimes, the summer heat is so unbearable that only the air conditioner can return the home to comfortable temperatures; however, this doesn't have to mean wasting energy unnecessarily. Keep these tips in mind for the hot summer months to maintain a reasonable energy bill.
Just in Case Mechanical offers residential and commercial plumbing, sewer, water softener, electrical, lighting, and HVAC services Lancaster County. Call us today at (717)696-1511.
