Tips to Maximizing an Air Conditioner’s Efficiency - Part 1
The air conditioning unit can work more efficiently if it is clean and free from debris, and the same applies to its outdoor condensing unit.
Summer air conditioning is a must-have in many parts of the country. During the summer, the air conditioner is working the hardest, running non-stop and working double-time. This extra effort reduces a system’s efficiency, resulting in mechanical issues or increased monthly utility bills.
However, the AC doesn’t have to work so hard as there are steps a homeowner can take to ease the reliance on the system. There are several practical ways to maximize the efficiency of an air conditioning unit without increasing the energy consumption or carbon footprint, and that cost nothing to implement.
Keep the outdoor condenser unit clean
The air conditioning unit can work more efficiently if it is clean and free from debris, and the same applies to its outdoor condensing unit. Keeping it clean will prevent it from working double-time, which may cause the energy bills to spike. Additionally, a clean condenser unit will help maintain the peak performance of the air conditioning unit in the long run.
Keep the curtains closed
Natural lighting may indeed help save on energy bills, but when a room is vacant, it’s best to keep these curtains shut during the daytime. Doing so keeps direct sunlight from penetrating a home. The sunlight increases the room’s temperature, making the air conditioning unit double the work needed to keep the space cool.
Keep the units out of direct sunlight
As a rule of thumb, an ideal location for the air conditioning unit is on the north side of the house, as this area is not exposed to direct sunlight. However, if that’s impractical because of the direction the house faces, there are other ways to keep your air conditioning unit from being exposed to direct sunlight.
Protect the outdoor condenser from direct sunlight with shrubs, trees, and other vegetation, remaining mindful that there must be space around the unit to work. Remember, beautiful landscaping can be practical, too.
Avoid using heat-producing appliances during the day
Using the clothes dryer oven or during the hottest hour of the day forces the AC to work harder and draw warm air into other areas of the home, further complicating the situation. Circulating more heat inside the house will signal the air conditioning unit to ramp up its performance. This cycle isn’t practical for an air conditioner’s efficiency.
Some appliances that homeowners can avoid using during the hottest parts of the day include the clothes dryer, oven, and dishwasher.
Keeping a home cool doesn’t necessarily call for additional money spent on energy bills. Homeowners can realize cost savings without being miserably hot by following these practical steps.
In our next blog, “Tips to Maximizing an Air Conditioner’s Efficiency - Part 2,” learn about the benefits of hiring an HVAC technician to check over the system to ensure it’s operating at its maximum efficiency.
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.
