🌬️ How to Boost Your Air Conditioner's Energy Efficiency - Tips & Tricks

Air conditioning systems are seen as a much-needed luxury for the hot summer months in most tropical and subtropical areas. As much as it is indispensable, it's also one of the primary factors that necessitate high energy bills. Unfortunately, if you live in a climate that can easily cause discomfort, then your cooling needs can't be overlooked. However, you can always make your air conditioner more energy efficient, so that it requires less energy to power it up and still be coolant enough at the same time. Here are some tips on making your air conditioning system more energy efficient.

Routine Maintenance

Keeping your air conditioner in good working order is probably the easiest and most effective way to make your system efficient. Make sure the filters, coils, and fins are clean and properly aligned to keep the system operating at peak efficiency. The more dirt that builds up in your system, the less airflow you have, and the harder your system must work. Routinely changing the air conditioner’s filters can cut 5 per cent to 15 per cent off of your system’s energy use.

Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat, if you have one, or a good use of an existing one, can be used to program your air conditioner to work only when needed, like setting the thermostat to a hotter temperature when you’re not around, then turning on the air conditioner about 30 minutes before you return from work; also, keep your temperature setting constant as prescribed (usually 24-25 degrees Celsius) to avoid overcooling and energy wasting.

Keep Airflow Around the Outdoor Condenser Unit Clear

Airflow around the outdoor condenser unit of the air conditioning system is very important. Materials such as leaves and branches prevent the condenser unit from dissipating heat quickly. Remove nearby plants and structures that may block airflow around the A/C system’s outdoor unit. Cleaning the area helps airflow and heat transfer.

Seal Ducts and Insulate

Leaky ductwork can reduce your air conditioning system’s efficiency by as much as 20 per cent. For best results, seal and insulate all the ductwork associated with your air-conditioning system. Pay special attention to those ducts hidden inside your attic or crawl spaces, and seal any holes you encounter.

Use Window Coverings

Solar gain – the increase in a volume temperature from solar radiation – can impact on your indoor temperatures. Closing curtains, blinds or shades can block out solar gain during the peak sun hours, reducing the air-conditioning load and keeping your indoor temperatures cooler.

Put in Energy-Efficient Lighting

Your incandescent light bulbs can heat up your house. Using energy-saving light such as LEDs or CFLs reduces the temperature indoors and reduces the burden on your air conditioner.

Insulate Your Ceiling

Making your home air-tight is energy-efficient and will reduce the amount of work your air conditioner has to do. Adding attic insulation helps maintain cooler air indoors and keeps cool air from escaping. Good insulation greatly reduces the cooling load and increases the efficiency and life of your air conditioner.

Go Green with Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning

If you already have an air conditioner, consider replacing it with an energy-efficient model. Choose a unit with a high EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) – or SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The initial investment will be more but the payback will be in the energy savings over time.

Use Fans to Circulate Air

Ceiling fans or portable fans used in conjunction with your air conditioning circulate air through your rooms. When the fan is running, you can set your air conditioning thermostat a few degrees warmer, and you will still feel comfortable. Use of fans adds minimal cost to your cooling bill, in comparison with use of air conditioners, and can be a great way to improve energy efficiency.

Minimise Heat-Producing Appliances

Try to avoid stovetop cooking and dishwashers during the hottest part of the day. If possible, wait until it cools off in the evening to do these things.

To conclude, you should pay attention to your AC’s energy efficiency in terms of cost and environment. It is worth taking those simple but useful tips to use your AC more efficiently. You will feel better because of a cool enough home without spending much energy which leads to high energy bills. Moreover, you contribute to the global fight for the energy consumption reduction and the environment.