For most homeowners, running the central AC accounts for nearly 45 percent of energy expenses. Properly maintaining the AC unit is the best way to reduce energy bills and prolong the life of the unit. Here are a few tips to cut costs on running the AC system.
- Cool the Home with Fans: Try to cool the house with a fan instead of running the air conditioning. Ceiling fans or whole house fans work well.
- Check the Thermostat:Make sure the thermostat is set to a reasonable temperature. Consider reducing AC use when you are asleep or at work.
- Vary the Fan Speed: Reduce your fan speed on a humid day. Increase the speed on non-humid days.
- AC Unit Location:Make sure the unit is in a shady place. In doing so, you will reduce energy costs by as much as 10 percent. It should be in a location that does not block airflow.
- Turn it Off! Be sure to turn off the AC when you leave the house or room. If you reduce your use of the unit, you can save up to 20 percent of your energy costs.
- Choose the Right Unit: Bigger is not always better. Smaller units are easier to maintain and use less energy than bigger units. Check the packaging and information to see how much air it can cool and select based on the size of your home. Consider getting a portable air conditioning unit, which will be more economical if you stay in one area of the house.
Take advantage of these tips and start saving now on your home cooling costs!