As the summer heat increases, most of us turn to our trusty air conditioners to provide us with much needed relief. However, frequent use of our air conditioning can greatly increase our energy bills. But don’t worry, there are ways to stay cool without breaking the bank. Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning would like to explore how you can maximize your air conditioner’s energy efficiency and save on your summer bills.

AC Energy Efficiency

Understanding what energy efficiency means is important to know how to ensure your air conditioner is running at its best performance. In the context of air conditioners, energy efficiency is the ratio of cooling provided to energy consumed. The more cooling an air conditioner provides for a given amount of energy, the more energy efficient it is. A unit’s efficiency is often shown through its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. Higher SEER ratings indicate more efficient air conditioners, but they are just one piece of the puzzle. Even the highest rated equipment won’t perform at peak efficiency if it is not used and maintained correctly.

What is the Cheapest Way to Run an Air Conditioner?

Following are some simple tips to help you increase your air conditioner’s energy efficiency and save on those summer energy bills:
Regular AC Maintenance: An air conditioning system needs regular tune-ups to maintain their efficiency. This includes cleaning or replacing filters, checking for refrigerant leaks, inspecting and cleaning coils, and ensuring that fans and compressors are working correctly. A properly maintained air conditioner can greatly help lower your energy consumption.
Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature determined by the schedule you put in place. A programmable thermostat can help reduce energy consumption when you are not at home. For example, you can set the thermostat to a higher temperature when you’re away and have it cool down your home shortly before you return.
Cover Windows: Using blinds, curtains, or other window coverings can keep the heat from entering your home through the windows. As simple as covering windows may seem, it reduces the amount of work your air conditioner needs to do to cool your home.
Improve Home’s Insulation: Proper insulation can help keep the heat out and the cool air in, reducing the amount of work on your air conditioner. Insulating includes sealing cracks around windows and doors, insulating attics and walls, and even choosing insulating roofing materials.
Fans to Circulate Air: Ceiling fans and portable fans can help distribute the cool air more evenly throughout your home, allowing you to raise the thermostat a few degrees without compromising comfort.
Avoid creating Heat During Peak Hours: Activities like cooking or running the dryer generate heat, making your air conditioner work harder. Try doing these activities during cooler parts of the day or in the evening.

Central Air Conditioner Maintenance, Repairs, Replacement, Emergency Repairs & More in Springfield, Granby, Holyoke, South Hadley, Monson, Chicopee & Agawam, Massachusetts

Staying cool during the summer doesn’t have to come with a huge energy bill you must pay. With regular maintenance and along with a few home improvements, you can reduce your air conditioner’s energy efficiency and save money. As the summer temperatures rise, remember these basic tips to keep your energy bills low. For HVAC services, contact Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning today.