Once the heat of summer arrives in Stockbridge, your air conditioner gets a workout. You depend on it to run well and keep you cool and comfortable in your home. But at what cost? With the summer in full swing, your utility bills rise, and your bank account feels the pinch. So, how do you reduce air-conditioning power consumption without sacrificing comfort? Keep reading for tips from your local heating and air-conditioning pros for reducing power consumption.
Keep the Unit Clean
This is the #1 recommendation from HVAC companies in Stockbridge, GA. When you keep the condenser clean and replace your air conditioner’s filters on a regular schedule, you reduce your energy consumption. The reason your AC unit’s consumption goes down is because it doesn’t have dirt and pollutants clogging it up and causing it to work harder.
Replacing the filters isn’t hard or expensive to do. Most 30-day filters cost less than $5 and easily slide in and out of the unit. Cleaning the outside condenser unit isn’t hard either. All you need is a garden hose to clear away debris such as grass clippings, leaves, and twigs. Make this part of your weekly lawn maintenance routine and hose down the unit after you cut the grass.
Temperature Setting
It’s tempting to lower the temperature in your home when the temperatures soar outside. However, lowering the temperature, especially when you’re not home, works against your air conditioner and its power consumption. Consider installing a smart thermostat that adjusts the temperature in the home based on your movements and habits.
For example, the smart thermostat senses that no one is home between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and keeps the temperature in the home slightly higher. Shortly before you arrive home, the thermostat adjusts and sets the temperature to your ideal comfort level, so your home is comfortable when you walk through the front door. Ask your HVAC contractor about the benefits of installing a smart thermostat and watch your energy bills decrease.
Seal Leaks
Look for gaps between doors and windows and seal these gaps. Any time you have these kinds of gaps in your home, it’s leaking air. When cool air leaks from your home, it means you’re wasting energy and money. Luckily, it’s not hard to seal these gaps. All you need is some caulk to fill most leaks. If you encounter large gaps, consider calling a home contractor to help you with minor construction projects to fix this problem.
Maintain the Ductwork
Leaks don’t just happen around doors and windows. Your ductwork could be the culprit. If you have an older home, the ductwork might need resealing to prevent air from escaping as it makes its way to the vents. Even newer homes can have problems with their ductwork, especially if the unit was installed incorrectly. Anytime you have leaky ducts, you’re wasting energy. Experts recommend having your ductwork checked and cleaned once a year.
New HVAC Installation
Finally, the best way to reduce air conditioner power consumption is to replace old air-conditioning units that need constant HVAC repair. A new HVAC unit works efficiently and saves you money. If you need a new air-conditioning unit installed or want to learn more ways to reduce your AC’s power consumption, call Omega Heating & Air at 404-438-0353.