08/04/2020
12 Air Conditioner Tips to Beat the Heat
HVAC worker outside
Regular air conditioner maintenance from an HVAC professional plays an important role in staying cool all summer long.
Follow these tips to keep your A/C unit running efficiently all summer and save money on energy bills.
The hottest days of summer make your air conditioning unit work the hardest. Here are ways to lower utility bills, save energy, increase comfort and maximize efficiency when your A/C needs the most help to keep you cool.
1. Call an HVAC professional
Each central air conditioning unit should be inspected, cleaned and tuned by a licensed, bonded and insured HVAC professional before the hot season begins. A professional tune-up typically costs between $70 and $100.
HVAC filter inside a home system
Check your air filter to ensure peak performance.
2. Check your filters
Check the air filter once per month and replace it as needed. This is especially important during the summer when dust and allergens circulate. If the filter becomes clogged, your system will have to work harder to supply the same amount of cool air.
Replacing filters is one of the easiest and most effective methods of conserving energy and saving money on your HVAC usage. And much like changing the oil in your car, it's a critical step in maintaining your system's long-term health.
Inspect your air conditioning system’s outdoor condenser unit and remove any objects or vegetation within 18 inches of the unit to ensure proper air circulation. (Photo courtesy of Angie& #039;s List member Andrew B. of Boston)
What to Do Before the Air Conditioner Goes On
Follow this checklist before you fire up the AC to keep cool all summer long.
3. Keep your A/C in the shade
Air conditioners with proper shading can run more efficiently. Air in a shaded space is cooler than the surrounding air, meaning the A/C will have an easier time cooling the air.
Fan on a desk
How to Stay Cool in Summer Without A/C
Keep cool in the hot summer months and survive without air conditioning by following these tips.
4. Don’t let your thermostat take the heat
Don’t place lamps, TV sets, or other heat-producing appliances near your thermostat. The thermostat senses the heat causing the air conditioner to run longer than necessary. When installing a new thermostat, don't place it in a location where the sun might shine on it directly.
5. Do touch that dial to save some money
Remember that each degree you dial below 78 increases your energy consumption by about 8 percent. If your monthly electric bill is about $100, you’ll save $8 a month with EACH degree you can stand above 78.
Smart thermostat showing 69 degrees
Smart thermostats help ensure accurate control.
6. Consider a programmed response
If it’s hard to remember to tweak your thermostat before you leave for work, consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat or a timer for your window unit.
7. Is it time to replace your HVAC model?
You may find your old air conditioner is no longer efficient. Consider replacing your unit with an energy-efficient model. They’re usually more expensive but thanks to federal tax credits and competitive prices, the prices are falling, and because they use less energy, you save in the long run, too.
When replacing your A/C, look for a properly sized unit. If you install an A/C that is too large, it will cycle on and off — reducing the efficiency of the system.
caulking a window
Weatherizing prevents cold air loss.
8. Weatherize so you don’t cool the whole neighborhood
You want your cold air to stay in and hot air to stay out. Some basic weatherization steps can prevent air loss when you need cool air the most. Seal air leaks with caulking and weather-stripping. Add insulation around air conditioning ducts.
ceiling fan installed in outdoor patio area
How Much Does Ceiling Fan Installation Cost?
Fan installation costs on average $200, according to Angie's List users. Electricians can charge anywhere between $30 to $70 per hour.
9. Watch the pavement and mind the landscaping
Avoid landscaping with lots of rock, cement, or asphalt on the south or west sides of your home. If it’s not shaded, it will increase the temperature around the house and radiate heat.
HVAC maintenance technician working on a unit
HVAC Service Contracts: A Waste of Money?
Consider the benefits and drawbacks of an extended HVAC maintenance agreement before buying.
10. Look out for debris
Keep plants, shrubs, and other landscaping about 2 to 4 feet away from your outdoor unit to ensure adequate airflow.
ceiling fan with lights, mounted inside a house
Set ceiling fans to counterclockwise to push down cool air.
11. Feel the breeze from your fans
If your home has ceiling fans, switch your ceiling fan to run counterclockwise in the summer. That will push the cool air down. You can run a ceiling fan half the day for about $1.50 a month, compared to $25 for an air conditioner.
HVAC technician inspects air conditioner.
How Much Does Installing New A/C Cost?
Tired of sweating through every hot summer? Learn how you can save money by installing a new energy efficient central A/C unit.
12. Install window film to save energy
A great home improvement idea is to install home window film or tint to the insides of your windows. Not only can it help keep your house cooler in the summer, but also warmer in the winter.
