Summertime is right around the corner, and this means the air conditioner will be run non-stop. However, as the temperature heats up, the efficiency of your air conditioner drops dramatically. These tips will ease the burden on your home air conditioner and help you save on your energy bills, reducing your carbon footprint in the process.
The Thermostat
While most people leave the air conditioner at the recommended 78 degrees, some go a step further and set the temperature higher. However, try not to lower the temperature below 78 degrees as your air conditioner cools at the same rate. Adjusting its temperature to 70 degrees won’t help your house get to 78 degrees any faster.
The Curtains
Keeping out the direct sunlight from your house with your curtains helps to reduce the amount of work your air conditioner has to do. Maximize cooling by opening the drapes, blinds, or curtains in the evening, which will allow heat to escape through the windows and cool down the room.
The Fans
If you live in temperate to warm climates, fans can provide a comfortable breeze at night, allowing you to set the air conditioner above 78 degrees, saving a great deal of energy. Sometimes, you may have no use for your air conditioner and you may even choose to turn it off. Fans also help move cool air around the house, easing the workload on your air conditioner.
Hot Air
Exhaust fans can help remove hot air from rooms like the kitchen when you’re cooking, helping expel hot air from the house. If your kitchen doesn’t have an exhaust fan, cool the room down by using a floor fan in the kitchen while you cook, as fans can not only cool the air in the room but also move hot air away.
Dehumidifiers
The phrase, “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” is often right. Humidity can make temperatures seem hotter than they are. Invest in a dehumidifier and turn it on when the temperatures rise. These appliances rid your house of humidity, which will make you feel a lot more comfortable. You may even be inclined to set your air conditioner above 78 degrees when using your dehumidifier combined with a fan.
