5 Ways to Improve the Efficiency of Your Air Conditioner

Using your air conditioning system throughout summer can run up a very large electricity bill. If you're wondering whether you can afford to run your air conditioning system this summer, take a look at these five tips for improving its efficiency.

1. Maintain Your Air Conditioner

When your air conditioner is clogged with dirt and dust, it cannot efficiently circulate cool air throughout your home. Simply taking the filters out of your air conditioner and cleaning or replacing them can make a big difference to its efficiency. However, it's possible that your air conditioner needs a more thorough tune-up, especially if it's making a strange noise, such as rattling or grinding. Don't hesitate to contact an air conditioning installation and maintenance professional, who can diagnose the problem with your system and replace any damaged parts.

2. Don't Block Your AC's Flow

Air conditioners can only efficiently cool your home if they can circulate air around the property. Move furniture away from the unit so it doesn't block the flow of cool air from the machine. This simple step could make a big difference to how hot your home feels.

3. Banish Heat Sources

Even the most efficient air conditioner can only do so much to bring down the temperature of your home. If you allow the sun's rays to beat down on large windows, the indoor temperature could rise faster than your air conditioning unit can cope with. Combat this problem by closing blinds or curtains to reduce the amount of direct sunlight entering your home.

4. Use a Thermostat

If your approach to cooling your home is to turn the air conditioning up to its maximum setting and forget about it until you start feeling chilly, you could be overcooling your home and wasting energy. A better approach is to use a thermostat to set the desired temperature for your home. When the air in the room reaches the optimal temperature, your air conditioner will automatically shut off, saving you money on your energy bills.

5. Insulate Your Home

Insulation not only keeps your home warm in winter; it can also prevent heat from seeping into a cool house in summer. Check the seals around your doors and windows and replace them if you notice any gaps. This will help to stop cool air escaping in summer, which can make it easier to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.