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6 Wonderful Ideas that will Help You Manage Your AC Costs

08/15/2015

Do you want to feel nice, cool and comfortable in high summer temperatures inside of your own home and save on your electricity bills? The following ideas will come in handy while you try to manage your air conditioning energy costs:

1.      Minimize the use of your AC unit

When the weather allows, don’t use your AC. Use vents or fans instead.

While turning your AC on, keep all doors and windows closed and make sure all duct work is well insulated so that outside air doesn’t enter your home. You overload your AC if it has to process hot moisture-filled air from the outside.

2.      Set your thermostat a degree higher

Total dependency on AC systems may be reduced if you have fans (especially ceiling ones) helping in air cooling. Then raising your thermostat by only one degree will save you up to 5% on your energy bill.

3.      Reduce humidity

Lower humidity provides more comfort for you at higher temperatures during the hot season of the year. Being a dehumidifier, your AC unit shouldn’t be overloaded by processing moisture saturated air. To avoid high humidity levels at home, do the following:

  • Turn the exhaust fan on while taking a shower.
  • Have your clothes dryer outlet lead outside of your house.
  • When you water plants, most of that water ends up in the air, so try to take your plants outside in summer.

4.      Have your AC inspected and maintained regularly

Routine maintenance is required for ACs to operate at maximum efficiency.

  • Clean the filter on AC units every month.
  • The condenser should be cleaned by an AC professional every 2 years.
  • Central AC units should be professionally serviced every 2-3 years. Refrigerant charge and temperature difference between intake and outflow are two main items to check.

Since such maintenance is not a DIY project, it will be wise to contact a qualified AC technician like the one from OC Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning to do the job.

5.      Shade your AC unit

The outside part of your central AC unit should be located in a shaded, well-ventilated place. The best location is under trees or tall bushes on the north side of your house. Don’t get bushes too close since they can obstruct the air flow. This task may be difficult to complete when you deal with window AC units, but if you can manage it, do it.

6.      Turn your AC off

Don’t leave your AC unit powered on throughout winter, this wastes energy and money. Switch the unit off entirely, or turn off its circuit breaker. A day before you start using your AC again restore power, this will help not to damage the unit.

At Brea/Orange County Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning we can offer you more great ideas on managing your AC unit as well as energy costs. Contact us for more information.

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