How to Lessen the Load on Your Air Conditioner This Summer?
September 19, 2023
The majority of your energy bill every summer results from running the air conditioner in your Columbus home. With hot air outside and many sources of heat inside, your air conditioner works hard to lower your indoor temperature. Follow these tips for a more efficient air conditioner and a lower utility bill next month.
Use Ceiling Fans
While ceiling fans do not actually lower the temperature in your home, they do create a breeze, which makes you feel cooler. This means you’re less likely to go to your thermostat and crank the temperature lower. Ceiling fans can offset up to four degrees Fahrenheit of cooling required by your air conditioner. Unlike your air conditioner, fans are only effective in occupied rooms, so turn off the fan when you leave the room to prevent using excess energy.
Cover Your Windows
Your windows let in the light-and the heat-put out by the summer sun. Covering windows that receive direct sunlight with shutters, curtains, or blinds keeps the indoor temperature lower, reducing the load on your air conditioner. Options such as outdoor awnings and solar shades can also reduce direct sunlight without sacrificing the view.
Close Some Registers… But Not All!
Closing air registers in unoccupied rooms, such as guest bedrooms and bathrooms, can save energy. However, studies have shown that closing too many air registers, or closing those too close to your air conditioner, can actually increase energy usage and strain on your system. If you do opt to close air registers, closing registers in rooms that are at the end of the duct line is more efficient and puts less stress on your forced air system. Avoid closing more than 60% of your registers, as this can also increase air pressure and strain on your A/C.
Maintain Your HVAC System
Regular maintenance of your furnace, air conditioner, and ductwork is essential for your Columbus home. If your HVAC components are dirty, clogged, or leaking, your system must work harder to cool and circulate air. Have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned by a professional once a year. This prevents dirt, debris, and damage from building up and affecting your air conditioner’s performance.
If you’d like to learn more about maintaining a cool, energy-efficient home this summer, check out Columbus/Worthington Air’s Learning Center page for more information. You can find more heating and cooling information, as well as a full list of our HVAC services in Columbus, by visiting our website.