When your air conditioner runs efficiently, you save money. The unit consumes less power, but you won’t experience any difference in comfort in your Macon, Georgia, home. You can implement simple tips to increase energy efficiency, lower your utility bill, and extend your AC’s lifespan.
Have Your AC Inspected
Many people neglect to schedule service visits for their HVAC systems until something goes wrong. Regular maintenance, however, can improve your existing AC unit’s energy efficiency. A professional will inspect all the moving parts, add lubrication where necessary, and clean dirty components.
Provide Some Shade
Protecting the exterior component of your AC unit from direct sunlight will actually help it to operate more efficiently. A shade tree or a bank of large shrubs offers the simplest solution to a sunny yard. You can also use other methods such as lattice fences to provide shade. Just ensure that nothing is within two feet of the unit on all sides, or five feet above. Your HVAC technician will need easy access to the unit for maintenance or repair work. These treatments can also disguise your AC unit so it doesn’t become a visual focal point in your outdoor space.
Turn On Fans
A ceiling or box fan doesn’t lower the temperature in your home, but it does make you feel cooler because it helps to circulate the air. Using a fan along with your HVAC system will allow you to set the thermostat to higher temperatures in summer and lower temperatures in winter so that you can conserve energy.
Install Window Treatments
Your windows can actually reduce your AC’s energy efficiency more than you realize. Air can enter through cracks and sunlight can easily heat the indoors via the windows. Cover the glass with blinds, shades, curtains, or other window treatments to reduce solar heat gain. Your AC won’t have to work as hard to keep you comfortable. To improve energy efficiency even more, use dual-sided shades that you can reverse between winter and summer.
You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to improve your existing AC’s energy efficiency. Through routine maintenance and a few inexpensive accessories, you can reduce the amount of power your air conditioner consumes. If you’re concerned about your AC’s performance, call Pruett Air Conditioning at 478-953-4986 to schedule an appointment.
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