Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Efficiently this Summer
Photo: © Mikhail Dudarev | Veer
Summer temperatures are rising, and so are energy costs. Faced with skyrocketing energy bills, many families are shutting off their air conditioners. But a cool home doesn't have to come at the expense of a family's savings. Here's how to lower your energy bills without sweating through the summer.
Keep the Heat Outside
To lower your energy bills, make sure your home is sealed tight against the outdoor heat. Check to make sure your attic has adequate insulation. If you can see the attic joists, you'll need to add more insulation; aim for a 12- to 15-inch layer. Windows and doors can be drafty areas, so seal up any cracks with caulking and weather stripping. Seal gaps around pipes and ducts on the exterior of your home with a generous application of spray foam. And install foam outlet cover gaskets on all interior electrical outlets that are located on exterior walls, to prevent hot outside air from seeping inside.
Your AC Unit Needs Air Too
Air conditioners consume a lot of energy, but a few simple tricks can help lower their energy consumption. Dirty air filters can compromise the efficiency of an air conditioner, as can direct sunlight on and inadequate air circulation around the unit. Fortunately, these problems are easy to fix. If the filter on your air conditioner (or furnace, if your home has central air) looks dirty, clean it or change it. Shade the area around your air conditioner unit outside. And keep fences, decks, and garden beds away from the unit to allow for air circulation.
Program Your Thermostat to Save on Cooling
A programmable thermostat can also help lower your energy bills. Preprogrammed settings will turn your thermostat up a few degrees during work hours―when you're away from home―and down a few degrees evenings and weekends. Energy Star estimates savings of around $180 a year for families that use the preprogrammed settings.
Look for Duct Leaks
Lastly, seal and insulate your home's ducts. A crack in a duct reduces air flow; since less cool air is reaching the living spaces, your whole home feels warmer. To remedy the problem, use duct sealant to cover over any seams or holes. To further lower your energy bill, insulate any ducts that run through the warmer spaces of your home, like the garage and attic. Wrapping insulation around ducts ensures that the air traveling from the air conditioner to the living spaces remains cool.
If you're on a budget, you don't have to suffer through the heat. These home improvements will lower your energy bills not only this summer, but many summers to come. Most of these improvements will also reduce your heating costs come winter; you and your bank account can be comfortable all year long.
