The summer season is known to significantly strain air conditioning systems, leading to high energy bills and a negative environmental impact. In this article, we will explore the top 5 energy-draining habits to avoid during summer with your air conditioning system. So, let’s dive into these tips and see how you can make your home more energy-efficient during summer.
- Neglecting Regular Maintenance
It is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make regarding air conditioning systems. Regular maintenance ensures your air conditioning system runs efficiently, effectively, and sustainably. Failure to maintain your air conditioning system can lead to problems such as decreased efficiency, increased energy consumption, higher energy bills, and even system breakdowns.
Homeowners may need help with common maintenance issues, such as dirty air filters, low refrigerant levels, and worn-out components. These issues can significantly impact the efficiency and lifespan of your air conditioning system. Therefore, it’s essential to schedule regular maintenance with a qualified HVAC technician to prevent and resolve these issues.
During regular maintenance, an HVAC technician will inspect, clean, and tune up your air conditioning system to ensure it runs optimally. They will also check the refrigerant levels, clean the coils, inspect the electrical components, and check the thermostat settings.
- Setting The Thermostat Too Low
It is a mistake that can significantly impact your energy bills and the efficiency of the air conditioning system. While setting your thermostat at a lower temperature to cool your home quickly may be tempting, it can cause your air conditioning system to work harder than necessary, leading to higher energy consumption and costs.
It is suggested to set your thermostat at an optimal temperature, typically between 72°F and 78°F. This temperature range provides a comfortable environment while minimizing energy consumption. In addition, using a programmable thermostat can help you save even more energy and money by allowing you to schedule temperature adjustments based on your daily routine.
You can set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you’re away from home to reduce energy consumption and costs. You can save up to 10% on your energy bills by setting your thermostat to a higher temperature.
Also, consider using fans to circulate the air, which can make the air feel cooler and reduce the need for air conditioning.
- Open Windows And Doors
Keeping windows and doors open during summer can cause your air conditioning system to work harder than necessary, leading to higher energy consumption and costs. Open windows and doors can allow warm air to enter your home, increasing the temperature and making your air conditioning system work harder to cool your home.
Sealing your windows and doors properly is recommended to optimize your air conditioning system’s efficiency. Check for gaps or cracks around your windows and doors and seal them using weatherstripping or caulk. Proper insulation can also help prevent warm air from entering your home, keeping your home cool and comfortable.
In addition, consider using shades or blinds to block out sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Sunlight can increase the temperature in your home, causing your air conditioning system to work harder to cool your home. By blocking out sunlight, you can reduce the need for air conditioning and save energy and money.
- Using Inefficient Air Filters
Air filters ensure that your air conditioning system operates efficiently and sustainably. Air filters remove dust, dirt, and other particles from the air, preventing them from clogging up your air conditioning system’s components. However, inefficient air filters can lead to decreased air quality, increased energy consumption, and higher energy bills.
Inefficient air filters may not capture all the particles in the air, allowing them to accumulate in your air conditioning system’s components, reducing its efficiency and lifespan. Additionally, clogged air filters can cause your air conditioning system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to higher energy consumption and costs.
It’s recommended to select and maintain high-quality air filters. Look for air filters with a high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating, which indicates how effectively the filter captures particles from the air. A higher MERV rating means the filter can capture more particles from the air, resulting in better air quality and a more efficient air conditioning system.
It’s also essential to maintain your air filters regularly. Check your air filters monthly and replace them every three months or as the manufacturer recommends. More frequent filter changes may be necessary for homes with pets or people with allergies or respiratory issues.
Using high-quality air filters can provide several benefits, such as improving indoor air quality, reducing energy consumption and costs, and extending the lifespan of your air conditioning system. High-quality air filters can also help prevent costly repairs and reduce the need for maintenance.
- Selecting The Wrong Size Air Conditioning System
This can lead to several issues, such as decreased energy efficiency, increased energy consumption, and reduced system lifespan. An air conditioning system that is too small for your home will struggle to keep it cool on hot summer days, leading to increased energy consumption and costs as it works harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. On the other hand, an air conditioning system that is too large for your home will cycle on and off frequently, leading to decreased energy efficiency and increased wear and tear on the system.
Working with a qualified HVAC professional is essential to ensure that you select the right size air conditioning system for your home. A professional can perform a load calculation, which considers your home’s size, insulation, orientation, and other factors to determine the correct size air conditioning system for your home.
It’s also important to consider the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating when selecting an air conditioning system. SEER measures an air conditioning system’s efficiency, with higher SEER ratings indicating higher energy efficiency. While air conditioning systems with higher ratings may have a higher upfront cost, they can provide significant energy savings over the long term, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run.