When the heat of summer is at its peak, we really work our air conditioners overtime to keep everyone in our homes cool and comfortable. Unfortunately, the AC is one of the most expensive appliances in the home to run. Even the newest and most energy efficient AC systems cost a pretty penny to operate. For that reason, running the AC at maximum efficiency is a top priority for anyone who wants to save money on their utility bills. Here are the top three ways to get your AC to run at optimum efficiency and help you keep from overheating when the electricity bill arrives.
1. Programmable Thermostats
Everyone does their best to make sure their thermostat is set at a setting that turns the AC off when they don’t need it and turns it on when they do. Of course, this is dependent on one’s own personal comfort level. But more importantly, your optimal thermostat setting will depend on the weather. If there’s one constant when it comes to weather, it’s always changing. A programmable thermostat, or smart thermostat, will keep your home at a comfortable temperature no matter what the local climate is doing. That means, there’s far less chance that the AC will run when it shouldn’t.
2. Clean Your Drain Line
That little PVC pipe that drains water while your AC is running is more important than you might think. It removes water from the condensation which your AC removes heat from your home. If that line is clogged, your AC’s ability to drain the heat from your home will be hindered drastically. Therefore, keeping it clean and clear will have a positive effect on your electricity bill.
3. Optimize Your Whole Home
The overall comfort of your home isn’t just up to your AC to handle. There are a number of ways you can optimize your home to take some of the pressure off of your AC system. One way is to keep light from heating your home via heavily sun-exposed windows. Hedges, blinds, and other covering methods to shade sun-exposed windows can make a big difference. Sealing cracks and gaps in windows, around doors and vents is another important task to seal in treated air. Shading the most sun-exposed part of your home’s exterior is one of the best ways to keep cool.
To learn more about energy-efficient AC systems, contact the Fort Collins, Colorado AC experts at Allen Service Plumbing Heating and Air. We’ll help you get the most out of your AC without breaking the bank!