Best Practices for Air Conditioning Efficiency

 

Air conditioning is the key to a more comfortable summer. As the mercury rises, your AC will work hard to keep you and your family cool – and will require the proper care to keep running efficiently. 

 

Your cooling system is an investment in your comfort. To ensure its longevity and optimal performance, you need to take a proactive approach to its continued function. While entrusting your system's annual check-up to professionals guarantees a trouble-free season, your involvement in regular upkeep elevates your AC's performance even further.

How to Run Your AC Efficiently

Your AC is probably your family’s summer hero. Provide the care it needs to keep you comfortable all summer.

Start with Machine Maintenance

Maintain your AC by having your system checked once a year by professionals. This helps keep your system performing at its peak and avoids breakdowns and expensive repairs – or worse, even more costly replacements – at the time of year when you need your AC the most.

 

In the Maryland, D.C., and Virginia areas, call CroppMetcalfe for expert AC maintenance services year-round. Our 5-star technicians keep your system running smoothly, quietly, and efficiently. 

 

There are a few minor maintenance updates that you can check yourself, too. Clean the evaporator or condensing coils on your air conditioner. Change the filters every three months, or more often if you have pets or allergens coming into your home. If you have window units, remember to clean the removable filters approximately every month while they’re running.

Consider the Location of Your Machine

Do you use a window air conditioner in your home? Single-room air conditioners work at peak efficiency when kept out of direct sunlight. Choose a sturdy window close to an outlet. Avoid installing these devices in a southwest-facing window if possible, and be sure the vents aren’t blocked by furniture, curtains, or rugs—all of which can reduce airflow. 

 

Vent deflectors can help direct and increase the spread of cooled air if you have central air with floor vents.

Check Other Appliances

Your AC isn’t the only appliance in your home. Consider what else is using electricity. Try operating major appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, during cooler parts of the day to generate less heat around the house. This will help your AC run more efficiently as it has less work to cool your home.

 

Close doors and vents when you leave a room to keep the cold air flowing where there are people in the house. Keep blinds and curtains closed on hot days, especially during the brightest hours. Invest in room-darkening or blackout curtains. This insulating step can lower the temperature inside a room by up to 33%.  Your AC unit won’t have to work as hard to maintain cool air. 

 

Does your house feel too dark with the curtains drawn? Switch to LED bulbs in your lamps and lighting fixtures. They’re energy-efficient and run cooler than incandescent lights, saving money on your electric bill and preventing unnecessary wear and tear on your air conditioner.

Try a Programmable Thermostat

Another tip for promoting air conditioning efficiency is to install a programmable thermostat. This allows you to control your home's temperature and set schedules that maximize cooling time when everyone’s around to enjoy it.

 

When you know everyone will be out of the home, like a vacation, or when everyone’s at camp or work, program your thermostat a few degrees higher. Use a timer to turn the thermostat back down an hour or so before everyone comes home. Change the night settings to take some pressure off of your air conditioner.

 

Programmable thermostats don’t have to be confusing! Our air conditioning repair team will happily visit your home and install a new programmable thermostat or help you make sense of your existing model. 

Having Trouble with Air Conditioning Efficiency?

Do you have questions about your air conditioner or HVAC system? Do you need an update? Worried something’s broken? Call HVAC experts CroppMetcalfe or schedule a service appointment online when you need AC repair in the DMV area. Our HVAC service agreements include priority emergency repair service, regular maintenance, and discounts on all repairs.

 

Don’t sweat out another summer! Call CroppMetcalfe today!

---