Summer is right around the corner, and chances are your air conditioner is going to be up and running throughout the day. While this means living comfortably in your home, be prepared to see a spike in your electricity bill as well. In fact, did you know that the air conditioner often accounts for the major part of your utility bill? 

Don’t panic thinking about the high electricity bills you will incur. We have good news. The best way to cut down on those bills is to ensure your air conditioner is working at its highest efficiency. 

Here are eight smart measures you can take if you’re wondering how to run your air conditioner more efficiently: 

Clean Outdoor Condenser Unit 

Take a look at your air conditioner’s outdoor condenser unit. Chances are it is covered in dirt and debris. You can’t expect your air conditioner to work efficiently if it is clogged with dirt and garbage. Especially as that results in decreased cooling capacity, reduced life expectancy, and a larger use of energy. 

Start by turning the power off, then take the outer case off, clean the fan, and brush away the dirt from the coils. Clean the air conditioner’s outdoor unit regularly so that it continues to be efficient. 

Vacuum Indoor Vents 

Just as the outdoor unit gets dirty over time, so do the indoor vents of the air conditioner. This can hinder its smooth functioning. 

In order to maintain a steady airflow, you need to ensure the vents are devoid of any dirt, dust, and debris. This practice of keeping air ducts clean also helps prevent contaminated air from being circulated throughout your house. 

A high-powered vacuum cleaner is all you need to clean the vents. Just make sure you don’t tamper with the internal ductwork, and clean indoor vents will ensure optimized performance. 

Keep Curtains Closed 

When your house receives direct sunlight, it’s likely to heat up more quickly, which affects the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. This leads to your air conditioner spending more energy than it should to cool the house. So it’s a good idea to keep the curtains and windows closed when no one is at home or when the sun is shining directly on your window. This keeps the heat out and maximizes cooling. 

Raise Thermostat Temperature 

You might think lowering the thermostat temperature will cool the house faster, but you are mistaken. In fact, if you want to ensure your air conditioner runs efficiently, you should raise the temperature by a few degrees. This saves energy and lowers your utility bill. 

A few degrees higher isn’t as intolerable as you think. In fact, you’ll be surprised to see how your body quickly acclimates to the warmer temperature, and before you know it, you’re comfortable in that setting. 

Insulate Exposed Ductwork 

You are sure to find ductwork running through your basement, attic, and sub-floors. Exposed ductwork is more prone to air leaks, which leads to energy loss and decreased efficiency. This makes insulating exposed ductwork extremely important. 

You can use foil-faced fiberglass insulation to seal and hold the ductwork in place. The foil needs to be free of dust before you install it. This insulation is bound to be subjected to wear and tear over time, so make sure you check it periodically and replace it with new insulation whenever needed. 

Use a Dehumidifier 

If you’re wondering why you tend to feel hot and sticky during summers, it could be due to high humidity levels. Apart from making you feel uncomfortable and giving rise to allergies, high humidity also obstructs the efficient working of your air conditioner. 

How, you ask? When the air is more humid, the air conditioner needs to work extra hard to cool the air and get rid of the moisture. This leads to increased consumption of energy. So it’s a good idea to run a dehumidifier at home, and be sure to empty the water from it on a regular basis. It’ll keep the air drier and help the air conditioner run more efficiently. 

Keep Heat-Emitting Devices Away 

When it comes to running your air conditioner more efficiently, it’s important to note the placement of any heat-emitting devices in your home, such as the furnace, oven, iron, or electric heaters, among others. Keep such devices away from the thermostat, as they might affect the readings. The presence of any heat source might make the air indoors seem hotter than it really is. This results in the air conditioner expending more energy to cool the space. So avoid this situation to keep the air conditioner running efficiently. 

Schedule Routine Checkups 

How often do you get your air conditioner checked? If you can’t remember the last time you called a professional to inspect your air conditioner, you might be in trouble. 

For air conditioners to run efficiently, they need to be well-maintained and serviced regularly. This increases their life span, improves air quality, prevents sudden breakdowns, and enhances efficiency. 

So the next time you’re wondering how to run your air conditioner more efficiently, you should consider contacting a professional HVAC company to conduct a routine checkup. An experienced professional will ensure your HVAC systems are in the best working condition. 

You want technicians that will assess and maintain your air conditioning equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions and the highest industry standards. Just so you get to enjoy the perfect indoor temperatures. Choose one that will also offer solutions that could help reduce your electricity bills and maintain a convenient, energy-efficient home. 

Pick a company that prides themselves on being able to help our customers achieve optimal comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency in their homes and workspaces.