Are you under the impression that you can either lower cooling costs in your Columbus home or enjoy comfortable A/C this summer, but you can’t do both? You can do both, though, if you improve A/C efficiency.
Change Your Habits
Improve A/C efficiency by making a few changes your A/C usage:
- Use open windows and ceiling fans in occupied rooms. Use the A/C only when ventilation doesn’t sufficiently cool.
- Set the programmable thermostat 10 degrees higher when the home is empty or everyone is asleep.
- Keep all doors and windows closed when the A/C is on.
- Run humidity-generating hot-water appliances in the evening or, with delay settings, overnight.
- Shower with the exhaust fan on.
Use Alternatives
Ceiling fans use less energy than air conditioners. Improve A/C efficiency by using ceiling fans with the A/C temperature at 78 degrees. The evaporative cooling that a gentle breeze provides on your skin will keep you as cool as having the air conditioner set lower. For each degree you raise the programmable thermostat, you save between 3 percent and 5 percent on cooling costs.
Keep It Clean
Clean or replace the air filter every month. This is particularly important if anyone in your Columbus area home suffers from allergies or respiratory issues.
Go With a Pro
One of the easiest ways to improve A/C efficiency is to contact your reliable HVAC contractor to get your central air conditioner serviced, inspected and cleaned every year. The technician will:
- Check refrigerant charge and adjust, improving system efficiency by as much as 20 percent.
- Optimize airflow over the system’s indoor coil, which can improve efficiency by five to 10 percent.
- Clean and lubricate motors, inspect belts for wear, and check for air leaks.
For additional help lowering your Columbus home’s cooling costs while improving A/C efficiency, contact us at Indoor Solutions, Inc.
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