Air conditioning isn’t cheap, but there are ways to save money without sacrificing comfort. To cut costs, you can lower the thermostat or control humidity levels. Open your windows to reduce your home’s humidity level. Depending on your lifestyle, you may also want to lower the temperature. But there is a balance between savings and comfort. Read on to learn some of the best ways to save money and be comfortable in your AC.
Reduce Energy Costs
One way to reduce energy costs in your air conditioner is to use a programmable thermostat. By setting the temperature to stay at a preset level, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds of dollars per year. Additionally, you can save on energy costs by closing cabinet doors and vents in unoccupied rooms. The following are other ways to reduce energy costs in your air conditioner:
The size of your AC unit is a critical factor in its energy consumption. It is important to note that the SEER rating also factors in. The size of your new AC unit must fit the size of your house. A smaller unit will cost less to purchase but will use less energy than a larger one of the same SEER rating. You should also take into account the size of your room when selecting a new air conditioner. Check out the chillwell ac specs here.
Another way to reduce energy costs in your air conditioner is to replace the outdated and inefficient model. Many old air conditioners are oversized and should not be replaced with the same size. To get a proper size, have a professional technician do a load calculation. In addition, choosing the right type of system for your home can cut energy costs. You can buy a packaged air conditioner, which is cheaper to purchase and install, or you can opt for a split system, which has higher SEER ratings.
To reduce summer energy costs, try avoiding heat buildup. Try limiting heat-generating activities, such as cooking and using the oven. When possible, cook outside. It will save you energy costs in the long run. Light-colored fabrics reflect the heat from the sun and help keep your indoor temperature lower. Moreover, you should keep the thermostat at a temperature that is comfortable for you and your family. You may also want to invest in a solar window screen or patio cover to shade your home from the heat of the summer sun.
Control Humidity Levels
To keep your home comfortable, you should control humidity levels in your air conditioning system. High indoor humidity can cause a muggy feeling, lead to mold growth, and even lead to damage to your home’s interior. Excessive moisture can also cause problems within your home, such as fungus, bacteria, and viruses. These contaminants can decrease the quality of air in your home and worsen respiratory conditions for those who suffer from allergies.
Understanding how your HVAC system functions can help you control the humidity levels in your home. In addition to lowering your utility bills, keeping your home at the right levels can also help you maintain the comfort of your home. You might not even realize that there is an issue if the humidity levels in your home are too high or too low, as condensation often forms on windows and mirrors when your air conditioner is running. However, it is possible to lower your utility bills by keeping humidity levels in check.
While the Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend that your home’s humidity level stay between thirty and fifty percent, you may have problems with mold and bacteria growth if your indoor humidity level is higher than this. Likewise, you may experience frequent allergy attacks when your indoor humidity levels are too high or too low. High humidity levels can cause condensation on windows and make rooms feel clammy. Ultimately, controlling humidity levels is about improving your indoor air quality.
In general, your AC should be set to maintain a minimum relative humidity of thirty to forty-five percent. If you have lower levels, you may experience a dry throat and sinus congestion. Your HVAC system may also overwork itself and result in high utility bills. A good humidity control strategy is one that you should implement before the summer season begins. You should aim for less than fifty percent humidity during the hot summer months. Maintaining humidity levels can also help prevent structural damage and respiratory disorders. Proper humidity levels are also important for the health and longevity of your AC and furnace.
Lower Temperature
Many people don’t understand the importance of lowering the temperature to be comfortable in their AC. This is especially true if they are prone to colds. The combination of cooler temperatures and low humidity can make you sick. A good rule of thumb is to reduce the temperature by at least 20 degrees. However, if this is too much, you can install a larger AC unit. Just make sure to consider that a bigger unit won’t dehumidify your home properly.
Everyone has their own preferences for air temperature. Your favorite outfit, metabolism, and level of activity can all influence the temperature of the air you prefer. While many people will benefit from a temperature of about 65 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature as low as 72 degrees can also make you feel uncomfortable. In addition to adults, infants and young children are also susceptible to the hot air and should be kept at a temperature around 68 degrees.
Another way to lower the temperature in your air conditioner is to lower the temperature outside. Outdoor temperatures in the summer are usually higher than 72 degrees, so turning your AC down to that level can reduce your energy costs by 1%. However, keeping your temperature inside your home at 78 degrees can cut your summer electricity bill by 25%. It is important to remember that you still want to be comfortable, but you can do it while keeping your energy costs low.
Open Windows
While ACs are extremely useful in hot weather, there are still some ways to make your home more comfortable. Opening your windows during the day is one way to reduce your air conditioner’s energy bill. However, opening windows at night is risky, as insects and other pests can get in. To prevent these issues, you can buy magnetic window screens or install window screens. Additionally, air conditioners can cause more respiratory problems due to airborne particulates.
Another simple trick to keep your house cool during the day is to open windows when you are not using your AC. When the weather is cool, you can open windows just a few inches to let cool air in. You can also crack one window and open another window across the room. If you find it difficult to open your windows, try cracking it a bit. It will make the entire room feel much cooler. If this method does not work, try opening the windows as much as you can.
Keeping your windows open also gives you more fresh air. During the summer months, people enjoy opening their windows more than they do in winter. You may also want to consider the direction of the wind. If your AC is in the direction of the wind, the air will flow around the window. Experiment with different window sizes and the fan to see which one suits you the best. If the problem persists, you may want to consider adjusting your AC settings to combat the wind.
While it is possible to be comfortable in your home during hot weather by opening your windows, it is important to note that this can be detrimental to your health. While you may be able to breathe freely when the weather is warm outside, you may actually be decreasing the cooling of your home. A study conducted in Florida showed that opening windows for just two minutes a day reduced the risk of respiratory illness and other respiratory problems. This study also compared homes with and without carpets.
Keep Bugs Out
Bugs are uninvited guests and can invade any home through your air conditioning unit. Although your AC system provides adequate protection from outside elements, it can also provide a source of food and water for bugs. If you are looking for ways to keep bugs out of your air conditioning unit, these are a few tips to consider. Keep bugs out of your air conditioner by using a combination of methods. By following the steps below, you can make sure that bugs will never enter your air conditioner again.
If you’re unable to remove bugs from your AC on your own, hire a professional to clean the system for you. Consumer-grade pesticides contain dangerous fumes that can circulate into your breathing air. It’s safer to hire a professional exterminator to remove bugs from your AC and apply natural pesticides. You may also want to invest in an AC inspection from a pest control company every few months.
One of the best ways to keep bugs out of your air conditioner is to cover it with paper towels. This works well if you don’t have a screen, but it’s not perfect. In addition to paper towels, you can also use duct tape to keep the gaps around your AC unit closed. By following these tips, you can keep bugs from entering your air conditioner. There are a number of different ways to keep bugs out of your air conditioner.
Another simple but effective way to keep bugs out of your air conditioning unit is by cleaning your gutters. These gutters are a prime source of food for small insects and cockroaches. You can also keep your gutters clean by using a scoop and a ladder. In addition to cleaning your gutters, you can also clean your air conditioner’s condenser. Roaches like moist, cool environments. You should remove any leaf piles and landscaping that may be blocking the airflow from the condenser.
