Tips to Save Air Conditioning Energy This Summer

There may be nothing better on a summer’s day than to come in from the hot weather, thirsty and sweaty, to a nice cool building. Air conditioning has become a lifeline for so many in the summer who cannot stand the heat. Unfortunately, your air conditioner uses a lot of energy, and can be quite costly. Here are some tips to keep your energy consumption low this summer.

Seal and Insulate

Make sure your building is well insulated, and seal any spots where air from the outside can get in. If hot air is coming in, then your HVAC system will have to work harder to cool down the building, which will cost you money. Your entire building should be well insulated as well, to keep the heat out and the cool in.

Use a Fan and Shades

Yes, a traditional fan can save energy. A standing fan or a ceiling fan can help circulate the cool air to better cover every spot in the building. On days that are not too hot, you can turn off your AC and use fans to be cooled by their breeze. Shading your windows will also help prevent your building from getting heated up by sunlight like your car does on a hot day.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can be set to only run the air conditioning at certain times of day when it is most needed, or to maintain a certain temperature. You can set it to a slightly higher temperature than what you originally want, as well. Instead of setting it low to get an immediate blast of cold air, set it a bit higher. You’ll cool more slowly, but you will not work your AC system as hard.

Use A Swamp Cooler

A swamp cooler evaporates water in the air, so that the area cools. It uses much less energy than a compressed air AC system. The windows should be left open for this method.

Maintain Your Filters

Your filters can get clogged with all sorts of debris, so make sure you change them regularly, especially if you have pets. The less airflow there is because of a clogged filter, the harder your AC unit will work.

Do not let your energy costs get out of control this summer. Save energy with these helpful tips.