Your air conditioner is a fairly energy-intensive appliance. Several factors affect its power usage. If not appropriately addressed, these factors cause you to use too much AC power and spend more than necessary on your electricity bill. Here's a closer look at why your air-conditioning system may be using too much electricity and what you can do about it.
Dirty Filters
Air filters heavily clogged with debris cause airflow problems and make your air conditioner work harder than necessary. An AC unit working overly hard uses more electricity. HVAC professionals recommend cleaning or replacing air filters at least once monthly during the cooling season.
Temperature Settings
Setting your air conditioner too low or constantly altering the temperature during the day leads to higher power usage. Maintain consistent temperature settings to improve AC efficiency. You can also enjoy bigger savings on utility bills by adjusting to higher settings. Each degree you raise your thermostat can save up to 3% off AC costs.
Cooling an Empty Home
Letting your air conditioner run as usual when your home is empty wastes energy and money. You can set the AC temperature based on your family's regular schedule with a programmable thermostat. Program the thermostat to raise the temperature while nobody's home to save energy and money.
Open Windows
Leaving windows open while your air conditioner is running allows cool indoor air to escape. As a result, your air conditioner is forced to work harder to compensate for the lost air, using too much AC power and wasting energy. Keep windows and doors closed when the air conditioner is running. If you plan to leave your windows and doors open, turn your air conditioner off.
Neglecting Routine Maintenance
Failing to perform regular maintenance on your AC unit can lead to several problems that decrease its efficiency and lead to it using too much AC power. Proper AC maintenance maximizes the unit's operating efficiency and prolongs its life span. It's best to have your unit professionally serviced at least once or twice a year.
By taking the necessary steps to avoid using too much AC power, you can stay comfortable without crushing your electricity budget. Contact us at Air Assurance if you need routine maintenance, repair, or any other AC services in the Broken Arrow area.