How to Increase Air Conditioner Efficiency

A high-efficiency air conditioner keeps your home cool while at the same time using less energy and costing you less money. Over time, however, issues can develop that decrease air conditioner efficiency and drive up your cooling costs. Here are a few steps you can take to boost A/C efficiency, reduce energy usage, and trim your monthly bills.

• Have preventive maintenance performed — A preventive maintenance check-up gives your trusted HVAC professional to opportunity to inspect your cooling system from end to end. He will make adjustments and minor repairs that will increase efficiency and performance quality. Maintenance should be done at least once a year, usually in the springtime before cooling season sets in.

• Change air filters — Dirty, clogged air filters can restrict the air flow your cooling system needs to work properly and at its best level of efficiency. Check filter condition at least once a month. Put new, fresh filters in when the old ones get dirty.

• Cut down on heat gain — Heat gain is the accumulation of heat inside your home from external sources. These include sunshine coming through windows, heat from appliances, and heat radiating downward from a hot attic. To avoid sunshine, close drapes and curtains. Avoid running ovens and clothes dryers at the hottest times of day. Make sure your attic is well ventilated and insulated to keep it cool.

• Use a programmable thermostat — Programmable thermostats help you get the best efficiency from your air conditioner. Use pre-programmed set points to control when the air conditioner turns off and on. Program the thermostat to reduce cooling when you're not at home, such as during the workday, then automatically increase cooling to make your living spaces comfortable when you get back.

• Seal ductwork to stop air leaks — Make sure ductwork connections are fitted tightly together and that they are sealed with mastic or metal tape.

Air Assurance is Tulsa's leading choice for professional HVAC sales, installation, maintenance, and repair. Contact us today for more information on air conditioner efficiency and how to keep your cooling system working at its best throughout the summer and beyond.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Juergen-Faelchle/Shutterstock”

Summer Heat Gain and How It Wrecks Your Cooling Efforts

Broken Arrow's scorching summer heat requires heavy use of air conditioning to keep you comfortable. As a result, your cooling bills are probably much higher than you'd like. Preventing heat gain is a major factor when it comes to decreasing the cooling load of your system. Heat gain refers to anything that heats up your rooms in the summer, such as heat-generating appliances, air leaks, and solar energy that strikes your home's exterior.Heat gain increases the cooling load of your air conditioning system, which must then run overtime to keep you comfortable. This leads to more wear on your heat pump or A/C and increases your energy bills. Combating summertime heat gain is essential for comfort, optimum system performance and lowering your cooling costs. Here are some ways to beat the extra heat that infiltrates your home when temperatures soar.Treat WindowsInstall awnings over windows that are exposed to direct sunlight to help shade them from the sun's energy. Plant bushes or trees in front of them to further decrease the warming effects of sunlight. Keep your interior window shades closed during the day.Paint the ExteriorDark home exteriors absorb more heat than light colors. When you're ready to paint, choose lighter pastels to reflect more sunlight and keep your rooms cooler.Shore Up InsulationInsulation in your attic blocks heat from entering your home and helps keep your rooms cooler. You should have 15 inches of R-38 insulation in your attic, as well as adequate ventilation to control the temperatures in your home.Seal Air LeaksKeep warm air out of your home. Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows, service entrances, and pipes that penetrate exterior walls.Use Appliances WiselyAvoid using heat-generating appliances like your stove and clothes dryer when the sun is beating down on your home. Instead, do your cooking and cleaning early in the morning or later in the evening.For more advice about combating heat gain, please feel free to contact us in the Broken Arrow area at Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Jane Kelly/Shutterstock”