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With ever-rising global temperatures, air conditioners have become indispensable for many people.
However, for all the comfort it brings, air conditioner use does account for 46 percent of the energy consumption of an average American home.
We also tend to work our AC systems to the point of shortening their lifespans, especially if we’re in the habit of keeping them on while we’re away.
Considering the cost of buying and installing an air conditioning system, we’d all want the one we have to last for as long as it should. At the same time, we would like our AC unit to be as efficient as possible.
Apart from regular AC maintenance, there are other tips, tricks, and hacks that will help us do just that. Here are some of them.
Smart Curtain Use
When your air conditioning is running full blast in the summer, you can help it do its job by using curtains, blinds, and drapes smartly.
The above window attachments can help keep direct sunlight out during the day. With your curtains, drapes, or blinds down, you can help keep the temperature inside cool and ease your AC’s workload at the same time.
Do Some Tree-planting
Curtains, drapes, and blinds are good at blocking the sunlight coming through the windows, but they can’t do much about the sunlight hitting the roof and walls directly and making your home feel like an oven.
If your home gets plenty of sunlight, you might want to consider planting trees in strategic spots around the house.
Trees, specifically those with broad leaves, can provide your home with plenty of shade to keep temperatures down, which should help your air conditioning unit out in terms of performance and efficiency.
Keep The Air Filter Clean
Your air conditioning unit’s air filter doesn’t just prevent dust particles, pet dander, and allergens from circulating in your home.
Aside from maintaining good indoor air quality, air filters also protect the internal components of the AC unit itself.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for air filters to accumulate dust and debris to the point of clogging.
Once the air filter is blocked, it will lead to poor airflow, which will force your AC unit to work harder and longer just to keep you comfortable.
If you use your AC unit sparingly, cleaning or replacing the air filter every two months would be ideal. For more frequent AC use, a once-a-month replacement should do.
Neglecting regular air filter maintenance can significantly decrease the AC life expectancy. A well-maintained system not only ensures a comfortable environment but also prolongs the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
Wear The Right Clothing Indoors
Some people turn the thermostat way down to keep themselves as cool as possible.
The problem with doing this is that setting lower temperatures means the AC compressor will have to work longer, which leads to higher energy consumption.
You won’t have to do that if you wear appropriate clothing indoors.
Shorts, tank tops, and clothes made of breathable materials like cotton, linen, or jersey help you keep cool.
Wear any of the above indoors, and you can stay comfortable even when the thermostat is at 26 or 27 degrees instead of 18. That much difference translates to considerable energy savings.
Use Fans
When your AC unit is running, you can help it out by turning on fans, which can help cool air circulate throughout your house.
While any type of fan is acceptable, Energy.gov favors ceiling fans when the AC is on, as it allows you to set the thermostat higher without compromising your comfort.
During the summer, set your ceiling fans to turn counterclockwise at a higher speed. Doing so will create a wind-chill breeze effect that will keep everyone at home feel cooler.
Cook Outside
The lower the temperature in your home, the better it would be for your AC unit.
Since cooking on your oven or stove will make your home hotter and your AC work so much harder to keep everyone comfortable, consider breaking out the grill and preparing your meals outside.
All of the above tips can help ease the burden on your air conditioning system. Do them on top of having your air conditioning system serviced professionally on a regular basis, and you will have an efficiently-working cooling system that will last a long time.
