In many areas around the world, air conditioning units are an absolute necessity throughout summer. While some appliances are more efficient and cost-effective than others, air conditioning units are notoriously expensive, particularly when used frequently. In a report published by the U.S. Energy Energy Information Administration (EIA), air conditioners account for 12% of U.S. home energy expenditures, with that figure rising to 27% in hot and humid regions.
Homeowners are constantly on the lookout for ways to reduce their utility bills while maintaining comfortable temperatures within their homes. One of the most effective ways of efficiently regulating the temperature and airflow is investing in a multi-zone mini split air conditioner. However, even these efficient appliances can be expensive if they are not suited to the building they’re installed in.
Perhaps the most common reason that someone would install a multi-zone AC system is for the cost savings. Unfortunately, many people fail to purchase the right system or use the device inefficiently, leading to high utility costs. With the right approach, multi-zone AC system costs can be reduced significantly while keeping your home cool.
1. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Without a programmable thermostat, running an AC unit efficiently requires you to be at home whenever the temperature needs adjusting. Although a thermostat requires an initial investment, it is relatively cheap and can save you money over the long term. In many cases, a thermostat pays for itself in a single summer.
A leading contributor to high utility costs is when people leave their AC system running for extended periods. Whether they forget to switch off the device or the high temperature means it needs to be left on continuously, this practice makes for expensive running costs.
Programmable thermostats allow you to set specific times for your unit to come on and off. Rather than leave the AC running while you’re at work, you can set it to turn on half an hour before you arrive home, ensuring your house is cool and comfortable when you arrive. Many modern thermostats are smart-technology-enabled, allowing you to monitor and control your home’s temperature remotely from your phone, laptop, or smart device.
2. Keep on Top of Maintenance
Air conditioners need to be maintained in order to function properly. Also, a lack of servicing leads to increased utility costs due to inefficient operation. One of the most straightforward maintenance tips for your AC is to clean or change the filters regularly.
No matter how clean you keep your home, dust particles, hairs, and other airborne objects can accumulate and clog the filter. As well as compromising the quality of the air being circulated, clogged filters force your system to work much harder to regulate the temperature. This causes a needless increase in your electricity bills.
Some filters are cleanable, meaning they don’t need replacing very often. Read the guidelines on how often and how they should be cleaned but keep an eye on their condition. If you’re using replaceable filters, read the instructions on how often they need to be replaced. For most AC units, filter changes should occur roughly once every 90 days.
For multi-zone appliances, remember that each indoor air dispensing unit has its own set of filters. However, you may not use rooms in different zones as often, meaning filter changes might not be needed as often.
All HVAC systems, even quality appliances like an LG ductless mini split, require regular servicing. Hire a professional technician to inspect and service your AC unit once per year. They can check for issues, clear unwanted debris, change the filters, and repair any other problems they find. An annual service can help keep your unit in good condition while improving its efficiency and extending its lifespan.
3. Repair Any Window Defects
Some of the biggest contributors to energy inefficiency in a home are poorly sealed windows and doors. Badly sealed windows leak air, making it virtually impossible to effectively maintain the temperature. It also means your conditioning unit has to work hard and continuously to treat the air.
If your home is old or you suspect that it has leaky windows, hire a professional organization to carry out an energy audit. This can help you identify areas of your home that are causing inefficiencies. If there are inefficiencies in your home, an audit can lead to long-term cost savings.
Fixing air leaks or replacing old windows reduces your utility costs and makes the temperature much easier to regulate. For minor air leaks, DIY weather strips are affordable solutions.
Upgrading home insulation also increases the building’s energy efficiency, reducing bills and making it easier to regulate the temperature.
4. Use Ceiling and Portable Fans
A ceiling fan is a perfect accompaniment to an air conditioning system. It helps circulate cool air, creating a more balanced inner climate. Similarly, portable fans help keep your home cool while increasing energy efficiency and reducing utility costs.
While fans don’t change the temperature, they circulate air, move warm air away from the skin, and facilitate evaporation, making you feel cooler. Ceiling and portable fans are also helpful for ventilation. Portable fans can be placed near household appliances, windows, and doors for better air circulation.
5. Ensure Your A/C System Is the Right Size
The size of an air conditioning unit is one of the most crucial factors in terms of temperature regulation and efficiency. Air conditioners should be chosen specifically to fit the exact size of an area. Depending on the square footage, a certain number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) are required.
While most people understand that an undersized unit won’t have the necessary capabilities for circulating air in a large room, many don’t realize that an oversized conditioner also creates inefficiencies. AC systems that are too large for your home tend to short cycle, meaning they switch between on and off cycles too frequently, causing them to work harder. This increases your utility bills and makes the unit more likely to break down.
Upgrade Your Air Conditioning System
Although air conditioning systems are built to last, many older appliances lack efficiency. While effective, traditional ducted HVACs are expensive to run and waste a significant amount of energy. A multi-zone mini split system is a highly efficient air conditioning solution that allows for custom temperature regulation in different areas of a building.
If you’re looking to reduce air conditioning costs without sacrificing comfortability, consider upgrading your existing system to a more modern and efficiency-based one.
