If you have a central air conditioner, you may be looking for ways to boost energy efficiency and save some money on your cooling costs as the summer approaches. We have some tips to help you. They include homeowner maintenance, professional maintenance, and even optimizing your thermostat settings to boost energy efficiency.
How Does HVAC System Service Improve Central Air Energy Efficiency?
- Regular HVAC system service keeps coils, filters, and components clean for proper airflow
- Professional tune-ups ensure refrigerant levels are correct for efficient cooling
- Inspecting electrical parts helps the system run without excess energy draw
- Calibrating the thermostat improves temperature accuracy and reduces runtime
- Preventive service catches small issues early before they increase energy use
A well-maintained system cools faster, cycles less, and lowers monthly energy costs
You can keep reading to learn more about how to boost energy efficiency of your central air conditioner as well as why you want to do so. Then give our team a call to schedule your service for central air in Milford, OH.
Best AC Temperature Settings for Energy Efficiency
First, we want to talk about the standard setting for cooling during the summertime. Experts say that you should not set your thermostat any lower than 78° for cooling in the summer. If you’re used to setting your thermostat lower, this can be a big adjustment, and running your system too hard can lead to common AC repair issues.
We recommend that you take it slow and adjust your thermostat up a single degree at a time over a period of several weeks. If you already set your thermostat at 78°, good work! This is a great way to save money on energy costs by reducing strain on your air conditioner and avoiding problems caused by skipped maintenance.
How to Adjust Your Thermostat for Maximum AC Efficiency
It’s also a good idea to adjust the thermostat up a little higher whenever you can. For example, if you go to work during the day, you can set the thermostat a few degrees higher so that you aren’t paying to cool an empty house. With a smart thermostat, you can automate this adjustment and set the temperature to lower back down to 78° again before you arrive back home from work.
Similarly, you can set your thermostat a little bit higher when you know that you will be asleep at night. Again, you can automate the temperature to change at specific times of the day. Utilizing a smart thermostat to take the guesswork out of these adjustments is the best way to boost energy efficiency. You don’t have to remember to adjust your thermostat up and down at different times since your thermostat can complete the changes automatically.
Additional Tips to Improve Central AC Energy Efficiency
It’s also a good idea to check insulation and window seals. Insulation is what helps to keep cool air inside of your home so that it doesn’t escape. You also want to check around your windows and doors for any cracks that allow air to escape. Make repairs to seals ensures that more of your air conditioning is staying in your home.
This can lighten the load on your air conditioner since more of the cooler is staying inside of the walls of your home, helping your system perform better between visits like a yearly AC tune-up. Your HVAC unit can maintain a more consistent temperature without overworking to produce the results you expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What thermostat settings help maximize energy efficiency with a central air conditioner?
Answer: Setting your thermostat to around 78°F during the summer helps improve energy efficiency because your system does not have to work as hard to maintain cooler temperatures. Increasing the setting when you are away or asleep can further reduce energy use and lower cooling costs.
Question: How can a smart thermostat improve the efficiency of my central air conditioner?
Answer: A smart thermostat improves efficiency by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your daily schedule. It prevents unnecessary cooling when no one is home and ensures comfortable temperatures when you return. This reduces runtime, energy waste, and overall strain on your central air conditioning system.
Question: Why is proper insulation important for central air conditioning efficiency?
Answer: Proper insulation helps keep cooled air inside your home and blocks outdoor heat from entering. When insulation and seals around windows and doors are effective, your air conditioner runs less frequently. This improves efficiency, maintains consistent indoor comfort, and reduces energy bills over time.
Question: Should I change my thermostat settings when I leave the house?
Answer: Yes, raising the thermostat a few degrees when you are away reduces unnecessary cooling and energy consumption. Your air conditioner will run less while the home is empty. Programmable or smart thermostats make this easy by adjusting temperatures automatically based on your schedule.
Question: Does regular maintenance help improve central air conditioner efficiency?
Answer: Regular maintenance helps your central air conditioner operate more efficiently by ensuring proper airflow and system performance. Tasks like replacing air filters, checking components, and scheduling professional inspections reduce strain on the system and help maintain lower energy usage throughout the cooling season.
Shafer Heating & Cooling, LLC: You are just one call away from the comfort and savings you deserve! Schedule an appointment today for your indoor air quality appointment.