Evergy Saving Air Conditioning Tips

Tips to keep your Air Conditioning Unit in full working order.

The days of summer will soon be upon us, and in order to make sure you have your central air unit in full working order we are here to offer you a few helpful energy-saving tips.

Depending on your region of the country, air conditioning can account for anywhere from 5 to 50% of your household budget. Living in Florida, air conditioner is such a sizable investment. You can save money and energy by carefully purchasing and operating your air conditioner.

Maintenance and Operation Tips

• Air Conditioning filters are a major factor in your unit.
• A dusty filter can reduce air flow within your home.
• Examine your air conditioning unit’s air filters at least once a month and clean or replace the filter when necessary.
• Keeping your air conditioning filters clean can cut energy consumption 5 to 15%.
• For a central air conditioning unit, make sure the ducts are properly insulated, especially those that pass through the attic or any other unconditioned areas.
• Make sure furniture does not obstruct air conditioning vents. Close off unused rooms and close vents in those rooms.

Energy Saving Tips:

• Good conservation habits also help hold down electric bills. For instance, only use your unit when the temperature is above 78 degrees F. Close windows and draw drapes and shades during the day to keep out the heat. At night, open the windows and turn on window or attic fans to draw in the cooler air. In addition, passive cooling techniques such as shading, ventilation, and vegetation can reduce your cooling needs.
• A heat pump can be an alternative to the conventional air conditioner. In its cooling mode, an air-to-air heat pump works like an ordinary air conditioner. But unlike an air conditioner, the heat pump can reverse during cold weather, absorbing heat from the outdoor air and transferring it indoors. Though air-to-air is the most common type of heat pump, water-to-air and ground-to-air heat pumps are also available. Water-to-air heat pumps exchange heat with either ground surface or well water.
• Ground-to-air heat pumps are most cost effective when included in a new home’s design rather than as an addition to an existing home.
• Fans can also help cool your home. While fans cannot replace air conditioners, they can provide supplemental cooling, especially on mild summer days. Substituting fans for air conditioners can save 60% or more in energy.
• Evaporative coolers, or “swamp coolers” also can cool your home. An evaporative cooler works on the principle that it takes heat to evaporate water. An evaporative cooler uses the outside air’s heat to evaporate water that is held by pads inside the cooler. The heat is drawn out of the air through this process and ‘the cooled air is blown into your home by the cooler’s fan.