6 Easy Ways to Improve Air Conditioner Efficiency
Cooling your facility can account for the bulk of your company’s energy usage. If you’ve experienced surging power bills during the summer, you are probably looking for ways to reduce your consumption. Relying on your A/C unit’s Energy Star rating to help you budget probably will not be effective, as a number of factors can skew this number. However, there are a few things you can do to lower costs, including the following.
#1. Install a Smart Thermostat
Installing a smart thermostat can save you anywhere from ten to fifteen percent on your cooling costs. A smart thermostat learns your routine and automatically adjusts the temperature up or down as needed. That way, you aren’t cooling your businesses when employees go home at night. You also will not have to worry about appointing someone to manually change the settings.
#2. Turn your Thermostat up one Degree
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that adjusting your thermostat by one degree over an eight-hour period will save you up to one percent on your energy bill. You probably won’t be able to tell the difference between a room that is cooled at 72 degrees and one that is set at 71 degrees. However, you will notice more affordable energy bills. You also will experience less wear and tear on your unit because it isn’t running as often.
#3. Cut down on Heat Sources
Your air conditioner naturally has to work harder to combat outside sources of heat. To help it work more efficiently, keep office blinds and drapes closed during the day to block out sunlight. Use lamps sparingly, and have workers turn off computers and printers when not in use. Keeping your air conditioner away from direct sunlight can also help it operate more effectively. If yours is sitting in direct sun, consider adding a cover for shade.
#4. Clean and Unblock Register Vents
Dirt inside your register vents will restrict airflow, making your air conditioner work harder in order to cool. Likewise, if certain registers are blocked this makes it hard for your facility to receive cool air. Vacuum your registers on a regular basis, and always maintain at least a two-foot area surrounding each one. Never close registers in certain rooms, even if they are unoccupied. Doing so can cause your system to become unbalanced.
#5. Take Care of your Ductwork
Filthy ducts will reduce airflow, making it harder for cool air to enter your building. In addition, ducts that fit loosely or contain holes may result in air loss and higher energy bills. We recommend having your air ducts inspected at least annually so that you can have damage repaired quickly.
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends having air ducts cleaned at least every three to five years. If it’s been some time since you last had yours cleaned, please contact South Jersey Heating and Cooling to schedule an appointment.
#6. Schedule Regular Maintenance Visits
Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. This loss in efficiency equates to higher energy bills over time. The best way to ensure your system operates efficiently is to have routine maintenance and tune-ups performed. By scheduling maintenance with us, you can often restore your unit to 95% of its original efficiency. Plus, you will be reducing the odds of future repairs as well.
You don’t have to struggle with high cooling costs this summer. By following these tips, you can save money and prolong the life of your air conditioning unit. If you need a tune-up, maintenance, or repairs, please contact South Jersey Heating and Cooling. We can eliminate your problem so you can cool your business without spending a fortune.
