Keep cool and save money? You can beat the heat this summer without feeling the pain of high energy bills by making sure your central air conditioner system is running as efficiently as possible.

Clogged filters

Your central air conditioning and heating systems use filters to ensure the air in your home is clear of allergens, dirt, and dust. You should replace or clean these filters before you begin to use your central air conditioning in the summer, as well as every couple of months during normal use. Dust and foreign particles tend to clog the filters, obstruct the passage of cool air, and lower the overall air quality in your home. Clogged filters can reduce your cooling system’s efficiency and result in poor cooling throughout the house.

Drafty rooms

Just as you would in the winter months, check around your windows and doors. Look for any gaps, or damaged areas that will allow warm air inside the house. Your central air conditioner will have to work harder to maintain an evenly cooled environment in the home. A place to start is by checking the weather stripping around the edges of your doors and windows.

Poor temperature control

Setting your central air conditioner to a low temperature won’t necessarily cool your house any faster. The greater the difference between the temperature outside and the desired temperature inside your home, the harder your central air conditioner will need to work. Try to set the thermostat to a tolerable temperature instead. Also, setting the temperature higher when you’re away for the day will help out the energy bill.

Using a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperature according to your daily routine will take a load off its compressor as well as effortlessly lowering your energy bills.

Not blocking sunlight with curtains or shades

As mentioned earlier, warm air from outside your house will cause the temperature within to rise. Likewise, sunlight shining through your windows and doors has a similar effect. It causes the house to heat up, requiring you to lower the temperature on your thermostat even more. Using blinds or shades will help to keep the heat out and maintain an even temperature inside the house.

Needing a tune up

Regular central air conditioner maintenance is key to keeping your unit working efficiently. Schedule a professional to take a look at your central air conditioner before the season kicks into high gear. A check-up of your system will include system maintenance tasks like checking coolant levels, system efficiency, and addressing issues before your system down for the count. You should also make sure ducts, vents, and registers are clean and clear.

Reports show that regular maintenance and cleaning of your central air conditioner and central heating system, can increase their efficiency by as much as 15%. This not only means that your central air conditioner will perform better, but it will also consume less of energy.

For more ways to help conserve energy, check out this list from the Department of Energy.

HomeServe does more than provide great advice to homeowners – we provide great repair plans, too! Learn about the HomeServe repair plans available in your area.

Keep cool and save money? You can beat the heat this summer without feeling the pain of high energy bills by making sure your central air conditioner system is running as efficiently as possible.