6 Steps to Maximizing Air Conditioning Efficiency in Matthews, NC

Your air conditioner is probably the biggest consumer of energy in your home during the summer. Like any homeowner, you most likely want to explore different ways of reducing your energy consumption. Here’s how to maximize air conditioning efficiency in Matthews, NC, so you can lower your monthly cooling costs without compromising comfort:

Change Your Air Filters Regularly

One of the best ways of maximizing your air conditioner’s efficiency is to check and change its air filters regularly. The US Department of Energy estimates that dirty air filters can raise your AC system’s energy consumption by up to 15%.

Factors such as indoor air quality and the number of pets in your home will determine how often you need to change air filters. However, experts recommend that you check your filter monthly and change it at least once every three months. If you’re sensitive to dust, dander, pollen or other airborne contaminants, you might want to change them more often; a good rule of thumb is that if you can’t see through the filter, it needs a change.

Check Your Vents

Another great way of increasing your air conditioner’s efficiency is to keep the vents free from dirt and debris. You can use a vacuum cleaner to clean the grill. In addition, you want to ensure your vents are open and not covered by rugs, drapes or furniture.

Use a Smart Thermostat

With intelligent triggers and automation, a smart thermostat can easily regulate the temperature within your home. You’re also able to control a smart thermostat from anywhere with a wireless connection, making it easy to check on your AC system if you think you forgot to make a change. Some devices can even learn your habits and help adjust your home’s temperature for maximum efficiency

Keep All Doors and Windows Closed

Conditioned air in your house can escape outside if your doors and windows are open or the weatherstripping on them is worn out. As a result, your AC system needs to work harder to cool your home, increasing your overall energy usage and putting unnecessary wear and tear on your air conditioner. For ventilation, consider opening the windows on a cool night to let in fresh air rather than letting your system run during the day with windows and doors open.

Avoid Sharp Temperature Changes

If you want to maximize the efficiency of your air conditioner, it’s important to maintain a consistent temperature and avoid steep temperature changes. This is one of the major contributors to increased energy bills.

A great way of maintaining a consistent temperature is by weatherizing your house before a new season sets in, which you can do in a number of ways. For example, install weatherstripping around your doors and windows. It’s also helpful to invest in insulation for attics and crawl spaces, but be sure to have an expert install it to ensure the job is done correctly.

Investing money in double-paned windows is an effective way to keep the heat out in the summer. As an added bonus, this type of window also prevents the heat from escaping in the winter.

Install a Zoning System

With zoning controls, you can subdivide your house into groups of rooms to meet customized cooling levels. This allows you to direct conditioned air to rooms that need it most, such as home offices during the day or living rooms in the evening or on weekends. You can significantly improve the efficiency of your air conditioner by controlling the temperature in such a manner.

The previously mentioned tips can help you maximize your air conditioner’s efficiency in Matthews, NC. Contact us at AirWorks Cooling & Heating, LLC for more information about our indoor air quality, heating and air conditioning services.

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