Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips
Manage Daily Use
- Set the thermostat between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Shut system off if you leave the house for more than a few hours. Don’t over adjust your thermostat upon returning to achieve a rapid temperature drop—that just makes the system work harder and longer.
- Make sure your air conditioner’s thermostat is not in direct sunlight or next to a heat-producing appliance such as lamp or TV, which can trick a thermostat into reading a higher indoor temperature.
- Limit heat- and humidity-producing tasks like cooking and laundry to early morning or late evening.
- Turn off kitchen and bath ventilating fans as soon as they’ve done their job.
Care for Your Cooling System
- Have the system serviced annually and replace air filters each season.
- For central air systems, set the fan to shut off at the same time as the compressor.
- Make sure furniture does not obstruct air conditioning vents.
- Close off unused rooms and close vents in those rooms.
- Make sure the outside air conditioning unit is not in direct sunlight. If so, attempt to shade it without obstructing airflow.
- Clean foliage from the outside area around your air conditioner to eliminate dirt and debris.
Prevent Energy Loss
- Weatherstrip all doors and windows.
- Keep fireplace damper and storm windows closed.
- Keep doors and windows closed while cooling.
- Reduce direct sunlight with louvers or awnings on the outside of windows.
- Indoors, draw draperies, blinds, or shades to limit solar heating.
- Make sure ducts are properly insulated, especially those that pass through the attic or any other unconditioned areas.
