Otis Singleton
With climate change increasing the burden on electrical grids, it is important to know how to save electricity on central AC. Central air conditioning is a huge electricity guzzler, and with nearly 90% of American homes using AC units, it is important to know how to save money and electricity. Some ways to do this include sealing off rooms that are not in use, using fans, rearranging furniture, and maintaining the AC unit.
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What You'll Learn
Seal ducts and vents in unused rooms
Sealing ducts and vents in unused rooms is an effective way to save electricity when using central air conditioning. Properly sealed ducts can prevent leaks and reduce energy losses, making your air conditioning system more efficient and lowering your energy bills.
Firstly, identify the ducts that need to be sealed. These are typically the ducts that transfer air to and from your central AC unit, as well as ducts located in unconditioned areas such as attics, basements, crawl spaces, or garages. Leaks in these areas can result in heated or cooled air escaping, while unconditioned air can be drawn in through the unsealed joints.
When sealing ducts, avoid using cloth-backed or rubber adhesive duct tape, as these tend to fail quickly. Instead, opt for duct-sealant, metal-backed tape, mastic, butyl tape, foil tape, or other heat-approved tapes. Ensure that the tape you use has the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) logo. Properly insulating ducts in unconditioned spaces can also be very cost-effective, but it is recommended to consult a professional contractor to ensure the use of appropriate sealing materials.
While sealing vents in unused rooms can help reduce air loss, it is important to note that closing too many vents may damage your HVAC system and lead to costly repairs. It is recommended that you do not close more than 75% of your vents to maintain proper airflow and avoid putting strain on your system.
In addition to sealing ducts and vents, there are other measures you can take to improve the efficiency of your central AC. These include regular maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing air filters, ensuring your attic is properly ventilated, using fans to circulate air, and adjusting your thermostat according to usage patterns. By combining these strategies, you can effectively reduce electricity usage and save on energy costs.
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Maintain and clean your AC unit
Maintaining and cleaning your AC unit is essential to keep it running efficiently and save electricity. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with this process:
Firstly, it is important to clean your AC unit annually. Shut off the power to the unit by sliding the switch to the "OFF" position or manually pulling the plug. You can then begin cleaning the compressor unit and replacing the inside air filter. Use a cloth to wipe down the AC filter and then rinse it with a cleaning solution. Ensure the filter is completely dry before placing it back in the unit to prevent mould or mildew.
Next, locate the coils of the unit. Most window ACs have two sets of coils: evaporator coils inside the front and condenser coils at the back. Use a cloth to brush away any loose dirt from the coils, and then spray them with slightly soapy water. Again, ensure that everything is completely dry before reassembling the unit.
Deep clean the condenser unit once a year. The condenser is located outside your house, and you should visually inspect it for any damage or missing insulation lines. Before cleaning, check the manufacturer's guidelines to prevent voiding your warranty. Remove the top of the condenser unit and clean out any debris by hand or with a vacuum.
It is also important to clean or replace the air filter regularly, ideally once a month. A dirty air filter can block airflow, causing the AC system to run longer and use more electricity. Check your specific AC unit's instructions for finding and removing the filter.
Additionally, consider having your AC unit professionally inspected and cleaned annually, especially before the summer season when it will be used more heavily. A professional technician will be able to inspect all parts of the unit and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.
By following these maintenance and cleaning steps, you can help ensure your AC unit runs efficiently, saving electricity and reducing your energy bills.
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Adjust temperatures according to usage
Adjusting the temperature of your central AC according to your usage can help you save electricity and lower your utility bills.
A good rule of thumb is to set your thermostat to a temperature that is comfortable for everyone in your home and then adjust from there. The US Department of Energy recommends a setting of 78°F (25.5°C) when you're at home. However, this can be adjusted based on personal preference and humidity levels. Each degree you raise the thermostat can save you about 1% to 3% on cooling costs. For example, setting the thermostat to 24°C (75.2°F) can achieve a balance between comfort and energy efficiency.
You can also make temperature adjustments based on the time of day. The outside temperature in the early morning and late evening is usually cooler than in the middle of the day. During these times, you can turn the temperature of your AC up a few degrees to prevent it from running needlessly to cool an already comfortable house.
If you have a smart or programmable thermostat, you can easily schedule temperature changes to match your daily routine and preferences. For example, you can set your thermostat to 78°F when you're home, 85°F when you're away, and 82°F when you're sleeping.
Additionally, using ceiling or regular fans in conjunction with your AC can enhance the feeling of coolness while allowing you to set your thermostat to a higher temperature, further conserving energy.
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Use fans to circulate air
Fans can be used to circulate air and help your body's natural air conditioning work more efficiently. Moving air cools your skin, but it is important to remember that running a fan in an empty room will not cool the room down; it will just eat electricity. Therefore, it is recommended to turn fans off when you leave a room, unless you are creating a cross-breeze using open windows.
Ceiling fans are a great way to circulate air. If you are buying a new fan, get one with blades angled at least 12 degrees to improve its air-circulating power. Make sure the fan is set to the summer setting, which is usually counterclockwise, as this pushes the air directly downward to make a comfortable breeze. You can also get occupancy sensors to create your own smart fan that turns itself on when someone enters the room.
Floor fans can also be used to create a cross-breeze through your home. You can do this by setting up a fan to push air out through one window and another fan to pull air in through another window. This setup facilitates the circulation of cooler air and the creation of a refreshing cross-breeze within the room.
You can also run the fan independently of the AC by switching the fan to "Fan On", which will keep the blower fan running whether there is a demand for cooling or not. The AC can still come on, but you will have continuous air circulation when it is not. You can also shut the AC off completely so that only the fan runs. On some thermostats, this is the "fan only" mode. On others, there is no separate mode, so you just set the fan to "On" and the AC to "Off". Some newer thermostats have an extra option: "Fan Circulate". In this setting, the fan turns on and off intermittently when there is no need for the AC, creating general air circulation without using much power.
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Insulate your attic
Insulating your attic is an effective way to save electricity when using central air conditioning. By preventing warm air from entering your home through the attic, you can reduce the workload on your AC unit and lower your energy bills.
To insulate your attic effectively, follow these steps:
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in your attic. Consider installing a ridge vent or attic fan to facilitate the escape of hot air. Vents in the eaves, or attic fans, can help reduce cooling costs by allowing hot air to escape.
- Insulation Material: Use suitable insulation materials such as cellulose or fiberglass. This will create a barrier that prevents hot air from entering your home during the summer and keeps warm air inside during the winter.
- Duct Sealing: Seal the ducts that transfer air to and from your central AC unit. Use duct sealant or metal-backed tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts in your attic. This will prevent air leaks and improve the efficiency of your AC unit.
- Duct Insulation: Wrap the ducts in insulation to maintain cool temperatures. This will help ensure that the cool air remains cool as it travels through the ducts, reducing the need for your AC unit to work harder.
- Annual Maintenance: Schedule annual professional maintenance checks for your AC unit. These checks can include cleaning, tightening loose parts, lubricating moving parts, and checking the condensate drain. Regular maintenance will help your AC unit run more efficiently, reducing electricity usage.
By following these steps and properly insulating your attic, you can significantly reduce electricity usage and lower your cooling costs during the hot summer months.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to save electricity on central AC. Firstly, ensure your central AC unit is well-maintained. Regular maintenance can help your AC run more efficiently and prevent breakdowns. Secondly, adjust your thermostat according to usage patterns. Set your thermostat to 78°F when occupying the house and 85°F when the house is empty. Lastly, use fans in conjunction with your AC to improve airflow and cool your skin.
To maintain your central AC unit, ensure you check and clean or replace your air filters at least once a month. Dirty air filters can cause your AC to run longer, increasing your electricity bill. It is also recommended to schedule annual professional maintenance checks to ensure your AC is in good condition.
Aside from maintaining your central AC unit and adjusting your thermostat, you can save electricity by sealing off rooms that are not in use. Closing doors and vents can help direct chilled air to occupied areas, reducing costs. Additionally, consider planting trees around your home to block sunlight and keep your house cooler.
