Getting the Most Out of Your Air Conditioner — For Less

Most air conditioners come complete with an owner's manual. If you have a system and can locate the manual, it's a good place to start finding ways to operate your system most efficiently.

Tips on maintenance and efficient operation are usually an integral part of these manuals. In this special section, we have assembled information which, in addition to the manufacturer's recommendations, should help you get the most comfort from your system at the least cost.

Operation of an air conditioning system is a lot like an automobile: efficiency depends greatly on the way it is maintained and operated. Cars give better mileage and last longer when they get proper care and attention and are driven moderately. The same thing is true of air conditioning systems.

Clean the Filter

Air conditioning systems do more than just cool the air. They lower humidity, and also remove dust and dirt by moving the air through filters. When these filters become clogged with dirt, the system must work harder to do its job. This wastes energy and can make utility bills rise.

Depending on the amount of dust in the air, filters can become clogged in just a month or two of operation. Most residential systems have disposable filters. These should be checked every two months (once a month during peak use) and replaced when necessary. Permanent filters should be cleaned in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Under no circumstances should you operate your system without filters.

Air Leaks Are Costly

Some people like to "help" their air conditioner by opening doors and windows on warm days. But doing so just lets all the cool, dehumidified air rush outside and lets in the hot, humid air. The more your home seals out the heat, humidity, and dust, the more efficiently your system will do its job.Most people think of thermal insulation, storm windows and weatherstripping in connection with reducing heat costs. But the benefits of these energy conservations apply to cooling as well.

The amount of insulation your home needs, as well as the number of hours per day and days per year your air conditioning system works, varies greatly from area to area. To determine the correct amount, consult a building materials dealer or insulation contractor where you live. Weatherstripping, which plugs holes and gaps around doors and windows, not only blocks out drafts in colder weather, but also helps lock in cool air on warm days and nights. Closing these air leaks will help significantly in maintaining your comfort and reducing energy use.

The sunlight which streams in windows in the winter can provide a great deal of heat inside the home. But that same sunlight during the summer or in warmer parts of the country can make an air conditioning system work harder than it should. Insulated or thermal windows can help.

Draperies and shades pulled over the windows when the sun is hitting them directly (especially in late afternoon) will reduce the cooling load significantly. Some people install awnings over windows and doors to provide shade. Trees and shrubs strategically planted can also provide welcome shade and protection from direct sunlight.

More Cost-Saving Tips

We've talked about heat coming into the home from outside. But the operation of appliances can generate heat and humidity inside, as well. Washers, dryers, ovens and ranges can put out both heat and moisture when they're operating. Using these appliances during the warmest times of the day, when your cooling system is working the hardest, just adds to the burden. By scheduling washing, drying, baking and cooking for mornings and evenings when its cooler, you can remove this extra burden from your air conditioning system.

An exhaust fan near an oven or range can help remove some of the excess heat as well as uncomfortable humidity from cooking. Similarly, make sure your clothes dryer is vented outside.

Leave your thermostat at one setting.

Preventive maintenance is the least expensive kind. Not only that, but also keeping your system in top shape through regular checkups is the best way to ensure it will keep working for you when you need it most.

The best time to have your system checked by a competent service technician is in early spring, before the cooling season starts. In warm climates, mid-winter is the best time. Many firms offer a service contract which provides routine maintenance, including lubrication of motors, tightening of belts and checking of refrigerant level. There are some maintenance checks you can make yourself. Check your owner's manual. lc note: check out source info

Information for this article was provided by the Department of Energy, and the Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Institute.