Use Programable Thermostats

A programmable thermostat lets you establish different temperature settings based on the time of the day or in some cases the day of the week.  There’s no need to run your home air conditioners all day long while you’re at work, but turning it off or setting it to an uncomfortably low level during the day is not a good idea either.  You are not saving much if you have to run your air conditioner overtime when you get home to get the temperature and humidity back to a comfortable level.  Use the programing to save while you are away, then gradually lower the temperate back to comfort levels for the time you usually get home.

Zone your Home

By setting up ‘zones’, you will be cooling the occupied areas of your home and saving by not cooling the unoccupied areas.  Creating zones is most effectivly accomplished when installing a new system.  You can save money by installing multiple smaller units for cooling each zone rather than one large central unit for cooling your entire home.  Even if you are not in the process of installing a new system, you can still implement a zoning control system with your existing air conditioning unit by installing a zoning control system.  A zoning control system divides the home into multiplet zones, with a thermostat in each zone. The control system includes automatic dampers that fit into the ducts and a control panel that allows for the feedback of information between the programmable thermostat, indoor climate and damper positions.

Keep the cool air in

Air conditioning is most prone to escape through poorly sealed doors and windows.  Check for worn weather stripping.  Feel around your doors and windows from the outside during the heat of the day.  If you can feel the cool air then it is time to replace your weather stripping and/or caulking.

Keep the heat out
Use landscaping, awnings and overhangs to provide shade around the outside of your home. A shaded house is much easier to cool than one in direct sunlight.  Close your drapes and blinds to keep the sun out. Consider installing reflective films or solar shade screens on windows with the greatest exposure to the summer sun.

Maintain your Air Conditioning Units

Proper maintenance helps your air conditioner run more efficiently. Replace disposable filters or clean permanent filters every few months during the cooling season. It’s a good idea to have your entire system checked annually by a qualified air conditioning contractor.  Clean the outside condenser coils at the beginning and the end of the air conditioning season. Clean the coils with diluted detergent, then rinse them off. Trim back shrubs and remove anything that might obstruct air flow.

By following some common sense energy saving ideas revolving around your home air conditioner, you can effectively save 30% or more of your annaul operating costs.  Who doesn’t want to lower their utility bills?  Take a few dollars from the money you’ve saved by applying these tips and have a cold beer on us!