What You Can Do as a Homeowner To Improve AC Efficiency

When the hottest summer temperatures hit, we all look forward to cranking up the AC and getting out of the hot sun. When you need relief from the oppressive summer heat, you want to ensure that your HVAC unit is operating correctly. Optimizing AC efficiency in your HVAC system is vital to maintaining a consistent comfort level without increasing your monthly energy bills.

Finding top-notch AC repair in Columbia, SC, is especially essential for southerners who endure some of the hottest temperatures in the whole country. Before calling a technician, explore some of the options below to improve your AC efficiency today.

13 Ways You Can Improve AC Efficiency Today

While hiring professionals to clean your unit routinely is one of the most effective ways to ensure AC efficiency year-round, these 13 easy solutions can give you a head start on improving your HVAC system's functioning. 

1. Clean Around Condenser Unit

One of the quickest and easiest ways to improve efficiency in air condition systems, especially if you have a split system, is to clean the area around your condenser unit. Outdoor condenser units transform warm outdoor air into a cooling solution that lowers temperatures inside your home. Branches, debris, trash, and other obstructions can restrict the airflow into your condenser unit, limiting the efficiency of your system.

2. Clean Indoor Vents and Remove Obstructions To Airflow

Like cleaning the area around your condenser unit, cleaning your indoor air vents and removing any potential obstructions can help immensely. Wiping air vents with a wet cloth or cleaning solution provides clearer, more efficient airflow.

Removing obstructions increases air circulation efficiency and decreases the workload on your HVAC system. Together, this alleviates the load on your system while also improving airflow efficiency.

3. Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a solution that requires nearly no additional energy. Airflow improves when air moves through your home rather than remaining stagnant.

Increasing airflow by running a ceiling fan while your AC is on reduces the load on the system and can even allow you to increase the temperature on your thermostat, which helps with AC efficiency in the summer. Ceiling fans take less energy than a lightbulb to operate.

4. Install a Whole-house Fan

Whole-house fans improve circulation to increase your AC efficiency by circulating warm air up and out of your home. While whole-house fans can be an investment, their efficiency improvements to your HVAC system might make them worth purchasing. Like ceiling fans, these fans also use very little energy.

5. Change Thermostat Settings

Changing your thermostat settings relieves pressure off your HVAC system and improves its energy efficiency rating. Since a system's efficiency ratings depend on how fast it can reach the desired temperature, turning the thermostat a few degrees warmer in summer or cooler in winter can improve functioning.

Temperature adjustments keep your seasonal energy efficiency ratio steady, as it will be easier to reach desired indoor temperatures if they align more with seasonal temperatures.

6. Change Air Filters

When air filters in your HVAC unit become dirty, your system's efficiency decreases. Although you should change your filters routinely, it's easy to forget and allow dirt to build up significantly. You could notice an immediate change in airflow productivity if you change your filters after a long period.

7. Avoid Placing Heat Producing Appliances Near Thermostat

Believe it or not, appliances that produce heat, like a stove, oven, or hair dryer, should never be near a thermostat. When thermostats detect heat from these devices, your HVAC system thinks your entire home is hotter. As a result, your AC stays on longer, working harder and less efficiently to cool your home.

8. Optimize Attic Ventilation

While it may not be your primary concern, improving the ventilation in your attic can significantly impact your AC efficiency. Because HVAC systems usually distribute air through homes via the attic, insulating your attic limits the impact of natural factors on your home's climate. Therefore, your AC runs better without extra hot or cold air interfering with your system.

9. Block Natural Light

While it's tempting to want to enjoy the summer sun's vibrant light indoors, covering your windows can help retain more of the cool air circulating through your AC system. Because the sun's glare can still heat your home, blocking windows and other natural light sources eliminates this impediment to an efficient HVAC system.

10. Clean the Drain Line

Keeping your air conditioner's drain line clean can improve AC efficiency. You can find the drain line on or near the AC condenser, where it removes excess moisture and condensation from the unit. Flush one cup of bleach and water down the drain line to maintain its cleanliness for the entire summer. 

11. Stop Using Heat-generating Appliances During the Day

Using appliances that generate heat indoors during the day inhibits an optimally efficient HVAC system. Ovens, stoves, and even tea kettles generate excess heat that tricks your system into thinking it isn't adequately cooling your home. Wait until cooler nighttime temperatures to use these devices if your goal is to maximize efficiency.

12. Inspect for Air Leaks in Ductwork, Doors, and Windows

Air leaks within the ductwork of your HVAC system or through doorways and windows can redirect air inefficiently. Ideally, your air should flow directly through your system into desired rooms without redirection. Address any stray leaks to improve AC efficiency.

13. Schedule Regular Maintenance

One of the best ways to ensure a maximally efficient AC system is to schedule regular maintenance with experienced HVAC technicians. Regular checkups from a professional keep your system clean and functional and help catch issues before they become too severe.

Improve Your AC Efficiency with Dr. Cool the Heat & Air Doctor

Now that you know the benefits of air conditioner coil cleaning and other solutions to AC efficiency problems, it's time to call South Carolina's premier AC repair and maintenance company. Dr. Cool, the Heat & Air Doctor, can service any of your HVAC system needs. Call 803-368-5500 to learn how our expert technicians can improve your AC efficiency today.