5 Tips Use Air Conditioner Wisely

When it comes to your energy bills, your HVAC system can really rack up the total quickly. During brutal Bensalem summers, you may have your air conditioner running 24/7 to keep your family cool and comfortable. You may find yourself with a high energy bill if you neglect to pay attention to how much power you are using. However, if you take the extra steps when using your air conditioner, you can keep your bills as low as possible.

There are plenty of simple ways you can change your home and habits to make your HVAC’s job easier. Home Rangers LLC is here to help with five great tips for using your air conditioner wisely.

Choose Your Temperature Carefully

Each time you set your thermostat even one degree lower in the summer, you significantly increase your HVAC’s energy usage. Therefore, Home Rangers LLC recommends setting your system as high as you and your family can stand comfortably. A good place to start is around 78 degrees Fahrenheit. If you or your family still feel too warm, set it one or two degrees lower until you feel comfortable. On the other hand, if your family enjoys warmer temperatures, you can try to save a bit extra by turning your thermostat back a bit.

A common misconception is that setting your thermostat lower than your desired temperature will cool your home down faster. This is not true. Your HVAC system constantly cycles on and off. The temperature you set only determines how long your system continues to run. Therefore, if you set your thermostat lower than you desire, it will only use up extra energy as it runs longer.

Turn the Thermostat Back When You Are Not Home

Think about how often your house is empty. Is everyone away at work or school all day or are some members at home and able to enjoy the comfort of your air conditioner? If your home is empty during the day, you can lower your energy bills by giving your HVAC system a break during the day.

Before everyone leaves, turn the temperature up a bit so your system doesn’t run as long. Then when you return home, set it back at your desired temperature. Do not deviate the temperature too far, though. You don’t want your system to work overtime to get back to your desired temperature.

You may also want to consider having Home Rangers LLC install a programmable thermostat to make this process easier. All you have to do is program the thermostat once and it will continually follow your instructions on a daily basis.

Weatherize Your Home

When air leaks out of your home, your air conditioner had to work harder to replace that lost air. Therefore, weatherizing your home can help you keep the cool air from escaping your home. Here are some simple ways you adjust your home to ensure that your HVAC doesn’t work harder than it has to.

• Insulate your home.
• Choose thicker doors and windows.
• Invest in thick curtains, shutters, or blinds.
• Ensure that your windows and doors are properly sealed.
• Close doors to rooms or areas that are not being used.
• Make use of fans to help circulate the air.
• Open your windows when it is nice out.

You can also contact Home Rangers LLC for more tips or to schedule a consultation. Our knowledgeable technicians can help you improve the air flow of your home for maximum comfort.

Make Use of Foliage

If your system is in direct sunlight, your system and the air around it will be hot. This can make it more difficult for your unit to cool the air to your desired temperature. However, if you shade your unit, you can save it some stress.

Planting trees or bushes can help you shade your system. However, you should be careful when choosing the type and placement of your plants. If leaves, twigs, or other debris fall inside your unit, they can block your unit’s ventilation or damage important components. Be sure to trim the foliage and clear away any debris from your unit regularly.

Get Biannual Maintenance from Home Rangers LLC

The best way to ensure your air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible is to schedule regular maintenance from Home Rangers LLC. Home Rangers LLC recommends scheduling maintenance at least twice a year; one for the heating season and one for the cooling season. Doing so can help you catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs. During a maintenance visit, our technicians will thoroughly inspect, clean, and tune up your system. We will also provide suggestions for repairs or comfort improvements.