How To Cut Down On Air Conditioner Power Usage
How Much Electricity Do You Use From Your Air Conditioner?
Air conditioner power usage can be a large, unpredictable expense, as anyone who has seen their electric bill spike during the summer knows. Start by looking at your AC unit’s power rating (look for it on the condensing unit’s label), which will tell you how much power it consumes under ideal conditions. Conditions in real life are not as consistent as that.
Many factors influence how effective your air conditioner is and how much power it consumes, including the unit’s age and condition, the configuration of your room, the design of the air ducts, the airtightness of the space, and, of course, the temperature. As a result, figuring out your costs is never an exact science.
There are online resources that can help you measure air conditioner energy cost if you want to get a general understanding of how much power you’re using.
It’s probably easier to reduce the air conditioner’s power consumption than it is to measure it! Here are eight methods to consider.
8 ways to save money on your air conditioner’s energy
1. Increase The Temperature By One Degree
Could you say the difference between a room with a temperature of 71 degrees and one with a temperature of 72 degrees? Most people couldn’t either. So, if you’re trying to save electricity, consider setting your thermostat one degree higher than it usually is. It will make your air conditioner run less often and consume less energy.
This exercise will help you develop the habit of being aware of the temperature your thermostat is set to. Since air conditioner power consumption increases dramatically as the temperature outside rises, these minor changes can add up over time.
Make sure everyone in your office is aware of your energy-saving targets. Begin by holding a meeting to outline the steps you’ll take and how everyone can help. If you’re the only one working on it, you won’t be able to reduce air conditioner power consumption. Outline any improvements (for example, a normal office temperature) or easy steps that everyone should take. Same goes for everyone in your home.
2. Smart Thermostat Programming
To get the most out of your air conditioning, make sure it’s only turned on when it’s needed and that the temperature is adjusted correctly at all times.
You don’t have to keep track of that, thankfully. It’s simple to cut your air conditioner’s power consumption with an automatic or smart thermostat. Set your AC to not cool when no one is in the room using a thermostat with a programmable schedule. Some thermostats will learn your routine and program themselves over time. Smart thermostats also have an app that allows you to monitor the temperature remotely if you forget to set it. Many of these thermostats are intended to save energy, so they can assist you in learning more about your energy consumption.
3. Maintain A Clean Duct System And Free Airflow
If your air conditioner isn’t fighting dirty vents and blocked airflow, it can use less energy. Keeping your air conditioner’s vents and ducts clean will make it work more effectively. Ensure that your furniture and space layout do not obstruct the vents.
How do you know if your ducts need to be cleaned? Contact A Pro
4. Arrange For Routine Maintenance Visits
You’d understand why routine maintenance is so critical if you could see what AC technicians see when they come to service a neglected air conditioner. Your machine can operate more effectively and use less energy if the components are cleaned, electrical connections are repaired, and worn parts are replaced. According to studies, air conditioning maintenance will help your unit retain up to 95% of its performance.
5. Replace The Air Filters
You would not expect a clogged air filter to cause an increase in air conditioner power consumption. However, a clogged filter is similar to a clogged sink: anything can get through, but it will function far more smoothly if it is clear. Filters may get clogged with dust, and if they’re full beyond their capacity, dust can collect on fans and motors, slowing down the machine and forcing it to run longer and consume more energy.
During routine maintenance visits, your AC technician will adjust your filters as needed. However, depending on how often you use your device, you can need to adjust them more frequently.
Learn more on why and how to change an air conditioner filter
6. Keep Cool Air In Your Home By Insulating It
If you let all that cool air escape, you won’t be getting the most out of your energy-efficient air conditioning. If you are unable to upgrade your air conditioning unit, insulation may be a helpful step in reducing air conditioner power consumption. If you are vigilant about sealing up leaky spots in your home, your air conditioner may not have to work as hard to maintain the same temperature. Pipes, ducts, and outlets in the HVAC system may be high-priority areas for additional insulation.
7. Retrofit
Did you know that you can make an old air conditioner more energy efficient by replacing parts? If you aren’t ready to switch to a newer model, retrofitting might be a viable choice. You can reduce your air conditioner’s power consumption in a number of ways without removing it, including adding more ventilation, condenser fan controls, and compressor replacement.
If your device is heavily used, consumes a lot of electricity, and has been properly maintained (and is still in good working order), retrofitting could be a good choice for you. Retrofitting is a safe way to get some of the advantages of a newer device without having to spend a lot of money on a complete replacement.
8. Replace Your Old Air Conditioner With A Energy-Efficient One
If you need to upgrade your air conditioning system, don’t just go for the same model you had before. Despite the fact that a new one would be more energy efficient, you will be able to reduce your air conditioner’s power usage even more by using a different model of equipment.
A Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system, for example, can improve comfort and energy efficiency in a variety of homes and businesses. The majority of air conditioners operate at full capacity at all times. A VRF framework changes its ability to meet the demands of the moment. It can even be set up to monitor various zones in your room individually, and it can also re-use residual heat from the cooling process to heat other areas. Because of this clever nature, the device consumes less energy.
