Keeping your home cool during the summer does not have to come with a hefty energy bill. This is because there are simple, practical changes you can make to lower the energy consumption of your air conditioner.

Adjust the Thermostat

One of the easiest ways to reduce energy use is by adjusting your thermostat. Setting it just a few degrees higher than you normally would can have a noticeable impact on how much energy your AC uses. A good tip is to keep the temperature around 78°F while you’re home, and let it go up a little when you are not there. This keeps your house cool enough without overworking your air conditioner. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, you can make these changes automatically and save energy without any extra effort.

Use Fans to Help Circulate Air

Fans can be an immense help when it comes to circulating the cool air your AC produces. Whether it’s a ceiling fan or a portable one, moving air around your home makes it feel cooler on your skin. This means you can turn the thermostat up a few degrees and still feel comfortable. Since fans use less energy than air conditioners, combining them can lead to noticeable energy savings. Just remember to switch off the fans when you leave a room, as they cool people, not spaces.

Block Out the Heat

Another way to reduce energy consumption is by keeping heat out of your home. During the day, close your blinds or curtains, especially on windows that get direct sunlight. This keeps the sun from heating up your house, which reduces how hard your air conditioner must work. If you want an extra layer of protection, consider using insulated curtains or installing reflective window film. Both options help prevent the sun’s heat from raising the temperature inside.

Seal and Insulate Your Home

Cool air can escape through gaps around windows and doors, which makes your AC work harder. To prevent this, check your home for drafts and seal any openings with weatherstripping or caulk. It’s also important to ensure that your home is well-insulated, particularly in the attic. Since heat rises, poor insulation in the attic can make it harder to keep your house cool, leading to higher energy use.

Keep Your Air Conditioner in Good Shape

Regular maintenance helps your air conditioner run more efficiently. Cleaning or replacing air filters every one to three months can improve airflow and reduce energy consumption. Additionally, having HVAC technicians inspect your system once a year allows them to catch any issues before those issues become bigger problems. When your air conditioner is well-maintained, it doesn’t need to work as hard to cool your home, which saves energy.

Following these tips will enable you to lower your air conditioning energy use while staying cool. If you want additional help with AC repair and maintenance services in your home in Tallahassee, FL without consuming as much energy, reach out to Payne’s Heating and Air.