Older air conditioning systems have a simple control mechanism for switching the device on and off. When turned on, these ACs will continue to cool the room until the desired temperature is attained, after which they switch off automatically. When room temperatures rise beyond the desired level, the AC is turned on once again, and the cycle continues. Consumers who want to cut down on their ever-rising energy bills can turn off the device manually in the morning when leaving the house. While this move may save them money, they will be returning home to a hot and uncomfortable environment. They will also be forced to stay in a hotter house for a couple of minutes or hours as they turn on the AC and wait for temperatures to go down.
A better approach would be to use a programmable thermostat, which can be programmed to increase the temperature setting to around 10 degrees over the desired temperature when you leave the house. You can also program the thermostat to readjust the temperature setting back to your desired temperature (78 degrees Fahrenheit) one hour before you return home. For the control system to work properly, you must specify the leave time and return time. Some fine-tuning will be needed to ensure your HVAC system operates as desired.
Other energy efficiency tips for HVAC systems include:
- Regular Maintenance: Air conditioners, like other machines, need regular servicing. Lubrication, recharging the refrigerant and replacement of worn out parts are all important in improving the efficiency and performance of the system.
- Replace or Clean Filters: Air filters often get clogged as debris get stuck on the filter when air is forced through the unit. Be sure to clean or replace the air filter in your AC every month.
- Use Fans and Window Treatments for Air Conditioning: Fans help with movement of air to create draft, which in turn creates a cooling effect in a room. On the other hand, window treatments, such as curtains and drapes can help to keep sunlight, which carries a lot of heat energy, out of the room.
Hopefully, these energy efficiency tips will help you lower your energy bills and improve the performance of your system. Follow us for more articles that your HVAC systems running comfortable and efficiently.