Locate air-conditioning units on the shady side of the house. Direct sunlight on a window unit or the compressor section of a central system adds to the workload of your equipment.
If not already shaded, provide shade for the outdoor condensing unit of your central air conditioner. Be sure not to plant shrubs too close to the unit; there must be a free flow of air around the unit. Clean the outdoor condensing unit prior to each cooling season and check it regularly during the summer to make sure it’s not being blocked by leaves, lawn clippings and other debris.
Schedule heat-generating activities, like oven cleaning, baking, dishwashing, clothes drying and ironing, for early morning or late-evening hours.
The recommended temperature setting for an air-conditioned room is 78 degrees F. Raising the temperature one degree for each eight-hour period during the cooling season can save up to 2 percent on cooling costs.
Don’t turn the thermostat down lower than your desired comfort setting. The house will not cool any faster, and chances are that you’ll end up overcooling your home and wasting energy.
Install a programmable thermostat that can be preset to turn on the air conditioner so it cools your home in time for your arrival.
Don’t run the air conditioner during the night if it is cooler outside than inside. To set up cooling currents of air, open windows from the top and bottom on different sides of your home and use a fan.
When using a room air conditioner, set the fan speed on high except in very humid weather. When it’s humid, set the fan speed on low; you’ll get less cooling, but more moisture will be removed from the air, which will make you feel cooler.
Keep your room air conditioner clean inside and out. Check and clean the filter regularly. The condenser (outside coil) should be cleaned at least every two or three years.
Consider using portable or ceiling fans as a substitute for air-conditioning equipment. Fans cost much less to operate than air conditioners. By using a fan, you can run your air conditioner at a higher setting.
On hot, sunny days, close drapes, blinds or shades, particularly those on south and west windows.
Utilize bath and kitchen exhaust fans to help remove excess heat and moisture. Run fans just long enough to rid the house of unwanted water vapor and odors.
