Running the air conditioner is a must for many homeowners when summer arrives to stay comfortable. However, this usually means that utility bills will quickly increase. There are many ways to save energy while running the unit. Try the following tips below for more efficient air conditioner usage.

How to Stop Wasting Energy With Your A/C

1. Fix Poor Insulation & Leaks

Cool air from the air conditioning unit can escape through cracks around windows, doors, roof, and siding. It may also not stay in your home longer if the walls and attic are poorly insulated.

Resolving these issues is an excellent long-term decision for home comfort and energy usage. By sealing these cracks and beefing up your insulation, cool air will stay in longer and you won’t have to run your A/C unit as often.

2. Use Fans

Ceiling fans can do wonders for cooling down a room and circulating the cold air that your air conditioner produces. They do all of this at a fraction of the cost of running an A/C.

If you have ceiling or stationary fans, use them whenever you’re trying to cool your home. The A/C won’t have to work as hard to circulate air to other rooms, meaning less energy usage.

3. Keep the Sun Out

The sun can quickly warm up a home. Try keeping the curtains closed during the day. If rooms are too dark, you can apply thermal liners on your windows, as well as UV-reflective coatings. Consider installing window awnings for permanent UV coverage, or plant trees near your home to increase shade. These options can drastically cut down the amount of solar heating in your home.

4. Purchase a Smart Thermostat

You may have to run your A/C more often on some days. The most efficient way is with a smart thermostat. These programmable devices allow you to set timers and control your appliance via mobile apps while you’re away. This means no more running your A/C unnecessarily. Many thermostats also include energy audits and reporting to show you ways you can further improve your A/C energy use.

Inspections are an important part of keeping your air conditioner functioning properly. Inman Heating & Cooling provides comprehensive cooling services to residents of Columbia, IL. This fully licensed and insured contractor handles air conditioning repairs and replacements to keep your home comfortable during the warmer months. Visit their website to learn more about the company or call (618) 281-5355 to speak with a representative.