Keeping cool doesn’t have to strain your household budget. Learn more about energy-efficient cooling solutions that can help you cool your house this summer in Clackamas, OR.
Choose an Efficient Air Conditioner
If you need a new air conditioner for your home this summer, choose one that’s energy efficient. Both central ACs and mini-split systems are good options to consider.
A central AC is effective at providing whole-house cooling at an affordable cost. Alternatively, a mini-split cooling system is often more energy efficient because it doesn’t rely on ductwork. A system with ducts can lose as much as 30% of your home’s cooled air through leaks.
Moreover, a mini-split system provides precise temperature control for individual rooms, which is ideal if you and others in your household have varying cooling preferences. In contrast, central air conditioners are better suited for cooling larger spaces and contribute to more even temperatures throughout your home.
After you choose the best air conditioner to use in your home, consider using add-ons that enhance its performance and energy efficiency. These options include:
- Smart thermostats
- Programmable thermostats
- Air purifiers
- Dehumidifiers
- Zone control
For a mini-split system, you can use add-ons like brackets and stands that protect your outdoor unit and optimize airflow. For a central AC, you can use high-performance air filters that improve air circulation and capture small particles.
Schedule Professional AC Maintenance
Keep your air conditioner properly maintained. As a rule, you should hire one of our technicians to maintain your cooling system at least once a year, ideally in the spring before warm weather begins.
A professional tune-up will identify potential issues, such as a damaged belt or loose part, that could cause bigger and more expensive problems later. Our technician will also check the refrigerant level in your AC and refill it as needed to keep your system working reliably all summer.
Clean the Coils
The coils play a vital role in how well your air conditioner works. The evaporator coils, for example, absorb heat and moisture from inside your house. Dirt that accumulates on them creates a barrier that prevents the coils from absorbing heat. As a result, your AC will work harder, use more energy and increase your energy bills.
Likewise, the condenser coils in your cooling system release the heat absorbed from inside your house to the outside. As with the evaporator coils, dirt disrupts these coils’ function. Your air conditioner could overheat. Dirty condenser coils also jeopardize your AC’s lifespan.
Enhancing its efficiency and lifespan requires you to keep these coils clean. Hire one of our technicians to inspect and clean them at least once a year.
Seal Openings Around Your Windows and Doors
Before summer starts, inspect your windows and doors for any openings around them. Cracks, holes and other openings let in warm air and moisture from the outside.
These elements cause your cooling system to work harder and use more energy than usual. Use materials like caulk, mastic tape and weatherstripping to seal openings to help your AC work more efficiently.
Install Reflective Window Film
Sunlight that streams in through your windows raises your home’s indoor air temperature. Your air conditioner will try to compensate for the warmer air by cycling frequently and working harder to keep your house cool.
Frequent cycling and extra exertion will raise your energy bills because your system uses more energy than usual. Keep out sunlight by installing reflective film on your windows, particularly those that face east and west.
Close Your Blinds and Curtains
During the summer, close your window blinds and curtains. Along with window film, your curtains and blinds are an effective way to keep out heat and sunlight. Your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard since window coverings help keep cool air inside while blocking out sunlight.
Run Your Fans
If you have ceiling fans in your house, run them to help your cooling system work more efficiently. Switch the direction they run to the opposite direction.
During the summer, circulate them in a counterclockwise direction to push down air and create a wind chill effect in your house. When you stand under them, you should feel the air from them.
Likewise, run any oscillating or box fans that you have. Fans help circulate cold air and maintain a cooler indoor air temperature. Your air conditioner won’t have to exert itself to maintain a steady, cool temperature.
Keep the Bedroom and Bathroom Doors Open
Your first instinct when you turn on your AC for the season might be to close off doors to the bedrooms and bathrooms. However, closing them causes a temperature imbalance that prompts your cooling system to work harder. Keeping them open helps keep your cooling costs lower and allows your AC to use less energy.
Avoid Using Heat-Producing Appliances
During the summertime, avoid using your stove, oven and dryer during the daytime hours. These appliances generate heat. Your air conditioner will have to use more energy and work harder to cool the air inside your home while these appliances run. If possible, wait until after sunset when the outdoor temperatures are cooling to use them.
Set the Thermostat to a Higher Temperature While Away
When you’re away from home, don’t waste money running your AC at a lower temperature. Instead, set its thermostat to a temperature that’s several degrees higher than you usually run it at when you’re home.
This tip saves you money on cooling your home when no one is there to benefit from it. You can lower the thermostat’s temperature once you return home and need cooler air to stay comfortable.
Install and Use an Attic Fan
If you don’t have one already, install and use an attic fan in your house. Hot air trapped inside your attic makes your home warmer during the summer. A fan expels that hot air and helps your air conditioner keep your house cooler. It also reduces the humidity level inside your home.
Use Landscaping Strategically
Your landscaping can help your air conditioner work more efficiently. For example, a shade tree in front of the living room window helps keep out sunlight and heat. Likewise, install an awning over the back porch or windows to block out elements that compel your air conditioner to work harder and consume high amounts of energy.
Open the Windows at Night
When the nighttime temperatures drop to comfortable levels, open the windows and turn off the AC for the night. This tactic gives your cooling system a break. It also saves you money on your cooling expenses during the summer.
Clean the Vents
Before summer starts, inspect and clean out your AC’s vents. Remove clogs consisting of dirt, dust and other debris. Cleaner vents allow cool air to circulate better throughout your house while you have the air conditioning system running.
Find Out About Our Energy-Efficient AC Services
At Midway Heating Company, we have more than 50 years of experience helping customers in the Clackamas area with energy-efficient air conditioning. Our experienced team of technicians installs, maintains and repairs traditional HVAC and mini-split cooling systems. We belong to the Energy Trust of Oregon and have Better Business Bureau accreditation. Our company also offers products from leading brands like Lennox and Mitsubishi.
Contact Midway Heating Company for energy-efficient air conditioning services and products.
