5 Proven Ways to Minimize Your AC Use

While we are roughly 5,000 miles away from Ukraine, the effects of its war with Russia are much closer than you might think. One way the conflict has affected us is the unstoppable increase in oil prices. The contract price of crude oil on the market today is listed at about $120 per barrel. That’s about 20 percent higher than it was just three months ago. What this means is that you are paying more to run your household appliances now than you did prior to the war.

One of the most energy-consuming systems in your home this coming summer is your air conditioner. Since you can’t completely turn it off, especially during the hottest days of the season, you might be wondering if there are other ways to minimize your use of it and lower your energy bill in the process.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your trusted HVAC company in Dellwood MN. In this article, we are giving you five effective ways to save some cash while keeping your family comfortable this summer.

Consider your home’s exposure to the sun.

During the daytime, getting as much shade helps your home stay cooler, helping you minimize your AC usage. To do this, keep blinds, curtains, and drapes closed. These items should keep the sunshine outside and give your home the shade it needs. If your windows are directly facing the sun, use light-colored backings for blinds to deflect the heat. Keep the windows, blinds, and curtains closed to keep the hot air out and help your AC work as seamlessly as possible.

Set a timer to avoid unnecessary usage.

Nearly every air conditioner available on the market these days allows users to set timers. However, not many people take advantage of this feature. The timer can help you schedule a certain time to turn off the AC, especially when no one is at home. This program helps avoid extra usage of the cooling system, minimizing your electricity misuse that happens when you forget to turn off the AC or while you are sleeping.

Be on top of your heat-generating devices.

To effectively minimize your AC use, you need to be on top of the appliances that release heat. Lightbulbs generate heat that adds to the air conditioner's workload. Turning them off when not in use can help decrease your home's heat, granting you to set the thermostat at a higher temperature. 

Avoid washing clothes or cooking during the hottest parts of the day. Doing so will add to the home's ambient heat, causing your AC to work with added pressure.

Also, electrical devices such as TV, computers, lamps, routers, etc. produce heat. So, refrain from positioning them near the air conditioner because the thermostat, as a heat-sensitive device, will require the AC to run longer unnecessarily.

Make use of ceiling fans.

In case you didn’t know, ceiling fans help keep your energy costs down in summer. They can make you feel six or seven degrees cooler via the wind-chill effect. The fan doesn’t actually cool a room, it just makes it more comfortable to stay in. When used in conjunction with your AC, a ceiling fan helps disperse cooled air more efficiently and allows you to set the thermostat by as much as four degrees, with little to no discomfort. However, be sure to turn the fan off when not in use. Otherwise, you will be wasting electricity.

Have your AC professionally maintained.

The above tips are practical ways to lower your AC use. But the most effective way to increase your AC's energy efficiency is to have it regularly checked by a qualified professional. He will make sure the unit works based on the manufacturer's standards.

Outstanding White Bear Lake heating and air conditioning maintenance is what Four Seasons Air Specialists is known for. Being in the HVAC industry for over 40 years, we have gained the necessary knowledge and experience to maintain air conditioners properly. Our teams of AC experts are also duly trained and certified to keep cooling systems in tip-top shape.

There are maintenance steps that require professional tools and expertise, and our guys are more than capable of delivering. Call us and schedule a visit from one of our teams of experts.