Did you know that your air conditioner is one of the biggest energy consumers in your home? On average, a standard air conditioning unit accounts for about 15 percent of an average household’s total electricity bill! That’s why it’s essential to take steps to reduce your AC energy use. Here are 10 tips to help you achieve greater efficiency and lower energy costs when cooling and heating with your AC:

1. Install a Programmable Thermostat – Installing a programmable thermostat will allow you to set the temperature of your home based on different times of the day, so you don’t have to keep adjusting it manually. This way, you can stay comfortable while also saving energy when you’re away or asleep.
2. Change Your Filters Regularly – Keeping your air filter clean is essential to ensuring the efficient operation of your AC. Dirty filters reduce airflow and hinder the cooling process, leading to higher energy costs. Replace them every three months or as needed for best results.
3. Keep Vents Clear – Make sure that furniture, curtains, and other objects aren’t blocking any of your air vents. If they are, it can cause the AC to work harder than it needs to in order to cool or heat your home properly.
4. Maintain Your Unit – Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that your air conditioning installation is working at its peak efficiency level. Get a professional technician who got a certificate from an hvac trade school to inspect and clean your hvac unit once a year for best results. Your hvac technician can also recommend cooling and heating replacement especially if your current hvac unit is no longer energy-efficient. Moving forward, be sure to book a furnace repair service annually to maintain your hvac system’s efficiency.
5. Use a Fan – If you don’t need to cool or heat your entire home, consider using a fan instead of the AC. Fans are much more energy-efficient and can help reduce energy costs.
6. Take Advantage of Ceiling Fans – The use of ceiling fans in combination with an air conditioner is a great way to keep your home comfortable without having to raise the temperature too high. Ceiling fans can help circulate the cool air from your AC, allowing you to keep the thermostat at a lower setting and still feel comfortable.
7. Shade Your Outdoor Unit – If possible, shade the outdoor unit of your AC with shrubs or other plants to reduce direct sunlight exposure. Sunlight can heat the outside unit, making it work harder than necessary.
8. Keep Doors and Windows Shut – Make sure to keep your doors and windows shut when running the AC in order to prevent cool or warm air from escaping your home. This will help reduce energy costs and ensure that your AC is working efficiently.
9. Invest in Insulation – Having good insulation in your home will help keep the hot or cold air inside, meaning your AC won’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature. This can translate into lower energy costs over time.
10. Use Smart Home Technology – Investing in smart home technology can also be a great way to save energy when using your AC. Smart thermostats and other devices allow you to conveniently monitor and control your unit from your phone or other device, ensuring that it’s running at peak efficiency.

Now that you have these ten tips in mind, you should be able to save energy and money while keeping your home comfortable with your AC. By taking a few simple steps, you can make sure that your unit is running as efficiently as possible so you can enjoy the temperature of your home without worrying about high energy costs.

If you’re having trouble with any of the tips mentioned above or don’t feel comfortable taking on the task yourself, it’s a good idea to contact a professional technician for help. A qualified Ocala HVAC Contractor can inspect your system and make sure it’s running as efficiently as possible, saving you money and energy in the long run.