Things You'll Need:
- Common sense
- New air conditioner filters
- Simple brush to clean vents
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Step 1
Make sure you thoroughly research window air conditioning units prior to purchasing one. The size of an air conditioner unit is crucial when saving money on electricity bills. Take a carpenter’s measuring tape and record the dimensions of the desired room. If the room you want cooled is fairly small, it’s better for you to purchase a unit that’s proportionate to that space. The time and energy it takes to cool the room can detrimentally cause your bill to rise higher.
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Step 2
Remember that heat rises. The bottom floor of a two-story home will always be cooler than the upper. You can compensate for that by spending more time on the bottom floor. If this isn’t an option, look to run ceiling fans or portable fans in the upper areas of your house. This helps to spread the cooler air from the air conditioner vents throughout the area. Try to use fewer lights in the up stairs' rooms during the hotter portions of the day. If you have cool nights, you can cut off the power of the air conditioning unit and open a few windows.
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Step 3
Check the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) numbers when researching air conditioning units. The lower the ratings, the more it will cost to run the unit. For most residents, a rating of 13 or better is perfect for an air conditioner unit. If you live in warmer climates, a rating of 14 or higher is the choice you want. Make sure it’s higher than 10. If you have an air conditioner unit and the ratings indicate an 8 or less, consider having it replaced soon with one that’s rating higher. These air conditioning units may cost you a little more, but the money you’ll save each month will more than compensate.
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Step 4
Get a professional to check your air conditioning system during the spring. They are trained to spot troubles that are unseen to the eye of a novice. Clean the air conditioner unit filters and vents once every 45 days. Have the filters replaced every 90 days. This helps to keep the energy bill lower and ensures the quality of clean air when the air conditioner unit is operating. If you have rooms that aren’t frequently occupied, close the vents and doors leading into these rooms. Make sure to check if anything is blocking the flow coming from the vents (Furniture, carpet, rugs, etc.)
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Step 5
Consider investing in a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one. This should be installed by a professional. It aids in determining a comfortable temperature when you’re at home. Try to set the air conditioning unit to around 72-78 degrees. However, if you’re planning on leaving the house for long periods of time, adjust the temperature to around 80-85 to prevent wasting money. It also helps to refrain from placing lighting fixtures or appliances close to the air conditioner thermostat as this may cause inaccurate temperature readings.
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Step 6
Locate and take note where the air conditioning condenser is situated. If the area where it’s at is shaded, this will help save money on your energy bill. Check to see if there’s proper room for the heat from the air conditioner unit to escape. If there are trees, shrubbery, are other items nearby, have them removed to prevent accidental fires from starting.
Comments
CaseyCarlton said
on 3/2/2009 Thanks! Good article. 5 stars and a recommend
JudyCutler1946 said
on 9/26/2008 Thanks. I need to buy a new one. This helped.
DreamLiving said
on 7/18/2008 Thanks, it's hot here in Florida (and step 6 will be checked)
luv2blog said
on 7/11/2008 Well written. Thanks for the tips.
Willboywonder said
on 6/30/2008 You have some great tips. I'd like you to do one on how to safely remove a broken light bulb from a light socket. Do you need to turn on the electricity? What kind of tool can you use to grip the broken electrodes and unscrew it? I bet you know how to do it. Maybe you'll write about it one day.