How to Conserve Energy with Air Conditioning

Air conditioners work better with good air circulation.

You can probably think of many reasons to conserve energy. It saves you money on your power and gas bills, helps reduce waste and protects the environment. If you want to find ways to conserve energy, then look no further than your air conditioner as a way to do just that. There are several ways to help save energy by operating your unit properly.

Things You'll Need

• Filters
• Water hose

Instructions

1. Change air return filters when dirty. Filters that are clogged cause the unit to work harder to get the air it needs. It is best to change them once a month unless you purchase a type that is meant to last longer.

2. Open all air vents to make sure the air output is not hindered. If air flow is blocked in this way, it can also make the system work harder.

3. Remove vegetation that is too close to the outside unit. Grass and plants can block air flow. Keep plants at least a foot away from the system. Blocking air flow can also cause the system to freeze up. If this happens, the air conditioner could run for hours without releasing any cool air. Wash off the vents on the outside of the unit at least once a year to remove particles that could be clogging it.

4. Keep the air conditioner set so that it won't come on as often during the day when no one is home. This will save money on your energy bill. There is no need to cool a house that no one is in. Install a programmable thermostat so that you can set the unit to cool just before you get home and keep the unit off most of the time while you are away.

5. Run ceiling fans as well as other fans to circulate the air. This will make you feel cooler than the actual temperature, which will allow you to keep the air up a few degrees higher than normal. Fans do not use as much energy.

References

• Consumer Energy Center: Summer Time Energy Saving Tips
• California Energy Commission Energy Quest: Saving Energy