Money Saving Tips: Save Electricity on Your Air Conditioning

Save electricity on air conditioning with some money-saving tips.

Your electricity bills can soar in the summer months due to the high cost of using the air conditioning in your home. Many older air conditioning units were not constructed to be either energy efficient or cost effective. Some basic money-saving tips can help you save on your electricity bills when you need to run your air conditioner.

Replace the Filter

One of the simplest money-saving tips for conserving electricity with your air conditioning is to replace your air filter on a regular basis. Air conditioning filters attract dirt, lint, dust, grass clippings and leaves. Over time, an air conditioning filter can get so saturated with dirt and debris that it's not able to function properly. As a result, it puts more stress on your air conditioning unit, requiring it to use more electricity. Replacing your air conditioning filter helps the unit run more efficiently, subjects it to less wear and reduces your energy bills.

Clean and Protect the Unit

Many air conditioning units chug away day after day without being adequately cleaned or protected. Cleaning out your air conditioning unit with a hose can be a quick and money-saving way to keep your electricity costs low. Gently spraying off the dirt, grass and leaves that accumulate on the exterior of your air conditioning unit allows the fan and cooling system to function better. If possible, you can even plant a tree or a tall shrub near your air conditioning unit to provide it with shade from heat and sun exposure.

Decrease Air Conditioning Usage

One of the most affordable ways to save electricity on air conditioning is to reduce the number of hours that you use it. During the early morning or evening hours when the temperatures are moderate, you can open your windows to provide cooler air throughout your home. If you have an attic fan, open a window and use the fan to get the air circulating throughout your home. Ceiling fans can be installed to reduce the amount of central air that is needed in your home. Setting your air conditioner's thermostat a couple of degrees warmer does not noticeably affect the temperature in your house, but it does save on your electricity bills over time.

References

• Realty Times: Air Conditioning Filters - The Importance of Maintaining Air Conditioning Filters
• Energy Savers: Maintaining Your Air Conditioner
• Bob Vila: Energy Wise House Maintaining Existing Air Conditioners

Resources

• How to Maintain Air Conditioners and Please the Home Inspectors