Most residents of Southern California are aware that air conditioning is a necessity for most of the year. Without air conditioning, it is almost impossible to enjoy a single week in the hot summer temperatures or the recent hot weather we have been experiencing. Unfortunately, this can mean costly energy bills, which can be even more frustrating if your system is only performing adequately. Luckily, there are three ways you can optimize your air conditioner performance to save energy and increase comfort levels.
Install Zone Controls:
One of the most common ways to waste energy is to cool a room that you are not using. Zone controls are available on most modern air conditioning systems, and they allow you to divide the home into different areas or regions. Each zone can be separately controlled, allowing you to adjust the temperatures according to your preferences. For example, you may prefer your sleeping areas to be slightly cooler compared to your living areas. You can also set timers so that you are not cooling your sleeping areas until you need them. This system is fantastic for creating flexibility, you can maintain different temperatures in different areas of the home according to personal preferences, and it allows you to save energy by only cooling the rooms you are using.
Upgrade Your Thermostats:
If you are relying on an older thermostat which uses knobs and sliders, it may be impacting your comfort level and energy usage. Even if you have a standard digital thermostat, if it lacks programming features, it may also need an upgrade. Once you start to look at the latest technology, you will wonder how you ever managed without a new thermostat. The current generation of technology is designed to provide energy savings without compromising on comfort levels. Newer thermostats offer the possibility to program in multiple time slots to give you more precise control of your cooling. This finer control allows you to ensure that your home is at the perfect temperature when you walk in the door, without needing to leave the system running while no one is home. There are even wireless thermostats which allow you to use your laptop, smartphone or other mobile device to access your system settings. Newer thermostats also have greater precision, which can contribute to additional savings and provide optimum comfort.
Schedule Your Spring Clean:
While you may be very fastidious about cleaning your home, do you give your air conditioning the same consideration. Your system can benefit from a thorough clean at least once a year, and spring is the ideal time, so it is ready for the hot summer temperatures. It is a good idea to check all the filters are clear of debris, ensure outdoor units are cleaned, and your system is serviced. This will ensure that your system is operating at peak efficiency and provide the opportunity for preventative maintenance. You will find that replacing a worn component is far less costly than waiting until it fails and triggers a breakdown. A regular schedule of maintenance and servicing is also likely to extend the lifespan of your system, saving you money in the long term.