If maintained properly, your air conditioner should function well for about a decade. Not everyone knows what that means, however. Practices like letting it run continuously on the wrong setting or not addressing issues as soon as they arise can lead to either hefty repair bills or you being forced to replace your cooling system before it’s time.
But what is the right way to run an air conditioner? Some advice might be specific to your particular brand and model, but air conditioners in general have a lot in common. This means there are certain best practices that can help you prolong the use of your AC, like regular maintenance checks like the ones Morris Jenkins offers. If you want to know more about the best way to run your air conditioner, keep reading.
Run the Fan on Full Speed
When you come home and it’s hot and uncomfortable, you might wonder if leaving it on at a low setting would be better than coming home and running it full blast to cool your home as soon as possible.
According to Jennifer Thorne Amann, MES, buildings program director for the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), “Air-conditioning systems run most efficiently when they’re running at full speed.” This means that you’re better off leaving yours off when you aren’t at home, and then turning the fan on at full speed for some quick and efficient cooling when you come back.
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Set the Thermostat Higher
Your air conditioner saves about 3% to 5% energy for every degree higher you set the thermostat on. This is why you need to keep the thermostat as high as you can bear if energy efficiency is your top priority.
Not only will doing so save on the electricity bills, but you’ll also be doing your AC unit a favor. At the same time, using less electricity means wasting less fuel, and we all need a little bit of conservationalism in us, given how bad global warming has been lately.
Don’t Just Depend on the AC
Your AC might be the main cooling appliance in your home, but it shouldn’t be the only one. Install a ceiling fan to help with air circulation so the AC cools places up faster, especially if you live in hotter areas. The fan won’t cool your home, but it will definitely help you feel better even if the room stays hot.
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The fan is going to use a lot less electricity than the AC will, and it will take some load off the AC. In the end, you’ll be saving money and electricity.
At the same time, make sure your rooms stay open to fresh air at night and on cooler hours of the day, and that there are enough indoor plants in your living area to cool the place up, without depending completely on the AC unit.
