Tips For Cost-Effective Air Conditioning

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While centralized air conditioning definitely consumes more power than the small ones on the window, or the split air conditioners in recent times, it is possible to cut down cooling costs by following some of air conditioning tips listed here, irrespective of the type of air conditioning.

Air Conditioning Tips for Cost-Effective Cooling

Here are some sure-fire ways to make summers more pleasant and easy on the pockets:

Opt for Energy Star Products

Opt for air conditioners with an energy star rating to ensure that the device consumes relatively lesser energy than other conventional units in the market. The type of air conditioner really doesn’t matter, for both central and window energy star ACs offer the same cooling effects as their non-energy star counterparts, but consume lesser power. Energy star centralized ACs reportedly consume 14% less energy while the window units can function on at least 10% lesser energy than conventional units.

Do not hesitate to replace inefficient air conditioning units with energy star products if the old units have served their time. While energy star products tend to be slightly pricier, the costs are recoverable with lower energy bills over time. Energy efficiency figures tend to vary from one product to another, though!

Thermostat Settings

Installing programmable thermostats to control the level of cooling is a neat way to cut down power consumption and, hence, the costs. It is perfectly okay to set the temperature to a couple of degrees lower than usual when at home – an ideal setting of 78 degrees keeps the space comfortably cool without overburdening the cooling system. Any drastic changes in temperature do tend to consume more energy.

However, turning up the temperature to fall just a tad less than the temperature outdoors (usually 85 degrees) when away from home, ensures a minimum load on the air conditioning unit, allowing it to quickly cool down when needed.

Ventilation, Insulation and Glazing

A well-ventilated attic space allows most of the heat absorbed by the roofing to dissipate before it gets to the room ceiling. Again, as cooler air tends to settle down, it is important to ensure that all vents in the basement are sealed to prevent the cool air from escaping into the open.

Insulating the home ensures that the cooling, once achieved, is not compromised by unwanted air drafts into or out of the home’s interiors. Sealing cracks and crevices, especially filling gaps around doors and windows, utility ducts, etc. will help maintain the space’s chillness for a longer time.

Glazing glass window panes, or using tinted panes, or those with special UV reflective coatings can help keep heat from being absorbed into homes via the glass on windows and doors.

Limit Heat Generation During The Day

Air conditioning systems work to cool interior spaces by removing heat. One or more constant sources of heat within the home during the day force the unit to work extra-time to achieve the set temperature. Home appliances, bright lights, and even personal computers generate a great deal of heat during their normal operations. Limiting the use of heat-generating devices and appliances during the day time not only helps save energy, but also prevents cooling systems from extra strain.

Home Décor

From wall paints to upholstery and curtains, it is a known fact that dark colors tend to absorb heat and then dissipate them. Settling for reflective, light-colored paints for exterior walls, and pastel shaded upholstery and drapes can help minimize heat absorption. Placing furniture pieces away from direct sunlight also helps prevent them from imbibing heat. In fact, keeping heavy pieces of furniture away from A/C vents will enable free circulation of cooled air.

Ceiling fans can help take the pinch off the summer heat, especially when used along with air conditioners. Once the interiors are sufficiently cool, ceiling fans can be used to circulate air to all parts of the room.

Home Exteriors

The green cover in the immediate outdoor environment also plays a vital role in keeping home interiors cool and comfortable. Plants and shrubs around the home offer respite against the heat. Placing air conditioning condenser units in a sheltered, clutter-free spot ensures that hot air from the home is efficiently flushed out.

Changing the filters regularly and keeping air conditioned units in good shape with basic maintenance are mandatory to boost savings.

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Source by Dave Adamson