Tips for Boosting the Efficiency of Your AC Equipment

Your HVAC system may account for between 10% and 20% of your home’s energy consumption. Your utility bill may spike even higher when temperatures are at their peak in Indianapolis. Fortunately, there are practical ways you can manage the power your equipment consumes. Read on to find out how you can make the best use of your AC unit in the summer.

Manage Your Temperature Regulation

It can be tempting to reduce the temperatures during the hot and humid season. However, lowering the settings to below 70 degrees Fahrenheit will use the same amount of energy to cool the building.

AC professionals recommend a setting of 78 degrees to balance your energy-saving needs and interior comfort. Depending on your preferences, you can raise the temperature higher by a few degrees.

When you’re away on vacation or at work, you can raise the thermostat settings to about 80 degrees. You can also set different temperatures in the morning and at night when you sleep. The best way to manage your AC is to use a smart thermostat.

A smart thermostat can have as many as 30 different settings. Some devices can even learn your daily routine and adjust accordingly. They can generate reports on energy consumption, which can help you determine the problem with your air conditioner.

Prevent the Buildup of Ambient Heat

You can keep your rooms cool by managing ambient heat from both atmospheric and indoor sources. Direct sunlight shining into the house can increase temperatures significantly. Close the curtains or use shades, especially when you’re away from home.

Appliances can generate heat, increasing the cooling load for your air conditioner. Dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters generate significant amounts of heat. You can limit those activities in the afternoon when the temperatures are at their peak.

Turning off unused electronics will not only save energy but also reduce the load for your air conditioner. The semiconductors in household appliances are known to generate heat. The longer you keep the devices on, the more your utility bills will increase.

It’s also essential to keep the thermostat away from places near heat sources. The device will modify its readings, which will influence the performance of your air conditioner. The best location is a shaded area away from sunlight, cooking stoves, or electronics.

Address Airflow Problems

Your equipment may fail to function efficiently due to obstruction and airflow issues. A simple routine maintenance task like cleaning or replacing your filter can optimize its performance.

You should also make a point of clearing obstructions around the outdoor unit. You can shade the unit to prevent the influence of heat from direct sunlight. But branches, leaves, and even rodents may get lodged in parts of your AC.

Also, make sure the vents are open and free from dust and debris. You can vacuum the area around the vents to prevent airflow obstructions.

Consider Zoning to Boost Energy Efficiency

Rather than trying to control the registers, consider zoning for your home. Zones are independent areas that your AC regulates separately. Zoning systems utilize multiple thermostats and air handlers for different rooms in the building.

You can implement a zoned system with dampers or a ductless mini-split system. A ductless system does not require ductwork to transfer heat energy across the building. It employs refrigerant conduits to move the refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units.

Ductless mini-split systems are suited for additions or after a home remodel. It’s the best way to extend air conditioning to an extra room in your home.

You can save energy and manage heating across different rooms more efficiently. For more information on air handlers or zoning systems, contact Peterman Brothers in Indianapolis.

Check for Air Leaks and Address Insulation Problems

Sometimes the issue is not with your air conditioner but with the heat losses in the building. Insulation and air leaks can impact indoor comfort and force your AC to overwork.

For example, the ductwork going through your attic may be subject to temperature fluctuations. The insulation must be of the correct grade and suitable for the local weather. Crawlspaces need a material with an R-13 value for optimal temperature regulations.

Your ductwork can also develop cracks and holes due to factors such as temperature variability and moisture. Some inconsistencies can arise during installation. As a result of those faults, you could be losing 40% of your equipment’s energy output. A routine maintenance service can address leaks and clogs in your ductwork.

The best way to pinpoint spaces with insulation or air leaks is to schedule an energy audit. Skilled technicians can unearth problematic areas that need an insulation upgrade or sealing. You can consult Peterman Brothers’ Home Performance team for a thorough assessment of your Indianapolis home.

Boost Your AC Efficiency by Using a Dehumidifier

One critical fact about your AC’s cooling capacity concerning humidity is that our bodies cool through perspiration. When you sweat, evaporation absorbs energy, and so your body temperature drops.

But when it’s hot and humid, the moisture diminishes the body’s ability to regulate temperatures. You may decide to turn up your thermostat, but that will only overwork your equipment. Therefore, managing humidity increases the performance of your AC.

The ideal humidity levels are between 30% and 50%. In Indiana, humidity can be as high as 60%. A dehumidifier can reduce your utility bills and enhance indoor comfort in the muggy, sweltering summer. It can also prevent moisture damage to your furnishings and other valuables.

Observe Routine Maintenance of Your Equipment

The best way to improve the efficiency of your cooling system is to observe routine maintenance. At Peterman Brothers, we recommend scheduling repairs at least once a year in Indianapolis. A busy household may schedule more tune-ups to reduce recurring issues with their AC.

It’s always advisable to organize repairs as soon as you detect an issue. But if you’re experiencing multiple faults, it’s a sign that your equipment has systemic problems.

Our technicians can assess the faults and propose a lasting solution during the tune-up process. According to statistics, you can avoid up to 80% of repairs by observing regular maintenance.

Paying for the replacement of some components can be costly. You can also uphold the equipment’s warranty by scheduling routine tune-ups. That way, you won’t have to incur further expenses for parts. Our AC maintenance program offers discounts and guarantees for Indianapolis clients.

The maintenance process typically involves cleaning components, performing repairs, and refilling the refrigerant. Grime and dirt on parts such as the evaporator coil can diminish the performance of your system.

The tune-up service requires AC professionals to ascertain that the system is in its best condition possible. Maintenance tasks reduce the risks of faults and extend the life of your equipment.

Contact Us

Whether you’re looking for AC or heating repair, installation, and maintenance solutions in Indianapolis, you can depend on the team at Peterman Brothers. For three decades, we have been the go-to HVAC service in the region. That’s why we have top ratings on Google Reviews from more than 2,000 testimonials. You can rely on our NATE-certified technicians for air handlers, filter replacements and electrical services, too. Call our professional team for up-front pricing and outstanding services.

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