Air Conditioner Efficiency Tips

Have you been wondering how to make an air conditioner more efficient? We'll show you how to keep cool all summer long, without breaking the bank! Many people don't realize how much money they waste by simply not using their AC properly. In this article, we will share our top tips to make your room air conditioner work more efficiently, which will help you save on your energy bill.

You can view our video here or our written guide below:

Placement

One of the most effective ways to make your AC unit more efficient is to ensure it is properly positioned in the room. For window units: try to position your AAC so you get the maximum airflow into your room, and avoid placing it in a window that gets direct sunlight.

If the window that you place your AC unit does receive direct sunlight, it will make the AC warm up and therefore have to work harder to cool your room.

Alternate Cooling

You should also avoid using your room's air conditioner in the evening or at night, and instead opt for a fan, or the "fan" setting on your air conditioner. Any time you use an alternate cooling source like a fan, you will end up saving money.

When Not to Use Your Air Conditioner

Avoid using your AC if you are running any kind of heat-generating device. Specifically, when using a stove or oven, opt for a fan instead of an AC. It will be more effective and less wasteful.

Air Conditioners vs Dehumidifier

Many people don't know that Air Conditioners also remove humidity from the air, so there's no need to run a dehumidifier in addition to your AC in a room.

Wall Mount vs Window Mount

If you have a choice, the wall-mounted unit is typically more efficient than a window-mounted unit. This is due to the placement in the room. Cold air drops, and wall-mounted units are typically placed higher on the wall which gives better air circulation and makes the unit more efficient.

Using an AC in Cooler Weather

It's never a good idea to run an air conditioner when the outside temperatures are near 65 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. the refrigerant used inside of your AC will need to rise in temperature during its cycle and a cooler outside temperature prevents this process from happening easily. Therefore the air conditioner needs to run longer to achieve the same temperature.

Proper AC Size

Make sure to always get the right AC for the size of your room. If you're buying an AC, look in the product description to see what the recommended room size is for the product. If your AC unit is too large for the room, you will typically get a short-cycling condition. When this happens, the air conditioner turns on and off very frequently, which causes stress to the components and shortens their life. It's also not very energy-efficient and will end up costing you money.

Air Conditioners use a measurement called "BTU" to determine the size of room appropriate for the specific model. You can estimate the BTU of your room by taking its width and length and multiplying by 25.

If you need some help finding the right AC for your home, check out our video here:

Keep Your Air Conditioner Clean

A clean air conditioner is an efficient air conditioner! Keeping the unit clean and maintained cab extend its life and helps your AC run more efficiently. These next couple of tips will show you some key areas to check.

Air Filters

An air conditioner works by drawing air through the front of the unit through a filter, then an evaporator coil where the air chilled, and then blows through the exhaust event back into the room. If the air filter is dirty, it results in decreased airflow through your unit, which in turn means it won’t run as efficiently. Cleaning the filter is an easy task that should part of your regular cleaning schedule, especially if you have furry pets.

Each style of room air conditioner (window, portable, or wall-mounted) has a removable filter that you can clean with warm soapy water. Window and wall units can be found by removing the front panel. On portable air conditioners, the filter is usually found at the back of the unit. Once the filters have been cleaned, thoroughly rinsed, and have dried completely, they can be placed back into the AC. If the filter is beyond cleaning, you can purchase a replacement to help keep your air conditioner running efficiently.

Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Along with clean filters, keeping your evaporator and condenser coils clean and free of debris will help to make your air conditioner work more efficiently. The evaporator coils are found at the front of the unit behind the air filter, but the condenser coils on window and wall units are exposed to the elements are they’re outside your home, so they may accumulate more dirt and debris. The filter should trap most of the debris that could get into your air conditioner, but it’s important to inspect and clean your unit especially if it’s running continuously in the summer months.

To clean the cooling coils, you’ll need to remove the front panel and filter. You can then take a soft brush like a paintbrush to gently remove any debris. After it has been loosened a hand vacuum can be used to suck up all the dust. Be careful not to damage any of the fins, as this would also affect airflow. To access the condenser coils and the fan, you’ll need to remove the cabinet from the air conditioner. Once again take a soft brush to the parts to loosen any debris, and then vacuum up. If there is really stubborn grime back there, liquid or foam commercial cleaning products are available. Be mindful not to get any of the electrical components like the control wet when using these to clean. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and allow the unit to dry completely before reassembling and turning back on.

With these tips you should hopefully see your energy bill come out a little lighter at the end of the month. For more great home repair and appliance tips, check out our huge range of air conditioner parts.