7 Simple Ways to Use Your Air Conditioner More Efficiently

7 Simple Ways to Use Your Air Conditioner More EfficientlyIronically, while air conditioners can shorten those long summer days their efficiency tends to drops the hotter it gets outside. But if having your AC blow warm air wasn’t frustrating enough consider what your electricity bill is going to look like if you’re running your air conditioner non-stop. This article lists some useful tips which will help your AC run more efficiently, reduce your carbon footprint, and save on your energy bills at the same time.

1. Insulate your exposed ductwork

Poorly insulated ductwork is the reason for many leaks. You can increase the amount of cool air in a room by keeping it well isolated while it travels to its destination. Cover any visible leak with UL 181-rated duct-sealing tape and make sure your trusted HVAC technician checks your ductwork during his scheduled maintenance visits.

2. Close your curtains

Sure, leaving your curtains open can reduce your lighting costs, but it also gives sunlight a free rein to heat the air in your room. Unless your windows aren’t directly facing the sun or it’s a cloudy day, you should keep your curtains closed during the day. Additionally, you could also try opening the blinds or curtains in the evening, so that heat can leave more easily through your windows.

3. Incorporate your fans into your cooling system

Fans are a simple but efficient way to move conditioned air through a house. Using fans, specially counterclockwise ceiling fans, can not only reduce the burden on your air conditioner, but also give you the flexibility to re-direct the flow of cool air to any area of your house.

4. Reduce the amount of hot air in your home

Blowing cool air into your home is just one part of the equation because you also need a method to get rid of the hot air that builds inside. Use exhaust fans whenever you’re cooking or smoking to expel hot air out of the house. If you don’t have an exhaust fan you could try using a floor fan as a substitute while you’re cooking.

5. Turn your dehumidifier on

Heat itself isn’t as uncomfortable as humidity. If you don’t want to spend your afternoons feeling sticky and sweating like a pig you might, using a dehumidifier which can help you feel comfortable again without overstraining your air conditioner. Better yet, using a dehumidifier could even help you set your air conditioner above 78 degrees if you combine it with fans.

6. Close every empty room

Cool air is a limited resource which is best protected by closing every room you’re not using. Do a round around your home and see where conditioned air isn’t needed. If you own a central air system, make sure that every vent ending in an unoccupied room is sealed. Furthermore, close closet doors, the kitchen, or any other unused nearby areas which could be sucking up the cold air.

7. Keep your air conditioner under the shade

Now that you’ve conditioned the interior of your home, it’s important that you remember to do the same with your yard. After all, your outside unit is sucking up the air from your backyard. If possible, your AC should be located on the north side of your home, since this one is the best protected from the heating effects of the sun rays. Furthermore, doing a little landscaping around your AC and planting a few trees to give it shade will make its job a lot easier in the long run.

Air conditioners can have a hard time cooling your house during the hotter months of the years. However, by following these tips to the letter you can save yourself hundreds of dollars from your utility bills. Just make sure you don’t forget to give annual maintenance to your air cooling system and you’ll be able to enjoy many cool days in the coming years!

Are You thinking of buying a Home in Tampa Bay?

Use our site to search homes for sale in Tampa Bay and all of our surrounding areas. Unlike the “big name” sites out there, our site is directly connected to our local MLS and is updated EVERY HOUR. By creating a Property Manager account you can stay on top of the newest homes for sale and get Price Change alerts so you can stay ahead of other buyers and beat them to the BEST deals!

In the meantime, check out these 1 click searches:

Welcome Fix and FLIP, Remodel or New Construction  - endless possibilities in the heart of South Tampa!
This single-family home located in the heart of the sought-after Sunset Park Neighborhood is ready for your  personal touch. Seize the opportunity to craft your dream home from the ground up, in a tranquil and quiet neighborhood. This property, boasting a generous lot size of 11,655 square feet and zoned RS-75/RS-75, presents the perfect foundation for your architectural aspirations. This home is now ready for a transformative renovation or a complete re-imagination, allowing you to personalize every detail and create a residence that truly reflects your style and preferences. Surrounded by multi-million-dollar homes, this location is a testament to the upscale lifestyle that Sunset Park offers.  Conveniently located to great schools,  Tampa International Airport, International Plaza, and Westshore Plaza to name a few.  Create, design, and build the home you've always dreamed of in the heart of South Tampa's Sunset Park.  Embrace this unique opportunity to shape your future in a community celebrated for its tranquility, sophistication, and proximity to all the amenities Tampa has to offer. $945,000 Active

2623 S Bryant Circle Tampa, Florida

4 Beds 4 Baths 2,672 SqFt 0.270 Acres

Introducing a stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home for sale, boasting a host of desirable features and amenities. This residence has been recently painted, giving it a fresh and inviting ambiance. Step into the modern kitchen to discover brand-new appliances, perfect for preparing meals and entertaining guests.

The garage features new flooring, adding to the overall appeal and functionality of the space. Outside, residents can enjoy a community pool, ideal for relaxing and soaking up the sun. Stay active and healthy with access to the fitness center, conveniently located within the community.

Security and peace of mind are ensured with gated entry, providing an added layer of privacy. Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a beautiful home in a sought-after community with exceptional amenities. Schedule a viewing today and make this dream home yours! $330,000 Active

10845 Dragonwood Drive Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,736 SqFt 0.030 Acres

Fantastic price with an amazing location - fabulous layout with a huge master bedroom that have french doors to lead to the fenced backyard with covered and screened patio close to the Casino, downtown and everything Tampa. The entire home was updated in 2010 from the slab and walls to include vaulted ceilings, textured walls & ceilings, new roof in 2010, new shed with electric in 2012, new windows in 2010. The appliances were replaced in 2022, new bath vanity in 2023 and new shower doors. Lots of smart features including smart locks, smart lights, smart stove, smart wi-fi phone controlled AC thermostat ... its a smart house! The AC was also replaced in 2020.  Ask about down payment assistance and schedule your tour! $285,000 Active

8003 Tudor Place Tampa, Florida

2 Beds 1 Baths 891 SqFt 0.160 Acres