As summer approaches and temperatures begin to rise, more and more Hawaiian residents will be running their air conditioners to escape the heat. The problem is this comfort comes at a price. The more you run your AC, the more energy you use, which means higher electric bills. According to Hawaii Energy, as much as half of the energy your home uses goes to keeping it cool.
Fortunately, you can do a lot of things to save energy and reduce the cost of running the AC.
Regular AC maintenance keeps your AC unit and ducts running at peak efficiency; this can cut your energy costs by as much as 30%. Keeping your air conditioners adequately maintained helps extend the life of your HVAC system. It runs smoother, experiences fewer breakdowns, and is better for the environment.
AC Energy Saving Tips
In addition to routine air conditioner maintenance and repair, here are a few more tips to help save energy and money while staying cool and comfortable during the long Hawaiian summer:- Set your air conditioner’s thermostat at 78 degrees or higher. Raise it if you aren’t going to be home during the day. The lower the air conditioning temperature, the higher the energy costs.
- Use ceiling fans as an alternative to AC when possible. Ceiling fans consume much less energy than an AC unit. Keep the ceiling fans running while the AC is on; they help circulate cool air throughout the house.
- Choose an AC unit that is just the right size for your home. Smaller air conditioners can run more efficiently while providing better comfort and air quality.
- Reduce the heat in your kitchen by cooking outside or using a microwave instead of the stove or oven.
- Keep your windows and doors closed during the heat of the day. Keep the shades, drapes, or blinds closed. Install insulated windows to help keep the inside of your house cool.
- Landscape your yard to provide more shade, keeping your house cooler.
- Replace your old thermostat with a new Energy Star certified smart thermostat.
- Seal any air leaks around doors and windows using caulk or weatherstripping.
- Get your AC ducts checked for leaks. AC duct leaks can decrease the efficiency of your air conditioner unit and reduce your energy savings.
- Change your AC filters regularly. This not only helps save energy but also maintains a healthy air quality within your home.
- Keep your air conditioner’s thermostat set on to auto, never on fan.
- Install a radiant barrier or insulation under the roof to help keep the AC ducts cool.
- Get in the habit of turning off the lights when you aren’t in a room. Lights can add a lot of heat to a room, as 99% of a light’s energy use is converted to heat and only one percent to light.
