The air conditioning system plays a significant role in ensuring that your home is comfortable, especially when it’s hot outside. It’s imperative to have a functioning AC system in the tropical climate of Miami, as the hot and humid summers may seem unappealing without a cool home.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, AC accounts for about 12 percent of home energy expenditures. The expenses can be higher if your HVAC system doesn’t work efficiently. So, how can you maximize your AC’s efficiency to reduce your monthly costs?
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Schedule Regular AC Maintenance
Maintaining an AC’s filters, coils regularly, and fins is essential for the unit to function effectively. Lack of necessary maintenance can result in a decline in air conditioning performance as it will require more energy. This can also lead to high bills and costly repairs if a unit breaks down.
If your unit is old, it might be helpful to replace it with a new system offered by a reputable provider. Choose a contractor to perform service or AC installation in Miami for maximum efficiency and comfort. Maintaining your AC will ensure the unit maintains healthy indoor air quality through a balanced air distribution system, proper dehumidification, and filtration.
Inspect Sneaky Leaks
Leaving windows and doors open provides an escape route for cold air, requiring your HVAC system to work harder to cool your home. It can also be helpful to look for worn-out seals or cracks on windows to ensure there are no leaks. If you notice an unusual increase in your energy bill, take some time to identify any leaks in your home that let out air and hire an HVAC repair company to make necessary repairs.
Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat lets you control your home’s cooling and heating temperature settings from your phone, tablet, or computer. They are Wi-Fi enabled, making it more straightforward to access temperature and other features through an app on your smart device. Some thermostats can learn your heating and cooling preferences and automatically adjust them based on the data they retrieve. They can also detect problems in your HVAC system, allowing you to schedule maintenance when necessary.
A smart thermostat can save on cooling and heating costs through the dynamic features that allow it to maximize your unit’s efficiency. According to Energy Star, their certified smart thermostats save an average of eight percent on heating or cooling. Two studies by Nest found that smart thermostats can save customers 15 percent on cooling.
Place Heat-Producing Appliances Strategically
The location of your thermostat significantly influences the efficiency of your AC unit. If you install your thermostat near a heat-producing appliance, such as an oven, lamp, or sunny window, the device will inaccurately interpret your home’s temperature. The thermostat will use that data to adjust to a temperature that’s not necessarily required. This will force your AC to work harder than it needs to, increasing your energy bills. It will also result in more wear and tear on your AC system.
It’s essential to take the proper steps to maximize your AC unit’s efficiency and extend its life. Take your time to identify maintenance requirements and consult a professional at least once a year to ensure your system is working at its full potential.