(Newswire.net — August 3, 2020) — When temperatures rise, our energy bills usually reach their highest levels. To prevent them from skyrocketing, we need to keep our homes as energy efficient as possible. However, finding ways to save energy and reduce our costs can be a challenge. We start from our HVAC systems because it uses the most energy of any single appliance as it accounts for almost one half of the average U.S. home’s energy consumption.
Windows AC Versus Central AC
It is important to find the method that will cool your home in the way that will work best for you. Not only will it make you feel comfortable but ideally, it should save you energy and money.
First, let us explore the difference between central air conditioning versus window units.
Central AC is a condenser sits outside of your home and takes advantage of its duct system to blow cold air into individual rooms. A single-room window AC unit consists of a box designed to wedge into a window. It contains a condenser, an evaporator, a thermostat, and fans.
A window AC unit can use anywhere from 500 to 1440 watts of electricity to run, while a typical central air unit in the average sized home uses about 3500 watts so more than double. Although the size of the area matters, this metric has more to do with the amount of energy needed to operate the systems actually and a central unit entails a bigger power draw. However, you should keep in mind that it will take more than one window unit to cool an entire house whereas a central air system runs through the house. To be fair, many modern central air systems can be programmed to produce different temperatures for each zone.
How to Save on ACs
- Use ceiling fans clockwise in the winter at a low speed to pull cool air up.
Ceiling fans are much cheaper than air-conditioning. During summer, switch to counter clockwise to push cool air down. The chill effect will make the room seem 8 degrees cooler. Moreover, you could save up to 40 percent on air conditioning costs.
- Draw your curtains during sunny summer days
This simple habit will create another layer of insulation but open them during winter to get free heat – use what Mother Nature has provided us so abundantly with.
- Replace your air filters, remove dust and vacuum to prevent clogs
Regular maintenance is a must as clogged air filters can impair the performance of your window air conditioner and increase your energy costs.
- Dress lightly in summer and warmly in winter
During winter, feel free to add layers and do not forget about the heating power of blankets. The best part of being in doors is you do not need to impress anyone with how you dress!
- Prevent energy waste when you are away or sleeping
This goes for all appliances: unplug them when they are not in use and when you are away. Moreover, investing in smart devices that will have thermostat controls and programmable timers will save you quite a bit over the long-term. Furthermore, you should turn your air-conditioner early when you are expecting a hot day as you will save energy from having to cool it off when it is already hot. You will also save if you put the highest temperature setting at which you still feel cool enough. Each additional 1°C can save you about 10 percent of your energy usage.
More tips to lower your AC costs
To start off, check your electricity bill to determine your cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Depending on where you live, this rate can range widely. Just browse through the recommended Baltimore gas and electric plans to find the one that suits you best.
After you found the best deal, small changes such as using wide airflow mode to evenly distribute the temperature throughout the room will not only save you more money but also make it more comfy.
- Use AUTO instead of ON mode
Auto Mode means that your fan is only going to run when your AC needs to cool or heat the room to your desired temperature. Unlike when the setting is “On”, the fan will not work continuously but only when needed.
- Eco energy-saving mode
The compressor is the thing that takes up most of your energy consumption. Cut it some slack by using a button that usually has the word “Eco” in it. It works by increasing fan speed but choosing a temperature 2°C higher than your set-point. The result will likely feel the same to you but your compressor will not need to work as hard.
Takeaway
Each home is different so is each homeowner. However, we can all benefit from adopting these energy-saving habits. Being a responsible owner includes having regular maintenance services and keeping your appliances clean. It will not only prevent functional issues but additional costs.