Once the heat and humidity reach their peak in the Southwest Florida region, it can be difficult to keep your air conditioning costs under control. By taking a few steps to boost cooling system efficiency, however, you can lessen the effects of the higher temperatures and save money, while still remaining comfortable, especially when paired with easy ways to lower energy consumption.
What quick steps can you take to improve cooling efficiency?
- Install or upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat to match your schedule and reduce cooling costs by up to ~20%.
- Keep your system well‑maintained: clean coils, change filters regularly, and have a professional inspect the unit at least twice per year.
- Reduce heat gain in your home: seal leaks and insulate, close blinds or curtains during peak sun hours, delay heat‑producing tasks, use exhaust fans, and swap out inefficient bulbs.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
One of the easiest and most effective ways to boost cooling system efficiency is by replacing your older thermostat with a new programmable model, then optimizing it to fit your schedule perfectly. By raising the temperature 10 degrees while you are at work or away, and reducing it just before you arrive home, you can reduce your cooling costs by up to 20 percent. Try to find a model that fits your routine, such as one with a separate program for weekends and weekdays, if you have a standard business schedule, or one with an individual program for each day, if your schedule is more flexible. The newest models offer features like self-programming, Wi-Fi connectivity and touchscreen interfaces that make them simple and convenient to use. Have your system professionally inspected and serviced at least twice a year for the best results, and check the air filter yourself monthly to avoid issues like those caused by older AC units using R22.
Maintain Your Air Conditioning System
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils, replacing the air filter and cleaning the air handler, can keep your air conditioner running more efficiently and extend its lifespan. Have your system professionally inspected and serviced at least twice a year for the best results, and check the air filter yourself monthly.
Reduce Heat Gain
Adding extra heat during the daytime can make your cooling system work harder to keep you comfortable. Seal and insulate your home to prevent unnecessary heat gain, and close blinds or curtains during the day to block solar gain—an approach that works well alongside fall energy-saving tips. Postpone heat-generating activities like bathing, cooking, laundry or washing dishes until the evening, and be sure to use exhaust fans to eliminate extra humidity. Replace inefficient incandescent bulbs with LEDS or fluorescents to save energy and reduce heat output.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is one of the easiest upgrades to improve cooling efficiency?
Answer: Installing a programmable thermostat is among the simplest improvements. Newer thermostat models with scheduling, Wi‑Fi connectivity, or self‑programming features let you more precisely control when your AC runs, reducing unnecessary cooling.
Question: How often should I perform maintenance on my cooling system?
Answer: Regular maintenance is key. Replace filters, clean condenser and evaporator coils, and schedule a professional inspection at least twice a year. Checking the air filter monthly is also recommended.
Question: What are some ways to reduce heat gain in the home to help AC work less?
Answer: You can seal and insulate your home to cut down on outdoor heat entering. Also close blinds or curtains during sunny parts of the day, delay heat‑producing activities (like cooking) until cooler times, and use exhaust fans to reduce humidity.
Question: Why is reducing indoor humidity beneficial for AC efficiency?
Answer: High humidity makes the AC work harder because moisture in the air must be removed, which uses extra energy. Using exhaust fans, sealing leaks, and reducing sources of moisture help keep humidity down and system strain lower.
Question: Can swapping light bulbs contribute to cooling system efficiency?
Answer: Yes. Incandescent bulbs produce a lot of heat. Replacing them with LED or fluorescent bulbs reduces ambient heat in the home, which in turn reduces the load on your AC system.
For more ways to boost cooling system efficiency, talk to our experts at Conditioned Air, serving Ft. Myers, Naples and Sarasota since 1962.