Staying cool during the sweltering weather doesn’t have to break the bank this summer. You can keep cooling costs down by boosting the efficiency of your air conditioner with a few simple tips and tricks. Try these secrets for efficient cooling, and enjoy the low-cost comfort your system can offer.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

A professional maintenance session is a time when HVAC technicians inspect, clean, and tune your air conditioning system. They remove dust and dirt that accumulate throughout the winter to lower stress on your system, and they make sure all its parts are in good working condition. Schedule AC maintenance every year to keep your system healthy and reduce the energy it must consume.

Remove Obstructions From Vents

When any of your vents is obstructed, it causes your AC to work harder than necessary. The harder your system must work, the more energy it will consume, raising your utility bills. Make sure nothing is blocking your vents, such as furniture or rugs, and make keep all your vents open.

Keep Doors and Windows Closed

Doors and windows are the biggest culprits for lost cool air. Even one open window can cause added pressure on your AC and lead to energy spikes. Limit the number of trips in and out of the house, and always close the door behind you to maintain a more consistent temperature and lower the need for additional cooling cycles.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats allow you to set different temperatures for different times so that you aren’t constantly running to the device to change the setting. This smart technology can help when you forget. It allows you to raise the indoor temperature while you are away and still enjoy comfort by the time you get home.

Use Your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can bring a nice, cool breeze to your home when you use them properly in the summer. Set your fans to spin in a counterclockwise direction to create a downdraft. This also helps circulate air, eliminating hot spots that may be present.

Try Zoned Cooling

Zoning systems combine an HVAC system with air duct dampers and separate thermostats to give you better control over home comfort. With zoning systems, you can set different temperatures in different zones so that your air conditioner only has to cool the areas you use most. If you currently do not have such a system in your home, consider having one installed.

To further improve efficiency, technicians can recommend additional solutions outside of regular maintenance. Contact Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical for all your air conditioner efficiency services, and enjoy unmatched comfort in your Tualatin, OR home.