Do you know how to improve the efficiency of your air conditioning unit? When your unit is running efficiently, that means it consumes minimal energy. It functions just as it is meant to and that helps lengthen the lifespan of the unit. This is a win-win situation for you.

According to statistics from the Department of Energy, more than half of the total utility bill of households are caused by the HVAC system. If you can make this as efficient as possible, this can significantly lower your energy bill. It will help you save money. You can use that extra money to pay for something more important.

When the summertime comes, the air conditioning unit will surely be used thoroughly. To keep your energy bill from skyrocketing, you might want to consider these 5 simple ways for you to keep your AC unit running efficiently.

Sometimes, dirt and debris will keep your AC unit from functioning efficiently. It is important for you to ensure that it is always kept clean. You need to change or clean the air filter when necessary. You should also go outside to clean the condenser unit. The drain line is also something that will require your attention from time to time. If there is a need for an in-depth cleaning, you might want to call a professional. Keeping the unit clean will not just keep the energy consumption low. It will also ensure that there will be no damages to your AC unit. Not only that, it will also keep a high-quality of air circulating in your home.

This is actually something that can be easily overlooked. When the vent is blocked, it will keep the air from circulating freely and cooling the room. This will prompt your air conditioning unit to work harder to reach the desired temperature. Make sure the vent is clear from any blockage – like furniture, blinds, or other decorative materials. You might want to keep it clean too. That way, it will not compromise the quality of the air in the room.

It also helps to keep an eye on your thermostat. If there is a heat-producing appliance or equipment near the thermostat, that will also prompt the AC unit to cool the room further. It also helps to keep the thermostat higher by a couple of degrees to save on energy costs.

There are many ways for you to do this. You can turn off the light when it is not needed to keep the fixtures from adding heat to the room. You should also close the curtains to keep the heat outside from making the room warmer. If you have to use the dryer or the oven, try not to do it during the hottest time of the day.

You need to insulate any part of the ductwork that runs through any unconditioned space in your home. This will ensure that it will not leak air. You can use duct-sealing tape – specifically UL 181-rated. Admittedly, this might be a difficult and tricky task to complete so hiring a professional might be a good idea.

These are only some of the ways that you can keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently. Make sure you pay close attention because it will also keep your unit from being damaged. Schedule regular maintenance checks by professionals to ensure that everything is in perfect working condition. It might seem like an extra expense but it might just be what you need to keep your costs low in the long run.