There are several ways to make your air conditioning system more energy-saving and lessen its impact on your surroundings. These are easy and affordable, and only some involve a larger investment. Here are some basic strategies to make it more efficient.
Regulate your thermostat.
Manage your thermostat settings to save energy, reduce emission and lessen cooling costs. In general, for each degree you lift the thermostat, you minimise energy consumption and utility costs by 1% to 2%. These savings are applicable to both manual and programmable thermostats, so the answer is to be diligent and stable. Energy experts recommend these three basic steps:
- Adopt 78 degrees as your minimum setting.
- Keep indoor temperatures as close as possible to outdoor temperatures.
- Turn up the thermostat by 5 to 8 degrees whenever you leave, even if you’ll only be gone for an hour.
Replace air filters.
Air filters that are clean can reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption up to 15%. The generic recommendation is to replace or clean filters on a regular basis, but most manufacturers recommend changing the filter every 30 to 60 days during peak use periods. Both disposable and permanent filters improve system efficiency to cut energy consumption, but permanent ones may be a greener choice. They range from about $20 to $40, can be cleaned, reinstalled and used for years, and offer the advantages of disposables without adding waste to landfills.
Invest in insulation.
One of the most effective ways to reduce energy consumption and improve HVAC performance year round is to raise the amount of insulation in attics and sidewalls. In summer, it reduces heat buildup and in winter, it slows heat loss. In combination, this cuts your energy footprint and can deliver a return on investment in months rather than years. To reach the optimum balance, R49 is recommended for uninsulated attics in warm zones and R60 in cold ones.
Consider radiant barriers.
Radiant heat barriers may be helpful in selected applications. The barriers are made of a thin metalised panel or membrane that reflects heat and reduces heat transfer. In under-insulated homes in warm regions, barriers may reduce heat gain, improve system efficiency and reduce energy consumption. According to estimates, barriers can reduce AC energy use and cooling costs by between 2% and 10%.
Install an absorption heat pump.
The main purpose of an absorption heat pump is to transfer heat. In winter, it absorbs warmth from underground and then transfers it to your living space. In summer, it cools your living space by absorbing indoor heat and releasing it underground. Absorption pumps use little energy and are powered by natural gas, propane and solar/geothermal-heated water rather than electricity, so they can be an economical and environment-friendly cooling solution.
Little things do make a big difference. To instantly make your AC greener, dial up the thermostat today and start implementing the other small changes tomorrow. Invest in energy conserving improvements as time and dollars permit, and soon you’ll be able to keep your AC cool and stay green all seasons long.
Consider more solutions for your air conditioning system with the help of the top HVAC professionals in Australia today.