Source:  Cielo / Jan 03, 2022 / https://www.cielowigle.com/blog/how-to-use-air-conditioner-effectively/

Check and Change the Air Filter

One of the most important things is to check the air filters of your HVAC system regularly. This not only keeps your air conditioner’s efficiency in check but also keep your electricity bills low.

According to the US department of energy, dirty air filters can increase your AC’s energy consumption by up to 15%.

How often do you need to change the air filters depends on several factors, including household size, number of pets in the house, indoor air quality, and type of air filter that you are using.

As a general rule, the recommended time period is 3-4 months, and just before extreme weather conditions, such as the peak of summer, hits the area you live in. The more frequently you change the air filters, the better would be the air quality. Daikin recommends every two weeks to be the best time.

You can use a smart AC controller for ductless units that tracks your air conditioner’s usage. Based on how many hours your AC is used, it calculates the best time for an AC air filter clean up and notifies you exactly when it’s the time.

Use Smart Thermostat or AC Controllers

The latest HVAC technology involves programmable and smart thermostats. This is, yes, extra equipment and more expensive than their dumb counterparts, BUT they are so much more effective and efficient! You can notice a decrease of up to 25% in your electric bills by utilizing smart thermostats and smart AC controllers.

With automation and intelligent triggers, you can allow your thermostat to know your desired temperature, when you will be home, and when you will be away, and it will efficiently maintain the best room environment for you.

Create Zones

Many people don’t pay attention when it comes to creating zones with the HVAC system. However, it proves to be beneficial in reducing energy bills and is an excellent method to use an air conditioner effectively.

HVAC zoning allows you to set a specific temperature setting for a designated area. This way, you won’t be conditioning your entire home while sitting in your living room. Other than that, by creating zones, you’ll be able to set a different temperature for each zone. If you don’t need a certain area of your house to be cooled, don’t cool it and save energy!

Make Sure Your Air Conditioner Is the Right Size

An air conditioner that is too small or too large for your space will be very ineffective. It is essential to purchase the correct sized AC unit for your space as one too small will need to run for longer and at full power. An air conditioner too large will use up more energy than needed and result in higher bills.