NC experts recommend 9 things to make your AC unit work better (+ 3 things to avoid)

North Carolina is entering summer with temperatures well into the 90s and days-long stretches filled with high humidity. Lots of us are keeping cool inside with the air conditioning cranked.

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, an HVAC company with locations in Raleigh and Charlotte, shared these 12 tips in an online blogpost to keep your AC system working its best during our warmest days.

Does lowering your thermostat temperature save you money?

1. Set back the temperature when you’re away: For maximum savings, set the temperature seven to 10 degrees above your usual setting for at least eight hours per day. Consider installing a programmable thermostat, which can provide a comfortable environment when you’re home and conserve energy when you’re not.

2. Keep the curtains closed: Solar heat gain from direct sunlight forces your air conditioner to work harder than it normally would. Window coverings with light-colored backings reflect sunlight the best.

3. Create airflow with fans: Using fans along with your air conditioner circulates cool air more effectively, making your home feel more comfortable while barely increasing energy consumption.

Can a dehumidifier cool your home?

4. Get rid of hot, humid air: Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans while cooking and showering to reduce your home’s cooling load. Make sure your clothes dryer vents to the outdoors to prevent hot, humid air from releasing into your home.

5. Use a dehumidifier: These remove excess moisture, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable while consuming much less electricity than running the air conditioner.

Does shading your AC unit save you money?

6. Give your outdoor AC unit some shade: The outdoor unit’s location impacts its performance significantly. If the unit gets direct sunlight at the hottest time of the day, consider planting a tree or installing a screen to shade it — just ensure it doesn’t impede airflow.

7. Seal and insulate ductwork: Leaky, uninsulated ducts waste significant energy, especially if they run through unconditioned spaces like the attic, crawl space or garage.

When should you change your air filter?

8. Replace the air filter: A dirty filter restricts airflow and increases energy consumption, so replace it regularly to promote optimal performance. Basic filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific product.

9. Schedule preventative maintenance: Regular tune-ups help keep your air conditioner running efficiently. Preventative measures extend your AC’s life span, reduce energy consumption and address potential issues before they become costly problems.

Avoid doing these things to improve your AC

1. Don’t touch the thermostat: Constantly adjusting the thermostat makes your air conditioner work harder, increasing energy consumption and causing excessive wear and tear. Set the unit at a comfortable level, then don’t touch it while you’re home.

2. Don’t close your vents: Blocked or closed air vents throw off your HVAC system’s supply/return air balance, decreasing efficiency and raising operating costs. Also make sure no return vents are obstructed by curtains, furniture or rugs.

3. Don’t do chores in the afternoon: Cooking, laundry and dishwashing cause indoor heat gain, making your air conditioner work harder. Doing these tasks when temperatures are cooler reduces the cooling load during the hottest time of the day and saves energy.

Source: serviceexperts.com/blog/how-to-help-your-air-conditioner-run-more-efficiently

Common AC unit issues from the experts

Kim Starkey, Carolinas-based regional director of Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, shared these common HVAC snags households may experience during periods of intense heat.

• No airflow while the AC is on: “Nine out of ten times, this is because you have a clogged air filter you forgot to change,” Starkey said. This is a simple fix homeowners can do on their own.

• Water leaks: When AC is running and removing humidity from the air, the water has to drain. If the system hasn’t been checked on recently, the leak can be caused by having a damaged, disconnected or clogged drain line, or even a different problem. These leaks can cause damage to your floor, ceilings or walls, so Starkey recommends getting your unit inspected by a professional once or twice a year.

• Dirty coils: This could cause the system to shut down entirely. The buildup can make it difficult for the air conditioning unit to properly cool air, and the whole system will struggle.

“Having your system properly maintained twice a year is key for good airflow. The system has to be able to breathe. It’s like it has lungs, and without proper airflow, it can get starved for air and cause problems,” Starkey said.

“The biggest thing here is the importance of maintaining your system. It always works out where it breaks down on the hottest day of the year or when you have a group of people over. But regular maintenance can help prevent all those problems.”

This story was originally published July 10, 2024 at 2:25 PM with the headline "NC experts recommend 9 things to make your AC unit work better (+ 3 things to avoid)."

Kimberly Cataudella Tutuska

The News & Observer

919-419-6630

Kimberly Tutuska (she/her) is the editor of North Carolina’s service journalism team.