Hot weather can be uncomfortable for many people. For some people, it can be downright unbearable. But a good air conditioning unit can save the day! If you're the owner of an AC unit, you may be wondering how to get the most out of this utility. Here are some tips to help you do just that.



Experiment With Your Thermostat

Your home's cooling needs are unique and will depend on your location and your personal preferences. You can start by setting the thermostat at a higher temperature and slowly lowering it at specific time intervals. As your home gradually cools down, you should be able to pinpoint the temperature at which you feel most comfortable. Some days will be hotter than others. Whenever you're uncomfortable, all you have to do is reduce the temperature setting a degree at a time until you achieve your desired temperature.

Set Higher Temperatures When You're Away

If you plan to be away from your home, then you can reduce your energy costs by setting the thermostat at a higher temperature. If nobody's home, then it doesn't really matter if the interior feels uncomfortably hot. This is a better option than turning off your AC entirely because when you do go to lower the temperature once you're home, your unit will use less energy getting the temperature down to your comfort zone.

Use Cheaper Alternatives to Keep Cool

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to higher-efficiency air conditioners and combining this with other actions to keep your home cool can reduce your AC energy usage by 20-50%. Therefore, you should first consider replacing your unit. This is especially important if your unit's outdated and prone to breakdowns. An old unit can be highly inefficient and can result in increased energy consumption. At the same time, it may not be able to adequately meet your home's cooling needs. After upgrading, you can benefit from exploring less expensive ways to keep your home cool such as installing ceiling fans. You can also cool your home naturally by leaving the windows open, using cooling curtains, and reducing your usage of heat-producing appliances.

Fore more tips on maximizing your AC unit's efficiency, give Hess Mechanical Inc a call today. We'll help you get the most out of your air conditioning system.