According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, AC accounts for 12 percent of most home energy costs. To make matters worse, your HVAC system becomes increasingly inefficient as it ages. Summer temperatures are rising, and you may wonder, how do you reduce cooling costs with an aging AC unit?

Increasing the Efficiency of an Old Air Conditioner

Experts say you should replace your AC system every 10 to 15 years. The truth is that most homeowners can’t stretch the budget that far.

With regular maintenance, you may be able to stretch it to 20 or 25 years. However, you may find your electric bill running higher than it should.

You can improve your old unit’s efficiency with careful management. The best approach is using strategies that include:

  1. Improving unit efficiency with maintenance

  2. Reducing the heat load in your home

Improving AC Efficiency

There are a few steps you can take to increase your AC’s efficiency that also help to prolong its life.

Replace air filters regularly

This is the easiest step for preserving an aging AC unit, and it’s also one of the most important.

Your filter doesn’t just remove dust from the air to improve air quality. It also prevent debris from entering the air handler and causing friction when embedded in moving parts. This debris reduces efficiency and causes excess wear on the machinery.

Check your ductwork for leaks

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, leaky ducts waste a great deal of energy. Research found that up to 40 percent of heated and cooled air was lost to leaky ducts.

This means that the cool air provided by your system ends up in the attic instead of your home. Your AC system compensates by running longer to meet the temperature you set on the thermostat.

Adding insulation to your ductwork further improves your AC system’s efficiency. According to the ENERGY STAR program, insulating and sealing your ductwork can save you as much as 20 percent in energy costs.

Upgrade your thermostat

A programmable thermostat helps your HVAC system make smarter choices about cooling. Turning off your system while you’re not home doesn’t save energy, because it needs to run continuously upon your return to reach the right temperature

However, programmable settings that keep your home at a higher temperature during unoccupied and sleep hours saves you on energy costs.

Clean your equipment

Dirt within your HVAC equipment reduces efficiency. Residue on cooling coils negatively impacts their ability to function.

You should clean the evaporator coils on your indoor unit as well as the condenser coils on your outdoor unit annually. If you’re not sure how, call an AC technician to perform the task.

Checking and flushing the condensate drain is also part of cleaning the equipment. A full condensate pan increases the humidity around the evaporator unit, making it less efficient.

Annual tune-up

If you haven’t had a pro perform a recent tune up on your AC system, now is the time. While there are a few things homeowners can do, a professional can perform more advanced maintenance.

Checking and adjusting fan speeds, replacing worn belts, and checking and filling coolant levels are just a few of them.

Reducing Heat Load

One clever way to reduce cooling costs with an aging AC unit is to reduce the heat load in your home. That means ensuring your old AC unit has less heat to remove.

Consider the following tips:

  1. Opt for cooking with the microwave instead of using the oven

  2. Reduce shower times and temperatures

  3. Use vent fans in the bath and laundry rooms to remove residual heat from hot water use

  4. Choose cold water washing for laundry when possible

  5. Use any heat producing appliances, such as dryers and stoves, during evening hours

  6. Turn off any heat-producing electronics unless you’re using them

  7. Make the switch to LED light bulbs, which use less electricity and put off less heat

  8. Install blackout curtains and keep window coverings closed during the day

  9. Use ceiling and tower fans to feel cooler at a higher thermostat setting

  10. Weatherstrip doors and windows

Get the Most From an Aging AC Unit

As much as we’d all love to upgrade our home to the most efficient and energy-saving systems, it isn’t always feasible. However, you can still extend the life of your aging AC unit without raising your energy bill too high. The keys to saving are regular maintenance, proper management, and thoughtful use.

Make an appointment today with the experts at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning in Pleasantville for an annual tune-up. We’ll help extend the life of your system while ensuring it works as efficient as possible through the hot summer months ahead.