Industry Insight: Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Efficiency This Summer

Well, as of yesterday, it’s officially summer.  And here in Omaha, we’ve been feeling the summer heat for a while now.  Great weather for pools and outdoor fun, but always raises the question, “what’s my electric bill going to be this month?”  And commercial air conditioning isn’t exactly cheap.

However, there are some things you can do in any building – businesses and homes – to help the efficiency of your air conditioning system during these summer months.

• Clean around your outdoor condenser unit to be sure there is nothing obstructing air flow.  Look for things like as leaves, mulch and other debris.
• Get your ducts cleaned.  This will help air flow freely and efficiently throughout your building.  Plus, it improves the air quality of your environment.
• Keep your vents clear of furniture and other blockages.  By doing this, you’ll simply have much better air circulation, which in turn will make it easier for your air conditioner to keep up.
• Increase your thermostat by a few degrees.  By simply increasing the indoor temperature slightly, you’ll be able to make a dent in your energy bill.  If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to a higher temperature during times when the building will be unoccupied to give the air conditioner a rest.
• Keep direct sunlight out, if possible.  Eastern and western windows can let in a lot of direct rays in the morning and evening.  By making sure those shades are closed during the peak times of sunlight, you’re making it easier for the A/C to keep up.
• Use the dehumidifier.  Humidity makes the air temperature seem much higher during summer months, by removing the humidity from the air, you can help occupants feel more comfortable even at slightly higher temperatures.
• Schedule a maintenance checkup.  It’s always a good idea to prevent a problem rather than waiting until the problem occurs.  We’ll make sure your units are in good shape before the peak of summer hits!

Lastly, just remember to enjoy summer by getting out and doing some fun summer activities!  Then air conditioning is out of the question! 🙂