Proper air conditioning can be a lifesaver during the hottest months of the year. Air conditioning isn't just an invention that cools down your house; it can also help clean the air in your home and thereby improve the health of you and your family. However, the running costs of air conditioning can become quite large, especially during the warmest months of the year. If you're wondering how you can save money on your ducted air conditioning, there are a few things you might want to know.
Designing the system
If you haven't yet invested in an air conditioning system, you should consider the design of the air conditioning system to keep the running costs down. Zoning, for example, is something you should take time doing when designing your air conditioning system. This means that you split your house up in zones, where every zone has a different setting for the air conditioning. Zoning will save you a lot of money, as the air conditioning doesn't need to struggle to keep the entire house cool all the time. It also helps with creating a better living environment; the kitchen, for example, needs to be cooled down more than the living room.
Protecting the outdoor unit from sun
If your air conditioning system uses an outdoor unit, you should take a look at its placement. A unit located in the sun will work harder and use more electricity. Usually, outdoor units aren't placed in spots where the sun is shining all day, but if you notice that your unit is exposed to the sun during the hottest part of the day, you should consider getting protection for it. The easiest solution would be to get a screen to put in front of the unit. It could also help with noise reduction.
Cleaning the filter
One of the most effective ways to reduce running costs for an air conditioning system is to make sure all the filters are clean. The filter in an air conditioner should be cleaned at least once every two months. If the filter is clogged, this increases how much energy the unit uses as well as the noises it makes. The filter should also be changed regularly. If you aren't sure how often your particular filter should be replaced, ask your HVAC contractor for advice. Make sure only to use filters recommended for use with your specific air conditioner to make sure it's working well with your unit.