When it’s summer in Michigan, there’s always a heat wave looming.
If you use an air conditioner to stay cool – and are now bracing for the electric bill – here are a few tips to keep the cold air flowing and maybe save you some money before the next heat wave arrives:
According to the U.S. Energy Department, three-quarters of all homes in the country have air conditioners, which consume about 6% of the electricity produced in the U.S., costing homeowners about $29 billion annually. Many of us could probably use these tips.
“People can take action, even on hot summer days, to stay in control of their bills and stay safe and comfortable,” said Lauren Snyder, vice president of customer experience for Consumers Energy, in a recent press release. “We want to make sure our customers know they can relieve pressure on their air conditioners by taking simple steps that lead to savings.”
Clean and replace filters
The Energy Department suggests that routine filter replacement or cleaning is the most important maintenance to ensure unit efficiency. It is recommended that the filter be cleaned or replaced every month or two during the cooling season, but filters may need more attention if the unit is in constant use, in dusty conditions, or if you have furry pets in the home.
“Clogged, dirty filters reduce the amount of airflow and significantly reduce a system’s efficiency. Additionally, when airflow is obstructed, air can bypass the filter and deposit debris directly into the evaporator coil, compromising the coil’s heat-absorbing ability,” according to the agency website. “Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.”
In central air conditioners, the filters are generally located along the length of the return duct, with common filter locations in walls, ceilings, or the unit itself. Room air conditioners, according to the Energy Department, have a filter in the grille that faces the room.
Check, clean evaporator coil
The agency also encourages checking the evaporator coil every year and cleaning it as necessary. Outdoor condenser coils can get dirty (from everything from the dryer vents to falling leaves and the lawn mower). Dirt is noticeable on the fins. It says the fins on the evaporator and condenser coils can become bent, blocking airflow through the coil. According to the agency, a tool called a “fin comb” can comb the fins back to their near-original state.
More air conditioning tips
Here are some additional tips that may help:
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DTE Energy encourages residents to ensure the unit has at least 2 feet of clearance for airflow. Adding a clean machine can improve efficiency by 5%-15%.
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The utility suggests protecting central air conditioners from direct sunlight. According to the company, an outdoor unit operating in the shade uses up to 10% less electricity than the same unit in the sun.
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The Energy Department suggests running a stiff wire through the unit’s drains to prevent clogging.
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DTE encourages programmable thermostats that can be adjusted. Consumers Energy stated in its press release that smart thermostats can save up to 15% on a bill.
For window air conditioner units, DTE Energy recommends replacing filters and installing seals around window units. It also encourages residents to place a room air conditioner in a shaded window.
“Heat from sunlight can cause the device’s thermostat to misread the room temperature and run longer. A TV or lamp placed near the device can have the same effect,” the company said.
In general, the utility also recommends checking your home’s insulation, which suggests that on average, 10%-25% of the energy used to cool a home escapes through air leaks, and to the duct system of to have the house inspected.
Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Air conditioner tips: Save energy during hot Michigan summers
