1. Install an energy-efficient heat pump which collects heat from the air, water or ground outside the home and concentrates it for use inside. It also works as an air conditioner and can trim 30-40% off the electricity used.
2. Service central A/C unit twice a year. Good A/C servicing should include cleaning the coils, interior/exterior of the unit, testing the thermostat, and adding Freon if necessary. Regular servicing can reduce energy costs 20-30%.
3. Caulk, seal, and weather-strip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside. Sealing your home reduces air escape from the interior of the home and reduces energy cost up to 30%.
4. Change A/C filters every three months. Keeping clean A/C filters improves the efficiency of an A/C unit by 15%.
5. Avoid placing lamps, televisions, and other heat generating electronics close to the A/C thermostat. The heat from appliances and electronics causes the thermostat to have a false reading.
6. Use fans to keep house cool, whenever possible. Evenly distribute them around the home to maximize air distribution.
7. Close curtains and blinds whenever you leave your home and whenever possible. This reduces air loss from older windows and the sun beating in the windows.
8. Repair holes in duct work. Holes in the duct reduce A/C efficiency, because the duct work sucks in hot air from the attic and transfers it to the return. The A/C works harder to cool the home, because it is sucking in the hot air from the interior of the home and the attic. Holes can be caused by rodents or by normal wear and tear. Duct work should be checked at least once a year, preferably during one of service inspections.
