10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Air Conditioner

As the weather starts warming up, air conditioners start being utilized more. That does not mean your wallet has to be stretched to its limit, though. If you do a few key things around your home, you will get more cool for your buck.

1. Add insulation to your home. It will save you money and keep your home cooler. For example, attics need R30 insulation at least to keep heat out in the summer and heat in during the winter.

2. Fix the windows in your home. Windows that have leaks or windows with single pane glass let cold air out and hot air in.

3. Close your window dressings like shades and drapes. Sunlight helps heat get into your home. You should block out the sun with light colored opaque drapes and shades.

4. Replace filters in central air conditioners and portable air conditioners as often as the manual suggests (usually every three months).

5. Don't block the source of the cool air with furniture or anything else. Make sure the space around the unit is clear. Keep the areas open to promote circulation.

6. Use floor or ceiling fans. Sometimes it is only a little warm and a ceiling or floor fan will suffice. If it is really warm you can use both together but put the air conditioner on a lower setting to keep costs low. Using the fans will help the sir circulate and also keeps cold air from settling near the floor.

7. Be sure to check and refill the refrigerant in your air conditioner. You may need to call in a professional to help to help you do this.

8. Install a programmable thermostat so you can vary the temperature according to when you are home. You should turn off your air conditioning when the outside temperature is less than the thermostat setting in the early mornings and late evenings.

9. The darker your home, the more heat it will absorb. Consider painting it a lighter color if at all possible.

10. Avoid generating heat because the heat you generate is the heat your air conditioner will have ti work harder to expel. Cook outside or use a microwave instead of oven. Turn off lights, computer and other appliances when they are not in use.