The Seasonal Shift: Adjusting Your Habits and Home for Optimal AC Efficiency Year-Round

As the seasons cycle through their distinct rhythms, our homes and habits often need to adjust with them. This is particularly true when it comes to maintaining comfort efficiently. Your air conditioning system works hard during the warmer months, but achieving optimal performance and energy efficiency isn't solely a summer concern. It requires a year-round approach, adapting your routines and home environment to complement each season's unique demands. By making conscious adjustments throughout the year, you can ensure your AC operates effectively when you need it most, contributing to a comfortable home environment without unnecessary energy expenditure.

Preparing for the demands of warmer weather ideally begins in the spring. This proactive approach sets the stage for efficient cooling.

1.  Schedule Professional Maintenance

Before the heat truly sets in, arrange for a qualified technician to perform an annual tune-up. This service typically includes cleaning essential components like the evaporator and condenser coils, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, and ensuring the condensate drain is clear. It’s this dedication to early maintenance that helps catch potential issues before they escalate during peak season demand and become more inconvenient (and costly) problems later.

2.  Inspect and Replace Air Filters

Clean air filters are crucial for efficient airflow. A clogged filter forces your AC system to work harder, consuming more energy and potentially leading to strain. Check your filter monthly and replace it as needed, typically every one to three months depending on the filter type and household factors like pets or allergies. Mark replacement dates on a calendar as a reminder.

3.  Clear the Outdoor Unit

Your AC's outdoor condenser unit needs unobstructed airflow to release heat effectively. Take time in the spring to clear away any leaves, grass clippings, dirt, branches, or other debris that may have accumulated around or on top of the unit over winter. Aim for at least 0.6 metres of clear space around the unit on all sides. Take not that this is just one task among many that can go a long way toward improving your home’s energy efficiency during your spring cleaning.

4.  Seal Air Leaks

Check windows and doors for drafts. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal any gaps where cool air could escape or warm air could infiltrate. Reducing air leakage lessens the burden on your AC system, helping it maintain the desired temperature more easily.

As summer arrives and temperatures climb, focus shifts to maximising cooling efficiency during operation.

5.  Optimise Thermostat Settings

Utilise a programmable or smart thermostat to your advantage. Set it to a slightly higher temperature when you're away from home or asleep. When cooling, aim for a moderate temperature (for example, around 25°) rather than an extremely low setting. Avoid frequent, drastic temperature adjustments to improve your AC use and boost your system’s overall efficiency. Find a setting you find comfortable and set your thermostat to that one consistently.

6.  Leverage Ceiling and Portable Fans

Fans create a wind chill effect, making the air feel cooler on your skin. Using fans allows you to raise your thermostat setting by a few degrees while maintaining a similar level of comfort. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave the room.

7.  Utilise Window Coverings

Direct sunlight entering through windows can significantly increase indoor temperature, an effect known as solar heat gain. Keep blinds, shades, or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows. Light-coloured or thermal-backed curtains are particularly effective at reflecting sunlight.

8.  Minimise Indoor Heat Generation

Appliances like ovens, stovetops, clothes dryers, and even computers generate heat. Minimise their use during peak heat hours. Consider cooking outdoors on a barbecue, using a microwave instead of the oven, or running the dishwasher and dryer late in the evening or early in the morning.

When autumn brings cooler temperatures, it's time to transition away from constant cooling and prepare the system for its dormant period.

9.  Reduce AC Reliance Gradually

As outdoor temperatures moderate, rely less on your air conditioner. Raise the thermostat setting further or turn the system off entirely. Take advantage of cooler days and nights by opening windows for natural ventilation when the air quality is good and humidity levels are comfortable.

10. Protect the Outdoor Unit (If Recommended)

After ensuring the outdoor unit is clean and free of debris, consider covering it for the winter, especially if you live in an area with heavy snowfall or harsh conditions. Use a cover specifically designed for AC units or follow manufacturer recommendations. Ensure the cover is breathable to prevent moisture buildup, which could lead to corrosion.

11. Inspect Home Insulation

Autumn is an excellent time to check the insulation levels in your attic, walls, and crawl spaces. Proper insulation helps keep warm air inside during winter and cool air inside during summer, improving overall home energy efficiency year-round.

Even during winter, when the AC is typically inactive, certain actions contribute to its future efficiency.

12. Keep Vents Unobstructed

While focusing on heating, ensure all air vents (supply and return) throughout your home are clear of furniture, rugs, or drapes. Unobstructed airflow is essential for both heating and cooling system efficiency, as they often share the same ductwork. Maintaining clear pathways year-round ensures balanced air distribution.

13. Manage Winter Humidity

Central heating can dry out indoor air. While important for comfort, maintaining moderate humidity levels also helps preserve wooden fixtures, seals around windows and doors, and prevents materials from becoming overly brittle or warped, which can impact air sealing for the cooling season.

14. Plan for Future Upgrades

The off-season provides a good opportunity to research potential energy-efficiency improvements. Consider if upgrading to a higher-efficiency air conditioner, installing a smart thermostat, or improving windows or insulation might be beneficial investments for the coming year.

Optimising air conditioning efficiency is not a single task but an ongoing process woven into the fabric of seasonal changes. By adjusting your habits and performing regular home maintenance as the seasons change, you support your AC system's performance and longevity. These enumerated steps, integrated into your yearly routine, contribute significantly to maintaining a comfortable home environment efficiently across all seasons.

When you need a hand taking care of your HVAC system as the year goes on and the seasons change, call JLN HVAC Solutions Inc. We have a wealth of experience working with clients like you, and that lets us tackle your HVAC-related issues effectively. Call us now at (647) 696-8915 and let us lend a hand with your HVAC system.