Making Your A/C System
Work for You
To ensure your A/C system is working as efficiently as possible,
here are some things you can do to get the most for your energy
dollars:
Step
| Action |
| Check your
thermostat |
- Cool your home at 78° or warmer with the thermostat fan
switch on "auto." For additional savings, raise your thermostat
to 82° or warmer when you're away from home.
- Heat your home at 68° or cooler with the thermostat fan
switch on "auto." To save even more, lower your thermostat
to 65° or cooler at bedtime or when you're away from home.
- Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature
automatically and maximize your energy savings. It also
helps to maintain a comfortable temperature when you wake
up or return home.
- When on vacation, cool your home at 85° with the thermostat
fan on "auto," to help prevent mildew from developing (in
most homes).
|
| Use fans |
- Reduce your A/C costs and keep your home comfortable by
using inexpensive, energy-efficient ceiling fans to circulate
the air. This will allow you to set your thermostat higher
and still feel cool.
- Turn off your ceiling fan when you leave the room. A fan
that runs all the time costs about $7 a month.
-
- When buying a fan, choose the right size for the room.
For example:
- 10' x 10' room or smaller = 36" fan
- 15' x 20' room = 52" fan
- rooms larger than 15' x 20' = two 52" fans
|
| Keep your
unit clean and clear |
- Learn where your A/C filter is.
- Change the filter regularly using the proper size, or
clean it monthly.
- Keep leaves, shrubbery and debris at least 18 inches away
from your outdoor unit to avoid blocking the airflow.
|
| Maintain
proper airflow through your system |
- Keep the interior doors and vents open to help your A/C
circulate air more efficiently.
|
| Keep
sunlight out during summer months |
- Close your blinds, drapes and shades during the hottest
time of day.
|
| Install or
upgrade insulation |
- Install or upgrade insulation in your home, especially
if it was built before 1982, to help reduce your cooling
costs and make your home more comfortable.
- Visit our Guide
to Insulating Your Home to determine if your home would
benefit from adding insulation.
|
| Consider
buying a new A/C unit |
- If your system is over 10 years old, has undergone frequent
repairs and still doesn't keep your house cool, it may be
time to purchase a new unit.
- FPL's A/C Program can help you when shopping for a new
system. Visit our online A/C
Buying Guide and list of participating independent contractors
to help you buy a high-efficiency system that's right for
your home.
|
Step 2: Maintain Proper Air Care
|
