You don't have to completely replace your HVAC system to see a noticeable improvement in its efficiency. Apart from regular maintenance, you can make use of smart systems and components that make your air conditioner more flexible, which in turn will help it run better during the hottest months of the year.

Add a Zoning System

Zoning systems let you split up your home into different zones, each with its own temperature setting. This is a helpful system to use not only for your home's occupants who might have varying comfort preferences, but also for letting you choose to cool only parts of your house that really need it. For example, if most people are gone during the day, or if you only move between a few rooms during the day, you can set up a zoning system that lets you primarily cool only those rooms.

Zoning systems often require that a thermostat be installed in each zone, but they can also often be installed by using your existing ducts by making use of dampers that control airflow. Talk to an HVAC specialist to see if a zoning system could work well in your home based on its size and its occupants.

Install a Smart Thermostat

Programmable thermostats help boost efficiency by turning your air conditioner off and on automatically and by letting you set schedules, but you can go further by installing a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can connect to Wi-Fi, automatically adapt temperature settings based on how hot it is outside, give you weather reports, let you make changes to your settings from your phone whether you're at home or not, and even make recommendations as to how you can further improve energy efficiency.

The features you get can depend on what model you buy, so it's worth looking into just how many things you can do with smart thermostats. Then you can pick one based on your specific needs. If you aren't sure what would help you most, talk to an HVAC professional. Many HVAC specialists also carry and install smart thermostats, which means you can get one put in quickly if it's right for you. 

Use a Variable Speed Motor

A typical fan motor has only two speeds: off and on. This means your air conditioner will run at full power, turn off completely, and then run at full power again when it needs to.

A variable speed motor can still run at full power, but can also run at reduced power if necessary. This can let your air conditioner run at reduced power more often rather than switching on and off constantly, which is better for your energy bill. While motors can get a little pricey, they're still much more affordable than the cost of an entirely new system, and, in tandem with other components like smart thermostats, they can make a huge difference.

For more information, contact a local air conditioning contractor. 

Share