It has been reported that your HVAC bills can take up about 46 percent of your utility expenses. Therefore, it is important that you look for ways in which you can make your air conditioning system more efficient. The good news is that you can do this without even spending a penny (and if you do have to spend money, you won't have to spend much at all). To learn what some of these things are you can do, keep reading.

Clean Around the Exterior Condenser Unit

The best way to ensure that your outside unit is working efficiently is to ensure it is clear of debris and thoroughly clean. Before cleaning the condenser, though, make sure to turn off any power to it. Remove any debris that has built up on the side of the unit, and vacuum any dirt and debris that you can not physically remove from it. A coil cleaner can be used on the exterior of the fins to clean them. After about five minutes, use your garden hose to rinse them off. Be careful to avoid the fan motor during this process.

Vacuum the Interior Vents and Ensure They Aren't Blocked

To ensure that your system receives a steady flow of air, you should vacuum any dust and debris that has built up on the interior supply vents. In addition, you will want to ensure that nothing is blocking these vents. For instance, it is not uncommon for furniture, blinds, curtains, or toys to get in front of these vents and block steady airflow.

Increase Your Thermostat Setting

During the summer, you can generally increase the thermostat temperature by five to eight degrees and save energy and money. During the winter, you can decrease the thermostat temperature by the same amount and reap the benefits as well. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set it to adjust the temperature automatically based on the time of day or for times when you plan to be away from the house for multiple hours. Programmable thermostats can save you a significant amount of energy and money. Therefore, if you have yet to invest in one, it may be time to consider doing so.

Keep Blinds and Curtains Closed Mid-Day

The middle of the day tends to be when the sun hits your windows directly, which can really heat up your home. Therefore, to ensure that this heat does not significantly heat up the interior of your home, you should keep your blinds and curtains closed during the middle of the day when the sun is hitting your home directly.

If you have additional questions about your central air conditioning system, contact a company like Taylor Heating Inc (1062128).