Living in Harrisburg, PA, means experiencing all four seasons, with summers that can bring high temperatures and humidity levels. When the heat and humidity rise, your air conditioning system becomes your best friend, keeping your home cool and comfortable. However, running your AC constantly can lead to excessive wear and tear, higher energy bills, and unexpected breakdowns.
To prevent your AC from overworking and ensure it operates efficiently, there are several steps you can take. In this guide, we’ll explore practical ways to ease the burden on your AC while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.
Why It’s Important to Prevent Your AC from Overworking
Your air conditioner is designed to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, but when it works too hard, several problems can arise:
- Increased Energy Costs – Overworked AC systems consume more electricity, leading to higher energy bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air conditioning accounts for about 12% of total home energy costs and up to 70% of summer energy bills in hot climates.
- Frequent Repairs and Shortened Lifespan – Running your AC non-stop can cause components to wear out faster, leading to costly repairs and a shorter system lifespan. A well-maintained AC unit can last 15 to 20 years, but overworking it may reduce that significantly.
- Reduced Indoor Air Quality – An overworked AC may struggle to filter dust, allergens, and humidity, leading to poor air quality in your home.
Now that we understand the risks, let’s look at ways to keep your AC running efficiently without overworking it.
1. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor comfort while preventing your AC from overexerting itself.
- Set the Temperature Wisely – The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home during the summer. Every degree lower increases your energy consumption by about 3% to 5%.
- Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat – A programmable thermostat allows you to set temperature schedules, reducing the AC's workload when you're away. Smart thermostats can learn your habits and adjust settings automatically for maximum efficiency.
- Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes – Setting your thermostat too low after a hot day forces your AC to work harder. Instead, adjust the temperature gradually.
2. Improve Your Home’s Insulation and Sealing
Proper insulation and sealing can significantly reduce the strain on your AC by preventing cool air from escaping and hot air from entering.
- Seal Air Leaks – Gaps around doors, windows, and vents allow warm air inside, making your AC work harder. Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal leaks.
- Upgrade Insulation – Insulating your attic, walls, and floors can improve your home’s ability to maintain a stable temperature. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that proper insulation can reduce cooling costs by up to 20%.
- Use Thermal Curtains or Blinds – Blocking sunlight with insulated window coverings can reduce indoor temperatures and AC usage.
3. Reduce Indoor Heat Sources
Your AC has to work harder when excess heat is generated inside your home. Here’s how to minimize internal heat sources:
- Use Heat-Producing Appliances Wisely – Ovens, stoves, and dryers generate significant heat. Use them in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler.
- Switch to LED Lighting – Traditional incandescent bulbs emit heat, while LED bulbs stay cool and use 75% less energy.
- Limit Electronics Usage – Devices like computers and televisions emit heat. Turn them off when not in use.
4. Maintain Your AC System Regularly
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your AC runs efficiently without overworking.
- Change Your Air Filters – Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder. Replace filters every one to three months, depending on usage.
- Schedule Professional Tune-Ups – A professional HVAC technician can check refrigerant levels, clean coils, and inspect components for potential issues. Regular maintenance can improve efficiency by 5% to 15% and prevent breakdowns.
- Clean the Outdoor Unit – Dirt, debris, and leaves can block airflow. Keep the outdoor condenser unit clean and free of obstructions.
5. Use Fans to Circulate Air
Ceiling and floor fans help distribute cool air more efficiently, reducing the burden on your AC.
- Set Ceiling Fans to Rotate Counterclockwise – This pushes cool air downward, making the room feel cooler.
- Use Box or Oscillating Fans – These can improve air circulation in rooms with poor airflow.
- Turn Fans Off When Not in Use – Fans cool people, not rooms, so turning them off when you leave saves energy.
6. Manage Humidity Levels
Harrisburg’s summer humidity can make indoor air feel warmer, forcing your AC to work harder.
- Use a Dehumidifier – Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, improving comfort and reducing AC strain.
- Ventilate Properly – Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to expel humid air.
- Fix Leaks and Plumbing Issues – Water leaks can add unwanted moisture to the air.
7. Consider Energy-Efficient Upgrades
If your AC system is old or inefficient, upgrading to a more energy-efficient model can save you money and prevent overworking.
- Install an ENERGY STAR®-Certified AC – These models use up to 15% less energy than standard units.
- Upgrade to a Variable-Speed AC – Unlike single-speed units, variable-speed ACs adjust cooling output based on demand, improving efficiency.
- Check Your Ductwork – Leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of conditioned air. Sealing or replacing ducts can improve efficiency.
8. Use Natural Cooling Strategies
Taking advantage of natural cooling methods can help reduce AC usage.
- Open Windows at Night – If outdoor temperatures drop significantly, open windows for natural ventilation.
- Plant Shade Trees – Trees and shrubs can block direct sunlight, reducing heat gain. The U.S. Department of Energy states that well-placed shade trees can lower cooling costs by 30%.
- Install Reflective Roofing or Window Film – These reduce heat absorption, keeping your home cooler.
For AC Services in Harrisburg, PA, Contact WM Buffington Company Heating, Cooling & Plumbing Today
Keeping your AC from overworking not only saves you money but also extends the lifespan of your system and keeps your home comfortable. By following these strategies—optimizing thermostat settings, improving insulation, reducing heat sources, maintaining your system, and considering energy-efficient upgrades—you can enjoy a cool home without overburdening your AC.
At WM Buffington Company Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we understand how crucial a well-functioning AC system is during Harrisburg’s hot summers. Our team of skilled HVAC professionals is here to help with routine maintenance, system upgrades, and emergency repairs.
Don’t wait until your AC is overworked—schedule a maintenance appointment today! Contact WM Buffington Company Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today to learn more about our AC services.
Stay cool and comfortable all summer long with the trusted experts at WM Buffington Company!
