During the hot summer months, your air conditioner is in constant use as it tries to keep the inside of your home at your pre-set temperature.
Since rates for air conditioning utility usage often go up in the summer, your utility bills can reach uncomfortable levels.
Most people accept this as a necessary part of running it, but that's not always the case.
Sometimes the problem is energy efficiency.
A home that is not energy efficient is making your air conditioner work overtime.
Fortunately, there are simple ways to make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible.
First, take a look at the filter.
A filter is an essential part of your air system and should be replaced every three to six months.
The frequency of the replacement depends on how saturated the filter is with dirt and dust.
Since all the air cooled by the air conditioner must pass through the filter, a dirty filter can make it difficult for the unit to pull in the necessary air.
When it's struggling to do so, it begins to work inefficiently.
Another way to make sure your home is energy efficient is to check doors and windows.
Windows with single-panes or cracks in the glass are inefficient.
Doors with cracks around the seal cause air to escape.
In fact, doors and windows are the number one source of energy loss in a home.
Replacing old windows with newer double-pane windows can help.
Also, your air conditioner should be serviced at least once a year by an air conditioning professional to make sure it's working as it should.