How to save energy on your AC in Las Vegas

Las Vegas summers are notorious for their scorching temperatures. While air conditioning offers sweet relief, the accompanying energy bills can be a real scorcher too! But fear not, desert dwellers! This comprehensive guide is packed with expert strategies and insider tips to help you save energy on your AC, keep your cool, and keep your wallet happy.

1 Master the Thermostat: Your First Line of Defense

The Golden Zone: 72-78°F Maintaining the temperature of your thermostat at around 72-78°F is mostly suitable, as it still covers all the necessary conditions but still helps save energy. Every degree that is higher can lower your cooling cost by about 3%. But do not limit yourself to them—try to play with people’s comfort levels. A lot of people also learned that they were capable of tolerating slightly higher temperatures well if the air was inadequately circulated.

Being Smart With Your Schedule Go out and get yourself a programmable or smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can lower or raise the temperatures when you are either out of the house or at night and cut down on the wastage of energy and reduce up to 10-15% on your annual space cooling costs. In fact, the most sophisticated models even begin to pick up your patterns and behaviors and adapt to them, or let you manipulate the AC by a smartphone.

Advanced Thermostat Strategies

• Use the “Auto” fan setting instead of “On.” This ensures the fan only runs when cooling is happening, saving energy.

• Implement a wider temperature range between your “at home” and “away” settings. A difference of 7-10 degrees can lead to significant savings.

• Take advantage of “eco” or “vacation” modes for extended periods away from home.

2 Filter Maintenance: Small Change, Big Impact

A dirty air filter is much like the blocked arteries to your heart, and it makes your AC labored and overworking while using more power. But the impact goes beyond just energy efficiency:But the impact goes beyond just energy efficiency:

• Replace filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage and environmental factors. In dusty areas like Las Vegas, monthly changes may be necessary during peak seasons.

• Consider upgrading to high-efficiency filters (MERV 11-13) for better air quality and system protection, but ensure your system can handle the increased air resistance.

• Don’t forget about other filtration points: clean or replace filters in window units, minisplits, and whole-house air purifiers regularly.

Pro Tip: Mark filter change dates on your calendar or set reminders on your phone to stay on top of this crucial maintenance task.

3 Ceiling Fans: Your AC’s Best Friend

Ceiling fans aren’t just for ambiance; they’re a powerful tool in your energy-saving arsenal.

• Use ceiling fans in occupied rooms to create a wind chill effect, allowing you to raise the thermostat 3-4 degrees without sacrificing comfort.

• Ensure your fans are rotating counterclockwise in summer to push air downward.

• Remember to turn fans off when leaving the room, as they cool people, not spaces.

Advanced Fan Strategies

• Install energy-efficient DC motor fans for even greater savings.

• In two-story homes, use fans to create a cooling airflow pattern: run downstairs fans counterclockwise and upstairs fans clockwise to draw cool air up and push hot air down.

4 Sunlight Management: Your AC’s Nemesis

The intense Las Vegas sun can quickly heat up your home, forcing your AC to work overtime. Here’s how to fight back:

• Close blinds and curtains during peak daylight hours, especially on south and west-facing windows.

• Invest in reflective window film to block heat gain. This can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70%.

• Consider exterior solutions like awnings, solar screens, or strategically planted shade trees for long-term heat reduction.

Advanced sun-blocking techniques

• Install light-colored or reflective roofing materials when it’s time for a replacement.

• Use insulated cellular shades or thermal curtains for extra heat-blocking power.

• Consider installing a whole-house fan to flush out hot air at night when temperatures drop.

5 Appliance Management: Heat Generators in Disguise

Many household appliances generate significant heat, making your AC work harder. Here’s how to minimize their impact:

• Opt for cooler cooking methods like outdoor grilling, slow cookers, or microwave ovens.

• Run heat-generating appliances like dishwashers, ovens, and dryers at night when it’s cooler.

• Embrace air-drying clothes and dishes when possible.

Additional Appliance Tips

• Use exhaust fans when cooking or showering to remove heat and humidity quickly.

• Replace heat-generating incandescent bulbs with cooler LED options.

• Consider upgrading to Energy Star-certified appliances for overall reduced heat output and energy consumption.

6 Level-Up Your Energy Savings: Advanced Strategies

Upgrade to a Unit with Higher Efficiency Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEEER) ratings for newer AC models are significantly higher than those of older models. An upgrade could reduce your energy costs by 20–40% if your current system is ten years old or older. For the highest level of efficiency, look for units with SEER ratings of 16 or above.

Seal those sneaky leaks. Drafty windows and doors are energy vampires, letting cool air escape and warm air infiltrate. But air leaks go beyond just windows and doors.

• Conduct a thorough home energy audit to identify all potential air leaks.

• Seal gaps around windows, doors, and other openings with weatherstripping and caulk.

• Don’t forget about less obvious areas like electrical outlets, attic hatches, and plumbing penetrations.

• Consider professional air sealing for hard-to-reach areas like ductwork.

Shade Your Outdoor Unit Your outdoor condenser unit works hard in the Las Vegas heat. Providing shade can reduce its workload and improve efficiency by up to 10%.

• Plant trees or tall shrubs near the unit, ensuring at least 3 feet of clearance for airflow.

• Install a shade sail or awning above the unit.

• Ensure the area around the unit is clear of debris and vegetation that could impede airflow.

Optimize your network. Inefficient ductwork can waste up to 30% of your air conditioner’s output.

• Have your ducts professionally inspected and sealed.

• Insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces like attics or crawl spaces.

• Consider ductless mini-split systems for additions or hard-to-cool areas.

7 Local Expertise Matters: Maintenance and More

Regular professional maintenance is essential for extending your air conditioner’s lifespan and efficiency. Tanana Air Conditioning & Heating, a reputable local company, can offer expert service and valuable insights tailored to the specific challenges of the Las Vegas climate.

What to Expect from Professional Maintenance:

• Thorough cleaning of condenser and evaporator coils

• Checking and adjusting refrigeration levels

• Inspecting and tightening electrical connections

• Lubricating moving parts

• Checking and calibrating thermostat operation

• Assessing overall system performance and efficiency

Pro Tip: Schedule bi-annual AC maintenance (spring and fall) to keep your system in top shape year-round.

8 Your Comfort, Your Savings, Your Choice

By implementing these expert tips and advanced strategies, you can turn your air conditioner into an energy-saving powerhouse, keeping your home cool and comfortable while lowering your energy bills. Remember, it’s about more than just money; it’s about minimizing your environmental impact and living a sustainable lifestyle in one of America’s hottest cities.

Bonus Tips for Ultimate Efficiency:

• Solar Power: Consider installing solar panels to generate clean energy and potentially eliminate your AC-related energy costs.
• Energy Storage: Explore home energy storage solutions like batteries to shift your energy usage to off-peak hours and further reduce your reliance on the grid.
• Local Incentives: Investigate local energy-saving programs or rebates offered by utility companies or government agencies.
• Household Education: Educate your family members or housemates about energy-saving practices to create a culture of efficiency in your home.

Staying cool in the Las Vegas heat doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right knowledge, strategies, and a little effort, you can create a comfortable and energy-efficient home that’s good for your wallet, your health, and the planet. Start implementing these tips today and watch your energy savings grow!