How to save energy and keep bills low

If it’s summer in Michigan, another heat wave is always coming.

If you turn on an air conditioner to keep cool — and now you’re bracing for the electric bill — here are some tips to keep the cool air flowing and maybe save a little money before the next heat wave:

According to US Department of Energy, Three-quarters of all homes in the country have air conditioning, which uses about 6% of the electricity produced in the U.S., at an annual cost to homeowners of about $29 billion. Many of us can use these tips.

“People can take steps, even on sweltering summer days, to stay on top of their bills and stay safe and comfortable,” said Lauren Snyder, vice president of customer experience at Consumers Energy, in a recent press release. “We want to make sure our customers know they can ease the pressure on their air conditioners by taking simple steps that result in savings.”

Clean and replace filters

O department of energy suggests that routine replacement or cleaning of filters is the most important maintenance to ensure unit efficiency. It is recommended to clean or replace the filter every month or two during the cooling season, but the filters may need more attention if the unit is in constant use, subject to dusty conditions, or if you have furry pets. at home.

“Clogged and dirty filters reduce the amount of airflow and significantly reduce system efficiency. Additionally, when airflow is obstructed, air can bypass the filter and deposit dirt directly on the evaporator coil and impair the heat absorption capacity of the coil,” according to the agency’s website. “Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.”

For central air conditioning units, filters are usually along the length of the return duct, with common filter locations on walls, ceilings, or on the unit itself. Air conditioners have a filter on the grille facing the room, according to the energy department.

Check and clean the evaporator coil

The agency also encourages annual evaporator coil checks and cleaning as needed. Outdoor condenser coils can get dirty (from everything from dryer vents to falling leaves on your lawn mower). Dirt is noticeable on the fins. He states that the fins on the evaporator and condenser coils can be bent, blocking airflow through the coil. A tool called a “fin comb” can comb fins back to their near-original condition, according to the agency.

More air conditioning tips

Here are some additional tips that may help:

• DTE Energy encourages residents to ensure the unit has at least 2 feet of clearance for airflow. Adding a clean machine can improve efficiency by 5% to 15%.

• The utility suggests Protect central air conditioning units from direct sunlight. According to the company, an outdoor unit operating in the shade consumes up to 10% less electrical energy than the same unit exposed to the sun.

• The energy department suggests running a stiff wire through the unit’s drain channels to prevent clogging.

• DTE encourages programmable thermostats that can be adjusted. Consumers Energy said in its release that smart thermostats can save up to 15% on your bill.

For air conditioning window units, DTE Energy recommends replacing filters and adding seals around window units. It also encourages residents to place an air conditioner in a shady window.

“The heat from sunlight can cause the unit’s thermostat to misinterpret the room temperature and run longer. A TV or lamp placed near the unit can have the same effect,” according to the company.

In general, the utility also recommends checking your home’s insulation, suggesting that, on average, 10% to 25% of the energy used to cool a home escapes through air leaks, and that the home’s duct system be inspected.

Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to the Free Press.

Send a letter to the editor at freep.com/letras.

This article originally appeared in the Detroit Free Press: Air Conditioning Tips: Save Energy During Hot Michigan Summers