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Assuming that you do not want to replace your current air conditioner with a newer, more efficient model, there are several ways in which you can increase the efficiency of your current unit and save money on cooling costs.

The easiest and least costly way to keep your air conditioner running in top shape is to check and replace the air filter regularly. During the hot months, and year-round in warmer locations, it's typically recommended that air filters be replaced monthly for good performance, regardless of how long the filter package suggests that your filter may last. A clogged filter will force the air handler to work harder to move air through it, and therefore cost more money to operate.

Another great way to reduce the load on your unit is to use a dehumidifier. If the installation of a central dehumidifier is out of the question, several small stand-alone units can do a fairly good job of controlling indoor moisture. One of the air conditioner's primary functions is to remove moisture from the air, and by using equipment designed to do just that, both the size, and frequency of use of your air conditioner can decrease.

One of the more obvious ways to decrease dependency on your A/C is to increase the thermostat temperature in your home, especially while there is no one at home (also typically the hottest and most demanding part of the day). Keeping the temperature set on 80 while no one is around will keep moisture low while controlling how often and how hard the A/C has to work to maintain indoor temperature and humidity. Once your return home, set the thermostat as high as comfortable. Most people do not realize that they can quickly adjust to higher indoor temperatures without discomfort, but the cool "rush" of walking into a frigid space from the hot and humid outdoors is too appealing.

Finally, one of the other ways to increase A/C efficiency is to adjust how the sun affects and enters your home. Planting exterior trees and sun protection devices, using reflective interior shades (particularly while away), and planning your home to be sun-efficient when building new construction all go toward helping your A/C's performance.

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