Are you trying to get the best efficiency out of your air conditioner, particularly during the sweltering summer months? Well, the answer may not be in the most high-tech, energy-efficient model on the market. It could be as simple as providing shade for your existing air conditioner unit. Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning would like to share the surprising benefits of this often overlooked tactic for better efficiency.

Your Air Conditioner’s Struggle Against the Sun

Air conditioners work by drawing in warm air from your home, cooling it, and then recirculating the chilled air back into your living space. During this process, the air conditioning unit itself generates heat, which is ventilated directly outside. This is why the condenser unit that is located outdoors can get incredibly hot. If the outdoor unit is directly exposed to sunlight, it has to work even harder to cool down and do its job effectively.

Does Shading the Air Conditioner Really Help?

So the questions is, how does shading your air conditioner help? It’s all about improving the unit’s efficiency. An air conditioner unit that is exposed to direct sunlight absorbs more heat, forcing it to use more energy to maintain a cool temperature inside your home. However, when you shade your air conditioner unit, it stays cooler reducing the amount of work it needs to do and the energy consumed. According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan, an air conditioner can operate 10% more efficiently if it is shaded.

What are the Cost Savings of Shading AC Unit?

As a direct result of shading and improving your cooling system’s efficiency, you’ll find a noticeable decrease in your energy bills. Since the unit is not working as hard, it uses less electricity, keeping your costs down. Over the course of a hot summer, this can add up to significant savings.

Improving Longevity of the Air Conditioner

Another good reason why you should consider shading your air conditioner unit is that it can help increase the lifespan of the unit. The harder an air conditioner works, the more wear and tear it develops and more quickly. By reducing the load on the unit with proper shading, you are not only improving its efficiency but also extending its life. Which also leads to savings on maintenance, repairs, and eventual replacement costs.

How to Shade Your Air Conditioner

Knowing the benefits of shading your air conditioner unit, the next question is “how do you go about shading the outdoor unit?” The easiest way is to use landscaping such as planting trees or shrubs that can provide natural shade to your AC unit. However, you need to remember to maintain at least two feet of clearance around it for proper airflow. If landscaping isn’t an option, consider installing an awning or a shade screen.

Central Air Conditioning Diagnosis, Repair, Replacement, Maintenance & More in Summerlin, North LV, Henderson, Centennial, Enterprise, Lone Mountain Village, Paradise, Sunrise Manor, Spring Valley, Aliante, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Peccole Ranch, Silverado Ranch, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada

Shading the unit is a simple yet effect way to improve your energy efficiency and extend the life of your unit. If you need quality HVAC services this summer season, contact Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning today.