As the temp rises, so does your air conditioning expenses. To keep your air conditioning bills low you could be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Branchville?
It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually false.
Keeping your AC going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and lowering it when you get back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.
It’s significantly more taxing for your system to achieve the same temperature all day long. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it may also cause a shortened life expectancy for your air conditioner.
Regardless, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills low in the hot weather? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Methods to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away. During the summer, it’s advised to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any quicker, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home let conditioned air to rapidly escape and the heat to get within. This can lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your house cooler and your energy bills to climb. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Schedule Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your system is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our pros to detect simple issues before they become serious problems. A maintained air conditioner is usually more efficient and might even live for a longer period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to sense when you’re home or gone to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can anticipate a properly maintained AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a new system. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc.
No one enjoys seeing their energy bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills lower this summer, our team can help. Give us a call at 862-345-6896 or contact us online today for additional info.
