As the temp rises, so does your energy costs. To keep your air conditioning costs controlled you may be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in East Bernard?
It’s a popular belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a misconception.
Keeping your air conditioner going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and lowering it when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.
It’s far more work for your system to keep the same temperature for many hours. It can also lead to a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it may also result in a reduced life span for your air conditioner.
In any case, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility bills down in the warm weather? Here are our tips based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Approaches to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust Your Thermostat Usage. The DOE says that you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. During the summer months, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your residence any faster, it just results in more expensive energy expenses. While these temperatures could seem high, there are a number of approaches to keep cooler without having to consistently run the AC.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn during the day helps keep cool air in. There are also some window solutions meant to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps around a house permit cool air to easily slip out and warmer air to get in. This could lead to your air conditioner needing to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your energy costs to rise. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
- Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your air conditioner is always functioning at its best. This permits our pro to find small issues before they result in major troubles. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and could even last for a greater period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest ways to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively alters the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re home or gone to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling expenses.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can anticipate an adequately maintained air conditioner to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are climbing with no shifts in thermostat settings, it may be time for a new system. We carry numerous energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.
Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with E.B. Air, LLC
No one wants to see their air conditioning bill climb during the summer. If you’re seeking more ways to keep your energy usage and bills lower this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 979-335-4262 or contact us online now for additional information.