As the temperature rises, so does your AC expenses. To keep your air conditioning costs low you may be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in East Bernard?

It’s a popular belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your AC running all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and lowering it when you come home. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.

It’s a lot more taxing for your system to stay at the same setting throughout the day. It can also lead to a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it might also result in a shortened life span for your HVAC system.

No matter what, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills low in the hot weather? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out of the house. In the summer, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your house any quicker, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are many methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a residence enable conditioned air to rapidly get out and warmer air to get inside. This can lead to your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home cooler and your AC bills to skyrocket. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your AC is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our pros to spot little issues before they become substantial problems. A clean air conditioner is usually more efficient and can even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to know when you’re in your home or out to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can foresee a properly maintained air conditioner to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with E.B. Air

No one likes to see their utility bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills low this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 979-335-4262 or contact us online right away for more info.