As the temp rises, so does your energy bills. To keep your AC bills under control you might be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in East Bernard?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually not true.
Keeping your AC on all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and lowering it when you come home. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do everything for you.
It’s a lot more taxing for your system to achieve a consistent temp for many hours. It can also result in a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it can also lead to a reduced life expectancy for your AC.
Regardless, the bigger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? Here are our tips based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away. Through the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool off your residence any sooner, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear toasty, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC unit.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home let conditioned air to quickly get out and the heat to get inside. This can cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your AC bills to rise. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your air conditioner is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our pros to find small issues before they become significant dilemmas. A maintained air conditioner is generally more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works together with your smartphone to see when you’re in your home or elsewhere to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on energy costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can expect a properly taken care of AC unit to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a new system. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with E.B. Air
No one likes to see their energy bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses low this summer, our team can help. Reach us at 979-335-4262 or contact us online right away for more details.