As the temperature rises, so does your energy expenses. To keep your cooling expenses low you may be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Reinholds?
It’s a popular belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually not true.
Keeping your AC going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it down when you come back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the job for you.
It’s considerably more taxing for your system to keep a constant setting all day long. It can also cause a lot of stress on your system, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it could also cause a reduced life expectancy for your AC.
In any case, the greater the difference between your house’s 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 low in the warm weather? Here are our suggestions based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Change Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. During the summer, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your home any quicker, it just results in bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence enable conditioned air to easily escape and warm air to get inside. This could result in your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your house cooler and your utility bills to climb. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
- Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your equipment is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to find simple issues before they become significant dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re in your home or out to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 every year on HVAC costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can figure a properly cared for AC unit to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.
Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with County Line Mechanical LLC
No one wants to see their air conditioning bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses low this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 717-216-0846 or contact us online now for more info.