As the heat increases, so does your air conditioning bills. To keep your AC expenses down you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Frederick?
It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a misconception.
Keeping your air conditioning running all day 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 home. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the job for you.
It’s much more work for your system to stay at a consistent temp all day long. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your equipment, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it could also cause a shortened life span for your AC unit.
No matter what, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer season? 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
- Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. Through the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any quicker, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could appear toasty, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC.
- Utilize 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 warmer months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains drawn for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home let conditioned air to rapidly slip out and warmer air to get within. This may lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your AC bills to climb. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your air conditioner is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our pros to locate little issues before they result in significant problems. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even last for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to ensure comfort and energy savings 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 at home or elsewhere to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can foresee a properly maintained AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.
Increase Your House’s Energy Efficiency with May's Heating & Air
No one wants to see their air conditioning bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills low this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 301-690-0397 or contact us online now for more information.