As the temp goes up, so do your AC costs. To keep your air conditioning costs low you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Huffman?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is a misconception.
Keeping your AC on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting your thermostat higher when you’re away and turning it down when you get back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or a smart thermostat can do the work for you.
It’s considerably more taxing for your system to achieve a consistent temperature all day long. It can also cause a lot of strain on your air conditioner since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increases your energy bills, it could also result in a shorter life span for your AC unit.
In any case, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC bills will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills down in warm weather? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can spend up to 10% less annually on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat by 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. In the hotter months, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t cool down your house any faster, it just leads to bigger energy expenses. While these temperatures could feel warm, there are additional ways to keep cooler without having to constantly run the air conditioning.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains, and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% throughout the cooling season. It’s important to be mindful that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window solutions intended to deliver added insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows, and Openings. Leaky gaps all around a residence let cooler air quickly escape and warm air get within. This could result in your AC unit needing to work harder to keep your home cooler and your utility bills climbing. Check that any cracks, doors, and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy mends for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Arrange Annual Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your system is always running at its best. This permits our pro to spot little issues before they result in major problems. A clean air conditioner is usually more efficient and might even run for a longer period.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively changes the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works along with your smartphone to know when you’re at your house or away to enhance your energy savings. energy star mentions that a smart thermostat could save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling bills.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can foresee an adequately cared-for AC to living for 15-20 years. But if you’re often needing us for air conditioning repair or your AC costs are climbing with no shifts in thermostat settings, it may be time for a replacement. We carry numerous energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.
Increase Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Air Houston Mechanical LLC
No one wants to see their utility bill rise during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs lower this summer, our professionals can help. Reach us at (832) 957-9332 or contact us online now for extra info.
