As the temperature goes up, so does your AC expenses. To keep your air conditioning expenses low you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Logan?
It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually false.
Keeping your air conditioning running all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting 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 everything for you.
It’s a lot more taxing for your system to stay at a constant temperature for many hours. It can also cause a lot of strain on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also result in a reduced life cycle for your AC.
Regardless, the greater the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC bills will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills down in the warm weather? Here are our suggestions based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out of the house. Through the hotter months, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your house any faster, it just leads to more expensive energy expenses. While these temperatures may feel toasty, there are additional approaches to keep cooler without having to constantly run the AC.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by just 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% during the course of the warm months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn during the day helps keep cool air in. There are also some window treatments meant to deliver extra insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks around a house permit cool air to easily slip out and warmer air to get inside. This may lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence cool and your utility costs to increase. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick mends for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Schedule Routine Tune-Ups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your system is always running at its best. This lets our professionals to spot small issues before they turn into serious dilemmas. A clean AC is generally more efficient and could even run for a greater period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the best ways to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re at your house or gone to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can foresee an adequately cared for air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We offer numerous energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.
Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Western Mechanical, Inc.
No one likes to see their utility bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re wanting more ways to keep your energy consumption and costs lower this summer, our team can help. Give us a call at 435-753-5515 or contact us online right away for more information.