As the heat goes up, so does your energy costs. To keep your air conditioning bills down you may be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Pacheco?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually false.
Keeping your air conditioner 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 return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.
It’s much more work for your system to keep a consistent temp all day long. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also lead to a reduced life span for your HVAC system.
No matter what, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills low in the hot weather? Here are our tips based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Approaches to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away. In the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any faster, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home allow for conditioned air to easily slip out and warmer air to get within. This can result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your energy bills to increase. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your unit is always running at its most efficient. This allows our pros to find little issues before they become significant dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is generally more efficient and might even run for a longer period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works along with your smartphone to notice when you’re at your house or gone to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on energy costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect a properly maintained AC unit to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We supply 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 Clean Air HVAC
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 expenses down this summer, our experts can help. Give us a call at 925-233-6238 or contact us online today for more information.