As the temperature rises, so does your energy expenses. To keep your air conditioning costs under control you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Shamokin and Sunbury?

It’s a popular belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your AC going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back down when you come home. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.

It’s a lot more taxing for your system to keep the same setting all day long. It can also lead to a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it may also cause a shortened life expectancy for your air conditioner.

Regardless, the greater the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer season? Here are our ideas based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out of the house. In the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than average when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any sooner, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear toasty, there are additional methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the air conditioner.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, 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 added insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house let conditioned air to easily get out and warm air to get within. This may result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your utility bills to skyrocket. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your equipment is always running at its most efficient. This lets our pros to detect little issues before they turn into significant dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and could even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works together with your smartphone to sense when you’re at home or away to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 every year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can anticipate a properly taken care of AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.

No one likes to see their electricity bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills down this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 570-648-0748 or contact us online today for extra information.