As the temp goes up, so does your energy expenses. To keep your air conditioning expenses low you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Paxinos?
It’s a popular belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your air conditioning going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and turning it down when you get back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the job for you.
It’s far more taxing for your system to keep a constant setting all day long. It can also lead to a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it might also cause a reduced life cycle for your HVAC system.
Regardless, the greater the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer season? Here are our suggestions based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. Through the summer, it’s advised 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 colder setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any faster, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures might appear toasty, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to always run the air conditioning.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house allow for conditioned air to easily slip out and warmer air to get in. This may lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your utility bills to skyrocket. Check that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your air conditioner is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our experts to find simple issues before they turn into significant troubles. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and might even run for a longer period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to sense when you’re home or gone to enhance your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 every year on energy costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can anticipate a properly taken care of air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.
Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.
No one enjoys seeing 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. Get in touch with us at 570-648-0748 or contact us online now for additional information.