As the temperature rises, so does your air conditioning bills. To keep your AC costs under control you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Haines City?
It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually false.
Keeping your AC running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and lowering it when you come home. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the job for you.
It’s far more taxing for your system to keep a constant temp throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of stress on your system, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it could also result in a shorter life cycle for your HVAC system.
In any case, the bigger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills low in the warm weather? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Change Your Temperature. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. In the summer months, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s additionally important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any sooner, it just results in more expensive utility costs. While these temperatures may appear high, there are additional ways to keep cool without having to consistently run the AC unit.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. 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 conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds low and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window coverings intended to deliver additional insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks all around a home enable cool air to quickly slip out and warm air to get inside. This may result in your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your utility expenses to rise. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick solutions for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your system is always running at its most energy efficient. This permits our pro to identify little issues before they become serious troubles. A clean AC is typically more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively alters the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works with your smartphone to see when you’re home or gone to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling bills.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can figure a sufficiently taken care of air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility expenses are increasing with no fluctuations in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.
Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.
No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the summer season. If you’re in search of more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills low this summer, our experts can help. Reach us at 863-216-2923 or contact us online today for additional information.