As the temp goes up, so does your energy bills. To keep your AC bills down you may be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Haines City?

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 AC running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re away, 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 significantly more work for your system to achieve the same setting throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it can also lead to a shortened life span for your HVAC system.

No matter what, the greater the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills low in the hot weather? Here are our suggestions based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. During the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any faster, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures might appear high, there are additional methods to keep cooler without having to consistently run the AC.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence allow for conditioned air to easily slip out and warm air to get within. This can cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your AC bills to increase. Make sure that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our experts to detect small issues before they become substantial troubles. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and can even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to ensure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re at home or away to optimize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can figure a properly maintained AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.

No one likes to see their energy bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses lower this summer, our experts can help. Reach us at 863-216-2923 or contact us online now for more information.