As the heat goes up, so does your energy expenses. To keep your AC costs down you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Payson?
It’s a popular belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your AC going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it down when you come home. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.
It’s a lot more laborious for your system to stay at a constant setting throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of stress on your air conditioner, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility 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 stay cool and keep your utility bills low in the summer season? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust 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 at work. Through the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any sooner, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear high, there are a number of methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the AC.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains closed during the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a house allow for conditioned air to quickly get out and the heat to get in. This can lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your home cooler and your AC bills to rise. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your AC is always running at its most efficient. This lets our pros to spot small issues before they become substantial dilemmas. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and may even last for a longer period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works along with your smartphone to know when you’re at home or out to optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can figure a properly cared for air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could 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 compromising comfort.
Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with North Mechanical Heating and Cooling
No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs lower this summer, our professionals can help. Reach us at 928-263-8570 or contact us online today for additional information.