As the heat increases, so does your energy bills. To keep your air conditioning costs controlled you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Auburn?
It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a misconception.
Keeping your air conditioner going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and turning it down when you return. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.
It’s significantly more taxing for your system to stay at the same setting for many hours. It can also cause a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it can also lead to a shortened life cycle for your AC unit.
No matter what, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC costs will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your electric bills down in the warm weather? Here are our suggestions based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Change Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. In the summer months, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any quicker, it just leads to higher utility expenses. While these temperatures might feel warm, there are many ways to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the AC unit.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% during the course of the cooling season. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep cooler air in. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver additional insulation and boost energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings around a home let cooler air to easily get out and the heat to get in. This can lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your AC costs to skyrocket. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple mends for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your system is always running at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to detect little issues before they become substantial problems. A well-kept AC is generally more efficient and may even run for a greater period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best approaches to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively changes the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to know when you’re at home or away to enhance your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling expenses.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can anticipate an adequately maintained air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly contacting us for air conditioning repair or your utility expenses are skyrocketing with no altering in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We supply a number of energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.
Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Forster Heating
No one wants to see their air conditioning bill increase during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and expenses down this summer, our team can help. Reach us at 530-885-8081 or contact us online today for more info.