As the temp rises, so does your energy costs. To keep your AC expenses under control you could 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 AC unit on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your air conditioning on all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and lowering it when you return. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.

It’s much more laborious for your system to keep the same temp all day long. It can also lead to a lot of wear and tear to your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also result in a reduced life expectancy for your HVAC system.

In any case, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your utility bills low in the warm weather? Here are our tips based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. Through the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any quicker, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the AC.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home permit conditioned air to quickly slip out and warmer air to get inside. This can result in your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home cooler and your utility bills to skyrocket. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your equipment is always performing at its most efficient. This permits our experts to spot little issues before they result in significant problems. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re in your home or away to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can expect a properly cared for AC to run 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 could be time for a replacement. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Forster Heating

No one wants to see their energy bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and costs low this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 530-885-8081 or contact us online today for more information.