As the temp rises, so does your AC expenses. To keep your AC costs controlled you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Tucker?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually not true.
Keeping your AC running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it down when you come home. You can accomplish 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 setting for many hours. It can also cause a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it can also lead to a reduced life cycle for your AC unit.
No matter what, the greater the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your AC costs will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your utility bills low 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 Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Change Your Temperature. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. Through the summer, it’s recommended to set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any sooner, it just results in more expensive energy expenses. While these temperatures may feel warm, there are additional methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the AC.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower AC by up to 14% during 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 be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep cool air in. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps around a home let cooler air to rapidly slip out and the heat to get in. This can cause your AC being required to work harder to keep your residence cool and your AC bills to skyrocket. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick solutions for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Schedule Regular Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your air conditioner is always running at its most energy efficient. This lets our pro to find simple issues before they turn into significant problems. A well-kept AC is typically more efficient and can even run for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively changes the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to know when you’re home or away to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on HVAC costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can expect a properly taken care of AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy costs are increasing with no shifts in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We carry a number of energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.
Increase Your House’s Energy Efficiency with ACS Heating and Air Conditioning
No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re in search of more ways to keep your energy use and costs lower this summer, our team can help. Give us a call at 770-450-1539 or contact us online today for additional information.