As the temp increases, so does your AC bills. To keep your cooling expenses low you could be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Big Spring?
It’s a common belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually false.
Keeping your air conditioner running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting 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 can do everything for you.
It’s far more laborious for your system to keep a constant temp all day long. It can also lead to a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it can also lead to a shortened life expectancy for your AC unit.
Regardless, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer season? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE says 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 away. In the summer, it’s advised to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than average when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any sooner, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures might appear high, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the air conditioning.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains closed during the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver extra insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence let conditioned air to quickly get out and warm air to get inside. This could result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house cooler and your energy bills to climb. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
- Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to find little issues before they turn into significant troubles. A maintained air conditioner is usually more efficient and might even run for a longer period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to know when you’re at your house or gone to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 every year on HVAC costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can expect a properly taken care of air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with SKC AC LLC
No one wants to see their utility bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills lower this summer, our team can help. Get in touch with us at 432-203-4881 or contact us online today for additional info.