As the temp goes up, so does your AC expenses. To keep your air conditioning expenses low you might be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Lexington?
It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a misconception.
Keeping your air conditioner on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and turning it down when you come home. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.
It’s a lot more work for your system to stay at the same temp all day long. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it can also lead to a reduced life cycle for your air conditioner.
Regardless, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your air conditioning costs will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills low in the hot weather? Here are our suggestions based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Tweak Your Temperature. The DOE says that you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out of the house. During the hotter months, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any faster, it just leads to bigger electric costs. While these temperatures could feel high, there are additional ways to keep cooler without having to always run the air conditioner.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% during the course of the summer. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window treatments meant to deliver additional insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings all across a residence enable cool air to rapidly get out and warmer air to get within. This may result in your air conditioner being required to work harder to keep your home cool and your utility bills to climb. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy solutions for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Plan for Annual Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your system is always running at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to identify simple issues before they turn into significant troubles. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even live for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the best ways to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adapts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re at home or elsewhere to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 annually on energy expenses.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can foresee a sufficiently cared for AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often contacting us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are skyrocketing with no fluctuations in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We carry numerous energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.
Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with James Heating & A/C, Inc
No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills low this summer, our professionals can help. Give us a call at 336-853-6070 or contact us online right away for more information.