As the temperature increases, so does your air conditioning expenses. To keep your AC bills under control you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Lexington?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually false.

Keeping your AC running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and lowering it when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.

It’s significantly more work for your system to achieve the same temperature for many hours. It can also result in a lot of stress on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it may also result in a shorter life expectancy for your AC.

No matter what, the greater the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills low in the summer? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out. During the summer, it’s recommended to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to forgo 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 faster, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to always run the air conditioner.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence permit conditioned air to easily get out and the heat to get inside. This may result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills to skyrocket. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your equipment is always functioning at its most efficient. This lets our experts to find simple issues before they turn into significant troubles. A clean air conditioner is usually more efficient and could even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively 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 optimize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can foresee 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 AC bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with James Heating & A/C, Inc

No one wants to see their utility bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills lower this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 336-853-6070 or contact us online now for extra details.