As the temperature rises, so does your air conditioning costs. To keep your AC expenses down you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Huntsville?
It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner 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 out, and turning it down when you return. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.
It’s far more work for your system to stay at a consistent temperature for many hours. It can also result in a lot of strain on your system, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it can also cause a shortened life expectancy for your HVAC system.
Regardless, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher 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 on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Change Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. In the summer, it’s advised to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your house any sooner, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are additional methods to keep cool without having to constantly run the air conditioning.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and boost energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a house allow for conditioned air to easily escape and the heat to get within. This can result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your AC bills to climb. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your AC is always running at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to identify small issues before they result in major troubles. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and can even last for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re in your home or out to enhance your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect a properly taken care of AC unit to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc
No one likes to see their utility bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and costs lower this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 256-801-4701 or contact us online right away for more info.