As the temperature increases, so does your AC costs. To keep your AC bills down you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Norton?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually not true.

Keeping your air conditioner running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back down when you come back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.

It’s much more taxing for your system to stay at a consistent temperature throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it can also lead to a shorter life expectancy for your AC unit.

Regardless, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your utility bills low in the hot weather? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Increase 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 turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out of the house. Through the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any quicker, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to always run the AC.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a house allow for conditioned air to easily slip out and warm air to get within. This can cause your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your energy bills to climb. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to identify simple issues before they become major problems. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and might even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to see when you’re in your home or out to enhance your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 every year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can anticipate a properly taken care of AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it may 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 negotiating comfort.

Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with HCE Systems

No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and costs lower this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 276-302-0076 or contact us online today for more info.