As the temp rises, so does your energy bills. To keep your AC costs low you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in West Jefferson?
It’s a popular belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually not true.
Keeping your AC on all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you come back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.
It’s a lot more laborious for your system to keep a consistent setting throughout the day. 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 can also lead to a shorter life expectancy for your AC.
No matter what, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your AC bills will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills lower in the summer? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Change Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out of the house. In the summer months, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any quicker, it just causes higher electric costs. While these temperatures might seem warm, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% during the course of the summer. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains shut during the day helps keep chilled air indoors. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver additional insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks all across a residence let cool air to rapidly get out and warm air to get in. This can lead to your AC unit having to work harder to keep your house cooler and your energy bills to skyrocket. Make sure that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy solutions for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
- Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your equipment is always running at its most efficient. This allows our pro to detect little issues before they become significant troubles. A well-kept AC is typically more efficient and can even run for a greater period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest ways to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively changes the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re at your house or away to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 annually on energy costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect a properly cared for AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly needing us for air conditioning repair or your utility expenses are skyrocketing with no fluctuations in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We supply numerous energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.
Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.
No one wants to see their electricity bill rise during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses low this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 614-879-9091 or contact us online right away for extra info.