As the temperature rises, so does your air conditioning costs. To keep your AC costs low you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Erie?
It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a misconception.
Keeping your air conditioner going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it back down when you get back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.
It’s a lot more taxing for your system to keep a constant temperature all day long. It can also lead to a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it can also lead to a reduced life span for your AC unit.
Regardless, the greater the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC 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®.
6 Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Modify Your Temperature. The DOE states that you can save up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. Through the summer months, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when 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 usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any faster, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might seem toasty, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the AC.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window solutions made to deliver added insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings around a residence permit conditioned air to rapidly slip out and the heat to get within. This may cause your AC being required to work harder to keep your home cool and your utility bills to rise. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy solutions for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Arrange Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your air conditioner is always running at its most efficient. This lets our pro to locate little issues before they turn into substantial troubles. A maintained air conditioner is generally more efficient and could even live for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the best approaches to ensure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adapts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to sense when you’re at home or elsewhere to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on HVAC bills.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect an adequately maintained AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC expenses are rising with no fluctuations in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Patterson & Stirling Inc
No one wants to see their utility bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses down this summer, our professionals can help. Give us a call at 814-308-0416 or contact us online today for extra info.