As the temperature rises, so does your energy costs. To keep your AC costs down you may be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Erie?

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

Keeping your air conditioning going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and lowering it when you get back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the work for you.

It’s considerably more taxing for your system to keep the same setting for many hours. It can also cause a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it can also result in a reduced life span for your air conditioner.

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

Six Methods to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away. During the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any faster, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are additional methods to keep cooler without having to always run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence allow for conditioned air to quickly get out and warmer air to get inside. This can result in your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your utility bills to climb. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your AC is always running at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to spot little issues before they become major problems. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and could even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works together with your smartphone to sense when you’re in your home or out to enhance your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can expect a properly taken care of AC unit to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Patterson & Stirling

No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses low this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 814-308-0416 or contact us online now for more information.