As the temperature increases, so does your air conditioning costs. To keep your cooling expenses low you may be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Erie?

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

Keeping your AC running all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back down when you come home. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the job for you.

It’s significantly more laborious for your system to stay at the same temperature throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it might also cause a shortened life cycle for your air conditioner.

No matter what, the larger 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 season? Here are our suggestions 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. Tweak 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 during the time you’re away at work. In the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s also important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a colder setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any sooner, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are additional methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the air conditioner.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home allow for conditioned air to easily get out and the heat to get inside. This can cause your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your home cooler and your energy bills to skyrocket. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This lets our experts to detect little issues before they become substantial dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is usually more efficient and could even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re home or away to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can expect a properly cared for air conditioner to last 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 might be time for an upgrade. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Patterson & Stirling

No one wants to see their energy bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and costs lower this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 814-308-0416 or contact us online today for more info.