As the heat rises, so does your energy bills. To keep your AC bills controlled you could 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 air conditioner 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 moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and turning it 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 much more laborious for your system to stay at the same temp all day long. It can also result in a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it could also lead to a shortened life cycle for your AC unit.

No matter what, the greater the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills low in the warm weather? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out of the house. Through the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any quicker, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the AC.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a house enable conditioned air to easily get out and warm air to get in. This could result in your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your house cooler and your energy bills to climb. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your air conditioner is always running at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to spot simple issues before they result in serious dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and could even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to see when you’re at home or away to enhance your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can anticipate a properly taken care of air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Patterson & Stirling

No one wants to see their utility bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and expenses lower this summer, our experts can help. Reach us at 814-308-0416 or contact us online right away for more info.