As the temp increases, so does your energy costs. To keep your AC costs down you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Jefferson?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually false.
Keeping your air conditioner going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it down when you return. You can do 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 achieve the same temperature all day long. It can also cause a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it may also lead to a shorter life cycle for your AC unit.
Regardless, the larger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your utility bills low in the summer? Here are our suggestions based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. In the summer, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your home any quicker, it just results in bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep cool without having to constantly run the air conditioning.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains shut during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house enable conditioned air to easily slip out and the heat to get within. This can lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your utility bills to skyrocket. Make sure that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
- Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our professionals to locate little issues before they become significant dilemmas. A well-kept air conditioner is generally more efficient and might even live for a longer period of time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to ensure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re at home or gone to enhance your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can figure a properly maintained AC unit to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.
Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Pratt Brothers
No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and costs lower this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 920-347-8495 or contact us online now for additional info.