As the temp rises, so does your AC expenses. To keep your air conditioning costs down you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Greater Richmond?
It’s a popular belief that turning your AC 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 advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it back down when you come home. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.
It’s significantly more laborious for your system to keep a constant temp for many hours. It can also lead to a lot of strain on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it can also result in a shorter life cycle for your AC unit.
No matter what, the greater the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your electric bills lower in the summer? Here are our suggestions based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Ways to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Tweak Your Temperature. The DOE affirms that you can spend up to 10% less per year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out of the house. In the warmer months, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your home any quicker, it just leads to more expensive utility expenses. While these temperatures could feel toasty, there are a number of approaches to keep comfortable without having to always run the AC unit.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% throughout the summer season. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep chilled air indoors. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a residence permit cooler air to quickly get out and warmer air to get within. This could result in your AC being required to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your utility bills to skyrocket. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Plan for Regular Tune-Ups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your AC is always functioning at its best. This permits our pro to locate small issues before they become serious problems. A maintained air conditioner is usually more efficient and may even live for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to ensure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically changes the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works with your smartphone to know when you’re in your home or elsewhere to enhance your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on energy bills.
- Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can foresee a sufficiently maintained air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly needing us for air conditioning repair or your energy costs are rising with no shifts in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We supply a number of energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.
Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill increase during the summer season. If you’re in search of more ways to keep your energy use and expenses lower this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 804-302-6657 or contact us online today for more info.