As the temperature rises, so does your AC expenses. To keep your cooling bills low you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Greater Richmond?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a misconception.
Keeping your air conditioner on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it back down when you get back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.
It’s much more taxing for your system to achieve the same temperature throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it could also cause a shortened life expectancy for your AC.
Regardless, the greater the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility bills low in the summer? Here are our suggestions based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Approaches to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. During the summer, 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 forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than average when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your home any faster, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear high, there are a number of methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the AC unit.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house allow for conditioned air to easily get out and warmer air to get inside. This may result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills to climb. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Schedule Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your system is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our pros to identify simple issues before they turn into substantial dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and may even run for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to see when you’re in your home or gone to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can expect a properly maintained air conditioner to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it might 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.
Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
No one enjoys seeing their air conditioning bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills down this summer, our experts can help. Reach us at 804-302-6657 or contact us online right away for more info.