As the temp goes up, so does your energy expenses. To keep your air conditioning expenses under control you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Derby?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your air conditioning going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it down when you return. You can do 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 stay at a constant temperature all day long. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your air conditioner, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it may also cause a shorter life span for your AC unit.

No matter what, the greater the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills low in the hot weather? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away at work. In the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. 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 off your residence any quicker, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures may appear toasty, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the air conditioning.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can decrease air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains closed during the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver additional insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home permit conditioned air to rapidly escape and warmer air to get in. This may lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your home cooler and your utility bills to increase. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your AC is always running at its most efficient. This lets our experts to detect little issues before they result in major troubles. A clean air conditioner is usually more efficient and may even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re home or away to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 every year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC. You can figure a properly cared for AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a new system. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning

No one likes to see their energy bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs low this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 203-772-8319 or contact us online now for extra details.