As the temperature rises, so does your energy costs. To keep your cooling bills down 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 inefficient. This is actually false.
Keeping your AC on constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.
It’s a lot more laborious for your system to keep the same temp for many hours. It can also cause a lot of stress on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it can also cause a reduced life span for your AC.
Regardless, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your utility bills low in the summer season? Here are our tips based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Ways to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away at work. Through the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any sooner, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are additional methods to keep cool without having to constantly run the AC unit.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house permit conditioned air to rapidly escape and warm air to get in. This could cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your energy bills to increase. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your air conditioner is always performing at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to find small issues before they turn into serious dilemmas. A maintained air conditioner is generally more efficient and may even run for a longer period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re at your house or out to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on energy costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can figure a properly maintained AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are skyrocketing 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 negotiating comfort.
Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning
No one wants to see their electricity bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills lower this summer, our experts can help. Reach us at 203-772-8319 or contact us online today for extra info.