As the temp rises, so does your AC bills. To keep your AC expenses under control you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Georgetown?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a misconception.
Keeping your AC on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re out, and lowering it when you return. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.
It’s far more taxing for your system to keep a constant setting for many hours. It can also lead to a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it can also result in a reduced life span for your HVAC system.
In any case, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC costs will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills lower in the summer? Here are our ideas based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Tweak Your Temperature. The DOE says that you can spend up to 10% less per year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. Through the hotter months, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any sooner, it just results in bigger energy costs. While these temperatures could seem toasty, there are additional ways to keep cooler without having to consistently run the AC.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% throughout the summer. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains shut during the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and boost energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a house permit cool air to quickly escape and the heat to get in. This could lead to your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence cool and your energy expenses to climb. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
- Schedule Regular Tune-Ups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your unit is always performing at its most energy efficient. This allows our pro to find simple issues before they result in serious troubles. A maintained AC is generally more efficient and might even live for a greater period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest ways to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically changes the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to see when you’re at your house or away to enhance your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on HVAC expenses.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect an adequately taken care of air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC expenses are climbing with no shifts in thermostat settings, it might be time for an upgrade. We carry numerous energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Miller Climate Control LLC
No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill rise during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and costs lower this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 512-937-2001 or contact us online now for additional info.