As the heat rises, so does your AC expenses. To keep your AC costs down you could be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Georgetown?

It’s a popular belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your AC going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and lowering it when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.

It’s considerably more work for your system to achieve a constant temp throughout the day. It can also lead to a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it could also result in a shortened life span for your AC unit.

Regardless, the greater the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your energy bills low in the hot weather? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Methods to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away at work. In the summer, it’s recommended to set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than average when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any faster, it just causes bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are many methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the AC.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds low and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a home enable conditioned air to quickly escape and the heat to get in. This may cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your house cooler and your energy bills to climb. Check that any openings, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always running at its most efficient. This allows our experts to detect simple issues before they become major problems. A well-kept air conditioner is usually more efficient and may even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re home or gone to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 per year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can expect a properly cared for AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Miller Climate Control LLC

No one likes to see their electricity bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills low this summer, our pros can help. Reach us at 512-937-2001 or contact us online today for additional information.