As the temp increases, so does your energy expenses. To keep your AC costs low you could be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Weatherford?
It’s a popular belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your AC going constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it down when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the job for you.
It’s far more work for your system to keep the same temperature throughout the day. It can also lead to a lot of strain on your air conditioner, since it’s constantly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it may also cause a shorter life expectancy for your AC.
No matter what, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your energy bills low in the hot weather? Here are our ideas based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away. In 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 additionally important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool off your house any faster, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures might appear warm, 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 turning up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed during the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and boost energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence permit conditioned air to easily get out and the heat to get in. This could result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your AC bills to rise. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Schedule Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our professionals to identify simple issues before they become major problems. A maintained air conditioner is usually more efficient and could even run for a longer period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest 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 together with your smartphone to notice when you’re at your house or gone to enhance your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can foresee a properly maintained air conditioner to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a replacement. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.
Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Parker County Cooling & Heating
No one wants to see their air conditioning bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses low this summer, our professionals can help. Reach us at 817-380-5213 or contact us online today for more details.