As the temp rises, so does your energy costs. To keep your air conditioning costs low you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Alice?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your AC on all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you return. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.
It’s far more laborious for your system to stay at the same temp for many hours. It can also result in a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it may also lead to a reduced life cycle for your air conditioner.
In any case, the larger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the more your energy 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 on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Approaches to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re out. In the summer, it’s suggested to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than average when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any sooner, it just leads to bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear toasty, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to always run the AC unit.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Additionally, keeping blinds down and curtains drawn throughout the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a house enable conditioned air to rapidly slip out and warmer air to get within. This may lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house cool and your utility bills to rise. Make certain that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your unit is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our professionals to find small issues before they turn into significant dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and can even last 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 regular schedule. It works together with your smartphone to sense when you’re in your home or out to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on energy costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can expect a properly maintained AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it could 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.
Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Rescue Heating & Air
No one enjoys seeing their air conditioning bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills lower this summer, our professionals can help. Give us a call at 361-265-4371 or contact us online now for extra information.