As the temperature rises, so does your air conditioning expenses. To keep your air conditioning expenses under control you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Alice?

It’s a popular belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually not true.

Keeping your AC running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you return. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the job for you.

It’s significantly more work for your system to stay at a consistent setting all day long. It can also cause a lot of stress on your air conditioner, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it might also result in a reduced life cycle for your HVAC system.

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

Six Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out. During the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than average when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your house any quicker, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures may appear high, there are additional methods to keep cooler without having to consistently run the AC unit.
  2. Take Advantage of 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% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver extra insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home enable conditioned air to rapidly get out and the heat to get within. This can cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence cool and your energy bills to rise. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your system is always running at its most efficient. This lets our pros to detect small issues before they result in substantial troubles. A maintained air conditioner is usually more efficient and could even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to assure comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to sense when you’re at your house or gone to enhance your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 every year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can expect a properly cared for AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.

Improve Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Rescue Heating & Air

No one wants to see their utility bill climb during the warm months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and costs low this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 361-265-4371 or contact us online now for more information.