As the temperature rises, so does your air conditioning expenses. To keep your AC expenses down you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Bartlesville?
It’s a common belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a misconception.
Keeping your AC running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it back down when you return. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the job for you.
It’s considerably more work for your system to keep a consistent temp throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of stress 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 expectancy for your HVAC system.
Regardless, the larger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your electric bills down in the warm weather? Here are our tips based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Methods to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust Your Temperature. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away. During the hotter months, it’s recommended to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any sooner, it just leads to more expensive utility costs. While these temperatures could feel high, there are additional ways to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the air conditioner.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% during the course of the summer. It’s important to be mindful that 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 down and curtains drawn for the duration of the day helps keep cooler air indoors. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver added insulation and increase energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks all across a residence allow for cooler air to rapidly slip out and warm air to get inside. This could cause your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your utility bills to climb. Make sure that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple mends for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Plan for Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always running at its best. This lets our experts to spot little issues before they result in significant dilemmas. A well-kept AC unit is generally more efficient and might even run longer.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest ways to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to sense when you’re in your home or away to optimize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can foresee a sufficiently maintained AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility costs are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a new system. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.
Increase Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Farris Heating & Air
No one likes to see their energy bill rise during the warm months. If you’re seeking more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses low this summer, our experts can help. Give us a call at 918-333-0376 or contact us online today for extra information.