As the temperature goes up, so does your energy bills. To keep your cooling bills down you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Bartlesville?

It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually a misconception.

Keeping your air conditioning on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it back down when you come home. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the job for you.

It’s far more taxing for your system to stay at the same temperature for many hours. It can also lead to a lot of wear and tear to your equipment, since it’s constantly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your electricity bills, it can also cause a shortened life span for your air conditioner.

In any case, the larger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer season? Here are our ideas based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out of the house. During the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any quicker, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are many methods to keep cool without having to consistently run the AC.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains shut during the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home enable conditioned air to rapidly get out and warmer air to get in. This can result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your utility bills to climb. Make sure that any openings, doors and windows are adequately sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your air conditioner is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our pros to locate little issues before they become significant dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and might even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to sense when you’re in your home or away to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can figure a properly maintained air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a new system. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Farris Heating & Air

No one wants to see their energy bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills down this summer, our professionals can help. Reach us at 918-333-0376 or contact us online today for extra details.