As the temperature goes up, so does your AC expenses. To keep your AC costs under control you could be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in York?
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 air conditioner on all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and turning it down when you return. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.
It’s considerably more laborious for your system to stay at a consistent temperature for many hours. It can also result in a lot of strain on your system, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it might also lead to a shorter life cycle for your HVAC system.
Regardless, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your electric bills low in the warm weather? Here are our suggestions based off of recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
Six Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees during the time you’re away. In the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s equally as important to forgo setting your thermostat to a lower setting than average when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your house any quicker, it just causes bigger electric bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are additional methods to keep cool without having to constantly run the AC unit.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by just 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn for the duration of the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window coverings designed to deliver additional insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a residence let conditioned air to rapidly slip out and warm air to get in. This may cause your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your home cooler and your utility bills to skyrocket. Check that any cracks, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are quick fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Arrange Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your air conditioner is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our experts to identify small issues before they result in significant problems. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even live for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re at home or away to optimize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on energy costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can anticipate a properly maintained AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a replacement. We supply 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 Strine's
No one enjoys seeing their air conditioning bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs low this summer, our team can help. Reach us at 717-383-4479 or contact us online today for additional info.