As the temperature goes up, so does your air conditioning expenses. To keep your cooling bills low you may be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Troy?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually false.

Keeping your AC running all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it down when you return. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.

It’s considerably more work for your system to achieve a constant temperature all day long. It can also lead to a lot of wear and tear to your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it might also cause a shorter life span for your air conditioner.

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

Six Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE states 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 of the house. In the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual 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 could appear toasty, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to consistently run the AC unit.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower AC 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 be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver extra insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence enable conditioned air to easily slip out and the heat to get within. This may lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your utility bills to rise. Check that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your AC is always running at its most efficient. This lets our professionals to find simple issues before they result in significant problems. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and may even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to notice when you’re at your house or away to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can figure a properly taken care of air conditioner to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your utility bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it may 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.

Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Edington Heating & Cooling Inc

No one likes to see their energy bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs down this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 937-558-9478 or contact us online right away for additional details.