As the heat goes up, so does your energy costs. To keep your air conditioning expenses low you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Troy?

It’s a popular belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a myth.

Keeping your air conditioning on all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back down when you come back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do everything for you.

It’s a lot more work for your system to achieve the same setting all day long. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it can also lead to a reduced life span for your AC unit.

Regardless, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility 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 Methods to Increase 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 turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away. Through the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your residence any faster, it just results in bigger electric bills. While these temperatures might appear toasty, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to always run the air conditioning.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains shut for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver additional insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Adequately Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a home let conditioned air to easily escape and warmer air to get in. This can cause your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your AC bills to skyrocket. Check that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your unit is always performing at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to spot simple issues before they result in significant troubles. A maintained air conditioner is generally more efficient and may even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to see when you’re in your home or gone to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 annually on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can expect a properly maintained air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

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

No one enjoys seeing their utility bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills low this summer, our professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 937-558-9478 or contact us online right away for additional info.