As the temperature goes up, so does your energy costs. To keep your AC costs under control you may be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Front Royal?

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

Keeping your air conditioning going all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re away, and turning it down when you come home. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the job for you.

It’s considerably more work for your system to keep a consistent setting all day long. It can also cause a lot of strain on your air conditioner, 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 air conditioner.

Regardless, the bigger the difference between your house’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 warm weather? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out of the house. During the summer, it’s advised to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. 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 home any faster, it just results in bigger electric bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are additional methods to keep comfortable without having to constantly run the air conditioning.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to remember that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you exit the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a home allow for conditioned air to quickly slip out and the heat to get within. This may lead to your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your house cool and your energy bills to climb. Make certain 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.
  4. Arrange Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your system is always functioning at its most efficient. This lets our pros to detect small issues before they become substantial problems. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and may even live for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works together with your smartphone to sense when you’re home or elsewhere to enhance your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 every year on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can anticipate a properly taken care of AC to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without negotiating comfort.

Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Dave's Diversified Services

No one likes to see their electricity bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills low this summer, our experts can help. Give us a call at 540-636-3396 or contact us online right away for extra details.