As the heat rises, so does your energy bills. To keep your AC bills low you may be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Front Royal?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is wasteful. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your air conditioner going constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise 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 far more work for your system to achieve a consistent temperature throughout the day. It can also result in a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it can also lead to a shortened life cycle for your AC unit.
In any case, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your energy bills low in the hot weather? Here are our ideas 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
- Change Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out of the house. In the summer, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s additionally important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool off your residence any quicker, it just leads to bigger electric bills. While these temperatures may appear warm, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the air conditioning.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says raising the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen AC by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Additionally, keeping blinds low and curtains shut during the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a residence permit conditioned air to easily slip out and the heat to get inside. This can result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home cool and your utility bills to skyrocket. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
- Schedule Routine Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your unit is always running at its most efficient. This allows our experts to find simple issues before they turn into significant troubles. A well-kept air conditioner is typically more efficient and could even run for a longer period of time.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to guarantee comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works along with your smartphone to sense when you’re at your house or out to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 per year on energy costs.
- Consider Replacing Your AC. You can anticipate a properly cared for air conditioner to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a new system. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.
Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Dave's Diversified Services
No one enjoys seeing their utility bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and bills low this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 540-636-3396 or contact us online now for extra information.