As the temp goes up, so does your energy bills. To keep your cooling costs low you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Front Royal?

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

Keeping your AC running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it back down when you return. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the job for you.

It’s far more taxing for your system to keep a consistent setting all day long. It can also cause a lot of strain on your system, since it’s frequently turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it may also cause a shortened life span for your HVAC system.

No matter what, the bigger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills low in the summer season? Here are our suggestions based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Change Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. During the summer, it’s advised to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to forgo setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your residence any sooner, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to always run the air conditioner.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can lessen air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Additionally, keeping blinds lowered and curtains shut during the day helps keep cooler air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver added insulation and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings throughout a residence enable conditioned air to quickly escape and warm air to get within. This could result in your AC equipment being required to work harder to keep your residence cool and your AC bills to increase. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Schedule Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your system is always performing at its most efficient. This lets our professionals to spot simple issues before they become substantial problems. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to ensure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works with your smartphone to sense when you’re at home or away to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can foresee a properly taken care of AC unit to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a new system. We supply many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Dave's Diversified Services

No one enjoys seeing their electricity bill climb during the summer season. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy consumption and costs down this summer, our pros can help. Get in touch with us at 540-636-3396 or contact us online right away for additional info.