As the heat goes up, so does your energy expenses. To keep your air conditioning bills under control you may be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Murrieta?
It’s a popular belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually not true.
Keeping your AC running constantly means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it back down when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.
It’s a lot more work for your system to keep a constant setting all day long. It can also result in a lot of wear and tear to your air conditioner, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it could also lead to a shorter life span for your HVAC system.
In any case, the bigger the difference between your home’s temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your AC expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your utility bills low in the warm weather? Here are our tips based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE states that you can spend up to 10% less a year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re away at work. Through the summer, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to abstain from setting your thermostat to a colder setting than average when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool your house any quicker, it just results in bigger utility expenses. While these temperatures may seem high, there are a number of ways to keep cooler without having to constantly run the AC.
- Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% over the course of the warm months. It’s important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Also, keeping blinds low and curtains drawn for the duration of the day helps keep chilled air inside. There are also some window coverings meant to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps all around a residence enable conditioned air to easily get out and warm air to get in. This could result in your AC being required to work harder to keep your house cool and your energy expenses to skyrocket. Make sure that any cracks, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple solutions for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
- Schedule Regular Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your air conditioner is always running at its most energy efficient. This allows our professionals to spot simple issues before they turn into major dilemmas. A maintained AC unit is generally more efficient and might even last for a longer period of time.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best approaches to guarantee comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adapts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works along with your smartphone to see when you’re at home or elsewhere to maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 annually on heating and cooling costs.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can foresee an adequately maintained AC unit to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often contacting us for air conditioning repair or your energy expenses are increasing with no shifts in thermostat settings, it could be time for a new system. We offer numerous energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without trading comfort.
Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Cool Air Solutions
No one likes to see their air conditioning bill climb during the warm months. If you’re wanting more ways to keep your energy consumption and bills low this summer, our team can help. Get in touch with us at 951-299-9853 or contact us online today for more details.