As the temp rises, so does your AC costs. To keep your air conditioning bills controlled you may be asking yourself, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Temple/Belton?
It’s a widespread belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually not true.
Keeping your air conditioner on all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise setting your thermostat higher when you’re out, and lowering it when you get back. You can accomplish this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat can do the work for you.
It’s considerably more laborious for your system to keep a consistent temp for many hours. It can also lead to a lot of strain on your equipment, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it can also result in a shorter life expectancy for your AC unit.
In any case, the greater the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your AC bills will be. So, what can you do to stay cool and keep your energy bills lower in the hot weather? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Approaches to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Adjust Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by raising your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. Through the hotter months, it’s suggested to position your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a lower setting than usual when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool your house any quicker, it just leads to higher energy expenses. While these temperatures might appear warm, there are additional approaches to keep cool without having to constantly run the air conditioner.
- Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can lessen energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not spaces. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Also, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed throughout the day helps keep cooler air indoors. There are also some window coverings made to deliver additional insulation and boost energy efficiency.
- Effectively Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky openings all across a house allow for cool air to quickly slip out and warm air to get within. This can cause your AC having to work harder to keep your house comfortable and your AC expenses to skyrocket. Make sure that any gaps, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
- Plan for Routine Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your equipment is always running at its most energy efficient. This permits our professionals to identify small issues before they result in serious problems. A clean AC unit is typically more efficient and could even live longer.
- Install a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest ways to guarantee comfort and energy savings is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works along with your smartphone to sense when you’re home or elsewhere to optimize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR states that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling bills.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can expect a properly taken care of air conditioner to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re regularly needing us for air conditioning repair or your AC expenses are skyrocketing with no change in thermostat settings, it may be time for a new system. We carry numerous energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Improve Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Bell Air Conditioning Inc
No one enjoys seeing their air conditioning bill increase during the summer season. If you’re wanting more ways to keep your energy use and costs lower this summer, our experts can help. Give us a call at 254-307-9572 or contact us online today for more information.