As the heat goes up, so does your AC costs. To keep your AC expenses down you might be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Beckley and Mount Hope?
It’s a common belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually a myth.
Keeping your AC going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We recommend setting your thermostat higher when you’re elsewhere, and turning it back down when you come back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do everything for you.
It’s considerably more work for your system to stay at a constant setting throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of stress on your equipment, since it’s frequently turning on and off.
So, on top of it increasing your energy bills, it may also result in a reduced life span for your AC.
No matter what, the bigger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the more your energy expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your energy bills lower in the warm weather? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
6 Approaches to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
- Change Your Thermostat Usage. The DOE says that you can conserve up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out. In the summer, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re out. It’s also important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than average when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any quicker, it just leads to higher energy expenses. While these temperatures might feel toasty, there are a number of approaches to keep cooler without having to constantly run the AC unit.
- Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says dialing up the thermostat by just 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can decrease air conditioning costs by up to 14% throughout the summer season. It’s important to note that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Also, keeping blinds down and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep cooler air indoors. There are also some window coverings meant to deliver extra insulation and improve energy efficiency.
- Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps all across a home let conditioned air to quickly slip out and the heat to get within. This may lead to your AC unit being required to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your energy expenses to skyrocket. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy mends for leaks or drafts near windows and doors.
- Arrange Annual Checkups. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance makes sure your air conditioner is always performing at its best. This lets our professionals to find little issues before they become significant problems. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even run longer.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the easiest methods to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat intuitively adapts the temperature based on your daily schedule. It works with your smartphone to know when you’re at home or elsewhere to optimize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could potentially save you about $180 per year on HVAC bills.
- Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can foresee an adequately maintained AC unit to run for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently needing us for air conditioning repair or your AC costs are rising with no shifts in thermostat settings, it could be time for an upgrade. We supply numerous energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.
Enhance Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with Appalachian Heating
No one wants to see their electricity bill increase during the warmer months. If you’re seeking more ways to keep your energy usage and expenses low this summer, our professionals can help. Give us a call at 304-707-0600 or contact us online now for additional information.