As the temperature increases, so does your AC bills. To keep your cooling expenses controlled you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Mount Hope?

It’s a common belief that turning your AC on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually not true.

Keeping your air conditioning going all day means you’re not using it very efficiently. We suggest moving your thermostat to a higher setting when you’re elsewhere, and lowering it when you get back. You can achieve 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 the same 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 electricity bills, it may also cause a shorter life cycle for your AC unit.

In any case, the greater 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 keep cool and keep your electric bills low in the hot weather? Here are our tips based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Modify Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by increasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re away. Through the summer, it’s advised to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your AC unit. This doesn’t actually cool down your home any faster, it just results in bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear toasty, there are many methods to keep cooler without having to always run the air conditioning.
  2. Use Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by a mere 2 degrees and utilizing your ceiling fan can lower energy by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to be energy efficient. Furthermore, keeping blinds low and curtains shut during the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window solutions designed to deliver extra insulation and boost energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a home permit conditioned air to easily escape and warm air to get within. This may result in your AC equipment having to work harder to keep your home comfortable and your utility bills to increase. Make certain that any gaps, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Arrange Annual Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your system is always functioning at its most efficient. This allows our professionals to identify little issues before they turn into substantial problems. A clean air conditioner is generally more efficient and could even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to assure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your day-to-day schedule. It works together with your smartphone to notice when you’re at home or out to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could possibly save you about $180 per year on energy costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your AC Unit. You can figure a properly taken care of air conditioner to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are climbing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a replacement. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, including ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Enhance Your House’s Energy Efficiency with Appalachian Heating

No one likes to see their electricity bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy use and expenses lower this summer, our experts can help. Get in touch with us at 304-707-0600 or contact us online right away for extra details.