As the temp increases, so does your energy expenses. To keep your air conditioning bills controlled you could be wondering, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Laurel?

It’s a popular belief that turning your AC unit on and off throughout the day is inefficient. This is actually not true.

Keeping your air conditioning 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 come back. You can achieve this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat is able to do the work for you.

It’s considerably more laborious for your system to stay at a constant temperature throughout the day. It can also lead to a lot of wear and tear to your equipment, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it might also lead to a reduced life cycle for your AC unit.

Regardless, the larger the difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature, the higher your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to remain cool and keep your electric bills low in the warm weather? Here are our ideas based upon recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Ways to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Adjust 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 during the time you’re away. In the summer, it’s recommended to position your thermostat at 78 degrees at the time you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re elsewhere. It’s equally as important to avoid setting your thermostat to a cooler setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This doesn’t actually cool your home any sooner, it just results in bigger utility bills. While these temperatures could appear warm, there are a number of methods to keep cool without having to always run the AC unit.
  2. Utilize Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says increasing the thermostat by only 2 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan can decrease AC by up to 14% over the course of the warmer months. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you head out of the room, turn the fan off to save energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds lowered and curtains closed for the duration of the day helps keep conditioned air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver added insulation and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky gaps throughout a residence enable conditioned air to rapidly get out and warm air to get within. This could cause your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence cooler and your utility bills to climb. Make certain that any openings, doors and windows are suitably sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are easy fixes for leaks or drafts close to windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance assures that your AC is always performing at its most efficient. This allows our pros to find small issues before they turn into serious troubles. A maintained air conditioner is typically more efficient and could even run for a longer period of time.
  5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat. One of the best methods to ensure comfort and cost-effectiveness is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your regular schedule. It works with your smartphone to sense when you’re at your house or elsewhere to maximize your efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR says that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 yearly on heating and cooling costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit. You can foresee a properly cared for AC to last for 15-20 years. But if you’re often calling us for air conditioning repair or your energy bills are increasing with no change in thermostat settings, it could be time for a new system. We carry many energy-efficient air conditioners, like ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without bargaining comfort.

Increase Your Residence’s Energy Efficiency with H&C Heating and Cooling

No one likes to see their air conditioning bill climb during the summer. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and bills lower this summer, our experts can help. Give us a call at 301-960-3247 or contact us online today for additional details.